Entry Level Natural Resource Jobs in Walpole, MA

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts' premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees' preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, The Trustees of Reservations - People. Places. Perpetuity.

Posting Information:

Hourly Rate: $21.66 - $27.85

New hires are placed in the range between $22.28 - $23.52

Hours per week: 40

Job Classification: Full-time, Non-exempt

Job Location Type: Onsite

Location: Boston Community Gardens - Boston, MA

What You'll Do:

The Role: 

As a Steward at The Trustees, you'll join the team responsible for the year-round upkeep and maintenance of properties in our Greater Boston Region, identifying and executing property-specific stewardship needs as directed by the Stewardship Manager. Working both independently and with other staff/volunteers, you'll perform routine maintenance and project-based work to care for garden plots, perennial borders, pathways, lawns, structures, trees, equipment, and water systems. The position is based at City Natives Nursery in Mattapan and is primarily field based, with minimal administrative tasks. This role reports to the Stewardship Manager and works closely in support of other property staff/departments. 

Specifically, you'll: 

• Perform landscape maintenance including but not limited to mowing, trimming, brush cutting, snow removal, irrigation, plant health care, tree work, trail maintenance, and invasive vegetation management. 
• Perform routine maintenance of structures including custodial, painting, light carpentry, and plumbing on sheds, shade structures, kiosks, fencing, and water systems.
• Provide meaningful and positive oversight and recognition of volunteer efforts. Provide coordination and support to gardeners, garden coordinators, and corporate volunteer groups.

• Provide support to colleagues for propagation and maintenance of City Natives Nursery.
• Safely and efficiently operate and maintain mowers and trucks - typically Ford Ranger size though occasionally F350 dump trucks and trailers.
• Operate and maintain vehicles, machinery, tools, and equipment to the highest standards. 
• Support the goals of the Annual Stewardship plan including routine property maintenance and targeted completion of deferred maintenance projects in pursuit of Key Performance Indicator goals. 
• Professionally represent the organization as a public-facing presence at all properties, community events, and fundraising events.

• Maintain positive and productive relationships with our members, neighbors, visitors, and other Trustees staff. 
• Work with the Stewardship Manager to identify meaningful volunteer and internship opportunities. 
• Assist with projects on other Trustees properties as required and perform additional duties as assigned by the Stewardship Manager. 
• Strong attention to detail 
• Ability to assess property needs on a day-to-day basis and provide solutions.

This is a full-time, non-exempt position (40 hours/week) reporting directly to the Stewardship Manager.  

Requirements

What You'll Need:

Skills and Experience: 

• 1-3 years of professional experience in property maintenance, landscaping, facilities management, a building trade, mechanics, or other experience related to the position. Or an associate degree in Park Management, Horticulture, Forestry, Ecology or another natural resource field.  
• The ability to safely operate, repair and maintain chainsaws, trimmers, brush cutters, mowers, snow blowers and associated landscaping equipment.  
• Entry level skills in carpentry, painting, and irrigation repair.

• Familiarity with Boston neighborhoods and ability to drive in the city.

• The ability to work independently and unsupervised as well as work cooperatively and demonstrate leadership in groups.  
• Ability to complete assigned tasks and projects, meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks.  
• Basic computer skills and ability to keep good records, familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.  
• A positive attitude, willingness to be flexible, and a commitment to achieving the goals of The Trustees. Strong commitment to the mission of The Trustees.  
• This position performs tasks across a broad range of disciplines, so a willingness to learn new skills and flexibility to meet the day-to-day demands of the job is a must.  
• A commitment to be safety aware, to work safely at all times, and create a culture of safety.  
• High regard for teamwork, collegiality, customer service and visitor experience.           
• Strong organizational skills and an ability to change plans depending on current needs for the day.
• An ability to collaborate with other Trustees Staff including Horticulture, Ecology, and Engagement. 

 Required: 

• Work outdoors in all seasons, sometimes during inclement weather.  
• Will require some nights and weekends in support of large events and programming.  
• Will be required to be available during snowstorms for snow removal.  
• Will be required to routinely work in areas associated with biting/stinging insects and poison ivy.   
•  Must be able to lift to 50 lbs., pull and push heavy items, hike and carry equipment and materials to work sites, and climb stairs and ladders.  

 Preferred: 

• Massachusetts Hoisting License Class 2A (preferred) or willingness to obtain  
• Massachusetts Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (preferred) or willingness to obtain  
• DOT Medical Card or willingness to obtain  
• OSHA 10 Hour General Industry (preferred) or willingness to obtain  

 Eligibility Criteria: 

• Current authorization to work in the United States - a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment. 
• A valid driver's license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees' driving policy. 
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check. 

Don't quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.  

Questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org.

Benefits

Your Benefits:

• Sick time: 120 hours per year
• Vacation time: 20 days per year (prorated)
• Holiday time: 12 set holidays, 3 floating 
• Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offers additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits. 
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave

• Life Insurance 
• 401k with 5% match after 1 year of employment
• Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice. 
• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions. 
• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns. 
• Day of Wonder: Spend one workday per year to exploring a Trustees property
• Day of Service: Spend one workday per year to helping with a project at a Trustees property 

Equal Opportunity and Diversity:

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

The Trustees' commitment to advancing the organization's vision for this work may be found here: Diversity at The Trustees - The Trustees of Reservations.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.