Landscaping & Horticultural Steward

Job Description

Job Description

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the 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,

Posting Information:

Hourly Rate: $18 – $20 per hour

Hours per week: 32 hours, July through November

Job Classification: Hourly, Part-Time

Job Type: Onsite

Duration: Seasonal-Limited term

Location: Work is primarily across three properties: Fruitlands Museum in Harvard, deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum in Lincoln, and Chestnut Hill Farm in Southborough

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

Our Stewardship Staff play an integral role in ensuring that our visitors enjoy our extraordinary places. With the change to warmer temperatures, we experience an influx of visitors of all ages and backgrounds who want to explore and be inspired by our properties. Sandy beaches, wooded trails, cultural gardens, historic homes, community supported agriculture—there are many ways for visitors to discover and explore The Trustees, and just as many opportunities for seasonal employees to make each visitor’s experience special.

The Role:

The Steward will care for the grounds, flowers, beds, shrubs, and trees at two primary sites and possibly assist at others in the Metrowest region.

Specifically, you’ll:

• Perform routine and non-routine maintenance of landscapes, including mowing and trimming lawns, fields, and along stonewalls, caring for and weeding flower beds, tree and shrub care, and brush and invasive plant removal. 

• Maintain and inspect parking areas, trails, and other visitor areas. 

• Maintain and clean buildings, bathrooms, structures, and infrastructure, which may include basic carpentry and painting tasks. 

• Clean and perform routine maintenance and repairs to equipment and tools. 

• Remove trash and litter from reservations. 

• May work with and lead volunteers and other seasonal staff. 

• Represent the Trustees in accordance with the messages developed and provided by the organization’s Education and Engagement department, while behaving in a professional manner with colleagues, property visitors, and volunteers.  

• Always wear a Trustees’ provided uniform. 

• Perform tasks safely and in accordance with The Trustees safety manual. 

• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation. 

This is a seasonal, limited term, hourly position working up to 32 hours per week, reporting directly to the property Stewardship Manager.

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• One year of experience with landscape, grounds, and/or park maintenance is preferred.
• Experience working independently and cooperatively with other staff and having a good eye for detail.
• Comfortable and competent using hand tools and operating landscaping equipment (e.g., lawn mowers, brush saws, and leaf blowers).
• Experience working with and leading volunteers or staff is preferred

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.
• Ability to lift 50lbs.

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 [email protected]

Benefits

Your Benefits:

• Sick time: Prorated by length of service

• Vacation time: Prorated by employee status

• Floating holidays/personal days: 15 Holidays (12 observed holidays; 3 floating) .Eligible for holiday compensation if the holiday falls on a day regularly scheduled to work.

• 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 

• 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. 

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, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity .

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 accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected] .