Seasonal Interpretive Ranger

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s 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, www.thetrustees.org.

Posting Information:

Salary/Hourly Rate: $17 

Hours per week: 16 

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Limited 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: May – December 

Location: Castle Hill, Ipswich, MA 

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact: 

The Trustees is seeking part time Seasonal Interpretive Rangers for Castle Hill on The Crane Estate. Rangers play a pivotal role ensuring that thousands of visitors each year have a positive experience on the property by ensuring public safety, protecting the natural resources of the property, assisting, educating and answering questions, monitoring and enforcing rules and regulations and properly reporting and recording such.   

The Role:

As a Seasonal Interpretive Ranger, you are charged with promoting the organization by knowing the history of The Trustees, the Crane property and its features and be familiar with membership and its benefits.  Rangers will assist with general cleaning and/or maintenance of the facilities, gardens, trails, and parking lots.   

Specifically, you’ll:

• Patrol the property, upholding the rules and regulations of the Crane Estate.   

• Engage with the public in a positive manner at all times, educating them about safety and protection of people and natural resources.   

• Diligently report behavior violations as required for daily reporting.   

• Report safety concerns and maintenance needs to supervisors.   

• Clean and inspect ranger work area, work vehicle, parking lots, gardens, and trails.   

• Perform basic maintenance and safe operation of golf cart.   

• Assist with trail and general maintenance as required.    

• Other duties as assigned. 

• Variable outdoor weather conditions  

• Wild animal sightings are frequent, though they pose no threat. 

• Able to consistently lift 20lbs and be on feet up to 8 hours per day  

• Able to quickly traverse the vast grounds of the Estate in an emergency  

• Able to drive small golf cart provided. 

This is a limited term, nonexempt position (16 hours/week) reporting directly to the Visitor Experience Coordinator - Castle Hill. 

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Rangers should have a strong interest in park and visitor management, history, education, and customer relations. Experience and/or education in these areas are preferred but not mandatory.   

• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, which could include handling radio traffic, handling walk-in emergencies, and customer issues, among others.  

• Good natured, team player, with strong communication skills, and a good work ethic.  

• Exceptionally strong customer service and communication skills  

• Must be capable of effectively handling high-pressure situations while remaining calm.  

• Rangers must be comfortable on their feet for extended periods of time walking on challenging terrain including an ability to hike our grounds.  

• Additional experience/background in the following areas is a plus: public safety, recreation, natural resource management. 

• CPR certification and Basic First Aid strongly preferred.  

• Evening and weekend work is required. 

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 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!

Your Benefits:

• Sick Time: Mass Sick Time 

• 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 accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.