The Trustees of Reservations

Peter Tummino – ptummino@ttor.org

Date Posted:
April 01, 2016

Region:
Western Massachusetts

Category:
Facilities/Security/Grounds

Type:
Seasonal

Property Steward – Naumkeag

Description:

The Trustees is an organization with a fascinating past and an exciting future. Our places are open to all and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891, by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts and work to protect special places across the state. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 25,000+ acres on more than 100 reservations that are all open to the public. We are a nonprofit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 40,000 members.

Our seasonal staff plays 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.

About Naumkeag

Naumkeag is one of the last surviving intact Berkshire “Cottages.” Designed by McKim, Mead and White in 1885, this 44-room shingle-style house is filled with original furniture, ceramics and artwork. Naumkeag served as the summer home for two generations of the Choate family. Joseph Hodges Choate (1832-1917) was a prominent New York attorney who served as U.S. Ambassador to England from 1899-1905. Mable Choate, one of five children, inherited Naumkeag in 1929. She spent the next 30 years working with Landscape Architect Fletcher Steele to create the now famous gardens at Naumkeag. The gardens cover 8 acres and include the well-known Blue Steps, a series of deep blue fountain pools flanked by four flights of stairs climbing up the hillside and overhung with white birches. Naumkeag is open to the public April through October.

Position Summary:

The Property Steward is responsible for preparing the grounds and Welcome Center to open daily to visitors. The seasonal Property Steward reports to the Southern Berkshire Stewardship Manager and works along side stewardship and engagement staff who manage the property. The position is seasonal, non-exempt and expected to work 15 to 25 hours per week beginning in mid-May and ending in October.

Essential Functions:

• Help provide an excellent visitor experience by ensuring the grounds and Welcome Center are clean and presentable.
• Rake and sweep paths and walkways
• Weed and clean planting beds, driveway, lawns and stone walls
• Water and deadhead planters and planting beds as needed
• Clear lawns of litter, sticks or debris
• Turn on fountains and clean or skim fountains as needed
• Assist engagement staff with set up and break down when programs are scheduled.
• Conduct basic maintenance of the Welcome Center and restrooms
• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.

Qualifications:

• High School diploma or equivalent
• Ability to use hand tools and lift up to 40 pounds
• Willingness to work actively outside in all weather conditions
• Ability work independently and as part of a team
• Basic gardening or property maintenance skills preferred
• The seasonal Property Steward must work well with a diversity of people, be able to work independently and have a keen eye for detail.
• A genuine commitment to the values and mission of The Trustees

How To Apply:

Click here to see all job opportunities at The Trustees of Reservations

The Trustees offers competitive compensation and the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors, who love the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees aim to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission.

About this Organization:
The Trustees of Reservations is one of Massachusetts’ largest non-profits and the nation’s first conservation and preservation organization. We preserve and protect places of natural, scenic and historic beauty and hold these “reservations” in “trust” for public use and enjoyment. Our passion is to improve the quality of life in the Commonwealth, using our properties and their many programs as a powerful and compelling platform to engage more residents and visitors in our mission-driven work. We believe in protecting the irreplaceable forever, for everyone.  Today, we care for 114 special reservations — from beaches to farms, gardens and historic sites – within minutes of every resident. Funded and supported entirely by our nearly 2 million visitors and supporters, and more than 100,000 members, we invite you to find your place.