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.

With views of Monument Mountain, original artwork, a shingle-style house, and a stunning collection of gardens created over 30 years by renowned landscape architect Fletcher Steele and Joseph Choates’s daughter, Miss Mabel Choate, Naumkeag is a quintessential country estate of the Gilded Age.  Bequeathed in its entirety in 1959 – from furniture to garden tools – Naumkeag offers an unforgettable experience for visitors to explore.

About the Position:

Do you love helping people and seeing visitors leave with a smile on their face?  Do you enjoy knowing that when you greet a guest warmly, it sets the tone for the rest of their visit?  As Visitor Services and Museum Shop Assistant, it is your job to ensure that every aspect of the experience enchants our visitors. Reporting to the Engagement Site Manager, your responsibilities include:

• Welcoming and orienting visitors upon arrival while providing information about the property and the programs available each day
• Establishing positive visitor experiences and providing excellent customer service
• Assisting visitors and answering questions cheerfully throughout the day
• Acting as an ambassador for the site and The Trustees of Reservations while promoting membership
• Conducting pre-opening setup at the Welcome Center / Museum Shop to assure that everything is ready when the first visitor arrives
• Closing and securing the Museum Shop at the end of the day
• Providing ongoing merchandise inventory control
• Reconciling cash register and credit card machines
• Arranging and selling museum and garden merchandise
• Tracking all daily admissions at the site
• Advising the Engagement Site Manager of any problems, maintenance needs, or supply shortages as necessary
• Consulting with the Guest Services Coordinator in resolving problems and making decisions appropriate for the smooth running of the museum store
• Participating in regular trainings and team meetings that provide professional skill development, update staff on current developments at The Trustees of Reservations, and inform staff of both interpretive philosophy and interpretive techniques that improve visitor experiences on site
• Promoting the mission of The Trustees of Reservations and our work; encouraging guests to join us as members in preserving special places across the state of Massachusetts

The Visitor Services and Museum Shop Assistant should be cheerful, professional and knowledgeable in their work. Excellent customer service skills are required. They should possess the talent to answer questions patiently and the ability to make guests feel welcome and important.

Successful candidates:

• are professional and team-oriented
• are respectful of all visitors and able to provide exceptional customer service
• are detail oriented and able to carefully track revenue and visitation numbers
• are comfortable and proficient with cash management systems
• are reliable and committed to the position, the site team, and the mission of The Trustees of Reservations
• have a retail or customer service background

This is a part-time, seasonal position, expected to begin in April and end in December. Daytime, weekend and some evening hours are required. 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 of Reservations 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.

No phone calls please.