© 2020 The Trustees of Reservations -- The Trustees is a 501c3 nonprofit organization -- Est. 1891
Volunteer Information | Volunteer@TheTrustees.org
Opportunity Details
Natural Resource Management Volunteer - Central & Valley Regions
About the Trustees:
The Trustees is the oldest land trust in the world, founded in 1891. Dedicated to preserving for public use exceptional natural and historical properties throughout Massachusetts, we have over 120 “reservations,” on more than 26,000 acres, visited by more than two million people annually. With more than 100,000 members, our remarkable properties range from meadows to mountains, farms to forests, to world-class beaches, and including five National Historic Landmarks, five community-supported agriculture programs, 72 archaeology sites, a model archives center, and 54 historic buildings.
Together with our neighbors we preserve the distinct character of our community and inspire a commitment to special places across the commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth that is thriving as a result of people’s commitment to creating healthy, active, and green communities. Our passion is to share with everyone the irreplaceable landscapes and landmarks that we care for – as we know how valuable they are to our everyday life.
Currently, 25 properties in the Central and Valley Region are managed by a stewardship team based out of locations in Leominster and Florence. There is a wide variety of different sites including campgrounds, formal gardens, wildlife meadows, forested trails, and mountainous waterfalls. More information on our properties can be found at: www.thetrustees.org.
Structured Volunteer Role Overview:
Further your studies and learning path while assisting the western stewardship team with property care. A wide variety of routine projects and hands-on experience is possible, including property maintenance, trail construction, volunteer management, event outreach, photo documenting, social networking, light construction and building maintenance, and media management. Help people discover these special places and foster local land conservation efforts while you “learn by doing” to gain a deeper understanding of field operations at the cutting edge of land trust work. You will acquire marketable job skills for the natural resources field and complete measurably valuable projects through this service-learning opportunity. This is an experiential learning placement where you are working alongside and helping the non-profit staff and other volunteers. Depending on the season, there will also most likely be tasks and projects with which we will set up and then have you work independently such as property reconnaissance and basic trail maintanance.
Responsibilities:
Typical responsibilities of the Volunteer will vary depending on current needs and the volunteer’s interests, skills, experience and abilities, but will be similar to tasks listed below.- Visit properties with staff and assist with maintenance duties such as:
- Maintenance of property grounds, and onsite cultural, and natural resources
- Trail maintenance, litter pickup, mowing paths, raking leaves, graffiti removal
- Brush and invasive plant trimming, and control; Hazard tree felling and removal
- Projects: sign installation, trail building, painting, carpentry, etc.
- Organize and maintain tools and equipment in the storage area, shop, and in vehicles.
- Serve as a Property Ambassador: welcoming visitors, soliciting memberships, responding to visitor questions, promoting awareness of regulations.
- The Structured Volunteer Role duration depends on your availability: 80-140 hours. College credit may be available if this SVO meets an academic institution's parameters.
Physical Demands of the Position & Requirements
- Must be able to handle the physical demands of the job, which includes a level of physical fitness adequate to enable them to, for example:
- Lift 80 lbs. to waist height and maintain 5 lbs. over shoulder height for 5 minutes
- Work outdoors for 4-6 hours on their feet in a variety of weather conditions
- To safely handle shovels, rakes, pruners, handsaws, hammers, and other tools
- Transportation to begin work at the shop and/or field location each day.
- Commitment to remain in regular communication with volunteer supervisor regarding scheduling, work planning and the like. A smartphone is not required but is helpful.
- Training in natural resource management routine and project-based work.
- Specific training and experience in tools and equipment used in field operations.
- Increased skill at managing and coordinating other volunteers.
- Augment familiarity with local natural areas.
- Exposure to a leading conservation organization: an on-the-inside look at operations.
- Improved time management, work planning and event management.
- Develop community contacts, supplementing your local contacts.
- You will likely perform tasks pertaining to the following careers (partial list):
| Painter | Carpenter | Landscaper | Arborist |
| Park Ranger | Mechanic | Photographer | Roofer |
Contact: Josh Knox | Inland Trails Team Leader| jknox@thetrustees.org
More about The Trustees
Founded by landscape architect Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees has, for more than 125 years, been a catalyst for important ideas, endeavors, and progress in Massachusetts. As a steward of distinctive and dynamic places of both historic and cultural value, The Trustees is the nation’s first preservation and conservation organization, and its landscapes and landmarks continue to inspire discussion, innovation, and action today as they did in the past. We are a nonprofit, supported by members, friends and donors and our over 120 sites are destinations for residents, members, and visitors alike, welcoming millions of guests annually. www.thetrustees.org.
Inclusive Spaces for All
We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all. Together, alongside our partners and volunteers we are creating inclusive spaces community for people of all backgrounds to enjoy and preserving these open spaces for everyone, forever. We are committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and experience.
The Trustees is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, military service, application for military service, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. The Trustees makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
Stewardship
Age Minimum (with Adult): 16+, Minimum Age:16+, Court Ordered Volunteer - Allowed
Express Interest
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