Property Steward - CRVMU

Opportunity Overview:
Stewardship is the key to The Trustees properties -- providing positive first impressions, enhanced visitor experience and reputation for outstanding conservation and care of special places for all to enjoy.  Our stewardship team is responsible for everything from our trail systems to construction, development and maintenance of our buildings, gardens, entrances, campsites and so much more. Do you like to hike trails, garden, do light carpentry, paint, and see the result of your work being enjoyed by others?  If so, the role of a volunteer property steward is perfect for you!
 
Our friendly and professional stewardship staff will work beside you to share best practices and exchange knowledge.  As a not-for-profit organization, we benefit greatly from the talent and skillsets of our volunteers.  We treat our volunteers well and love having them return again and again. Our volunteers consistently comment on how much they enjoy The Trustees team, positive atmosphere, opportunity to meet other people and genuine appreciation for a job well done!  Opportunities exist in Dover, Sherborn, Medfield, and Southborough at the following properties:

• Powisset Farm, Dover
• Rocky Woods & Fork Factory Brook, Medfield
• Chestnut Hill Farm, Southborough
• Pegan Hill, Dover
• Rocky Narrows, Sherborn
• Noon Hill and Shattuck Reservation, Medfield
• Cedariver, Millis
• Noanet Woodlands and Powisset Farm, Dover
• Chase Woodlands and Peters Reservation, Dover
• Charles River Peninsula, Needham
• Cormier Woods, Uxbridge and Mendon

Reports to: Stewardship Team

Responsibilities (may include but are not limited to the following): 

• Walk the trails regularly, talk to visitors about trails and features of the property, and keep a record of anything notable (fallen trees, trail erosion, visitor encounters, wildlife, etc.).
• Remove litter, small branches, and other debris from the trails
• Trim overgrowth of vegetation from encroaching onto trails, as needed
• Report to the Stewardship team, including emailing completed trail reports on a regular basis (at least twice per month)
• Record location of any invasive plants observed
• Be comfortable interacting with visitors and answering questions whenever possible
• Promote upcoming events and programs.  
• Post program info and stock trailhead kiosks with maps, flyers, etc. 
• Option to assist with weekly trail projects or special events which occur on Tuesdays and/or Wednesdays from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
• Adherence to Trustees Covid-19 safety guidelines and protocol
• Log volunteer hours weekly

Qualifications: 

• Have reliable transportation to the property
• An interest in conservation
• Able to complete physically vigorous work and enjoy interacting with the public
• Ability to read trail maps
• Ability to work independently and communicate effectively
• Outdoor experience: hiking, biking, horseback riding, snowshoeing a plus
• Trail maintenance experience a plus
• Please Note: a background check is required for this role 

Time Commitment:
Ideally 3 hours per week or more, based on individual availability. Six-month commitment required. This is a year-round position. Staff also welcomes volunteers to join them each Tuesday and/or Wednesdays, from 9:00 am - Noon for a Stewardship workday. Projects may be limited during the winter months.
For more information contact volunteer@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 116 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 of 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.

Covid-19 Volunteer Safety:
The health and safety of Trustees’ volunteers, staff and visitors is our top priority.

• If you are not feeling well, please stay home
• If you have been in contact with someone with Covid-19 or someone displaying symptoms of Covid-19, please stay home
• For our most current Covid-19 updates, please visit our main Trustees site