Hike Volunteers - Outdoor Experience

Opportunity Overview:
Whether you’re looking for adventure, ready to try something new, or just love being outside, we’ve got something special for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages! Our Outdoor Experiences Team is currently looking for enthusiastic volunteers interested in assisting with leading educational and recreational hikes at several properties in the South Coast region (Lyman Reserve, Copicut Woods, Eastover Reservation, Cornell Farm and Slocum's River Reserve).  Choose a specialty area and assist in leading hikes on natural resources: marine, terrestrial, avian, botanical or other areas of expertise that you have. Outdoor recreation lovers, retired individuals who enjoy interacting with the public, students seeking to explore careers and nature lovers can all find a home away from home. Take part in this learning and sharing opportunity with The Trustees! Support outreach on The Trustees properties and meet community members.

Please note: A background check is required for this volunteer role

Reports to: Director of Outdoor Experience and Mobile Engagement Unit Manager

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

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

• Assist with or lead hikes using strategies and content provided
• Welcome and orient visitors to the property
• Provide friendly customer service
• Promote the mission of The Trustees, our work and our programs
• Encourage guests to join us as members and volunteers
• Help ensure safety of visitors
• Participate in training sessions and stay aware of current Trustees happenings via e-news, emails from regional staff and meeting attendance
• Participate in continued improvement of tours and hikes by providing feedback and joining brainstorming sessions
• Communicate effectively with staff, volunteers and visitors
• Adhere to The Trustees safety protocols
• Log volunteer hours

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Have reliable transportation to our properties
• Demonstrated background in natural history (expertise/degrees/previous job experience in ecology, conservation, biology, geology, etc.)
• Skilled communicator
• Teaching experience or experience leading natural history tours/hikes/walks
• Comfort in developing public presentations
• Organized and punctual
• Able to use good judgment (weather, safety, program development)
• Able to work on a team and support The Trustees mission and values
• Must be able to hike comfortably up hills, on rough gravel, and uneven surfaces in varied weather
• Minimum age: 18

Time Commitment Needed:
Negotiable: a) one-time event (one to two-hour programs with initial two hour training), b) monthly (two hour programs also with initial two hour training). c) weekly also with initial training

Locations: Lyman Reserve, Copicut Woods, Eastover Reservation, Cornell Farm and Slocum's River Reserve
 
For more information: Contact Volunteer Services at volunteer@thetrustees.org
 
To explore other volunteer opportunities, visit our volunteer page at http://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.