Seasonal Livestock Caretaker

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation’s premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, www.thetrustees.org.

Posting Information:

Salary/Hourly Rate: $16 - $18 

Hours per week: 13, weekend availability required 

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Limited Term 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: 4/1/25 - 12/1/25 

Location: Appleton Farms, Ipswich, MA

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

The Trustees seeks to strengthen local communities, demonstrate the viability of sustainable, grass-based livestock practices, increase public demand for local, sustainably produced food, and increase support for the conservation of agricultural land. The Trustees expects Appleton Farms to be a model for publicly accessible, sustainable, grass-based livestock operations.   

The Role:

As a Seasonal Livestock Caretaker, you help oversee the caretaking of multiple species, including grass-fed cattle, pigs, pastured chicken and barnyard education animals. Under the guidance of the Livestock team, the Livestock Caretaker will be responsible for daily farm chores and general upkeep of animal well-being, food and water as well as basic maintenance of animal areas. Central to this role is careful animal and land maintenance. You will also assist with upkeep of the general appearance, functionality and cleanliness of the farm and farm equipment. The Agricultural team interacts directly with the public on a regular basis, through communication with CSA and Trustees Members, community partners and educational program participants. Every member of the farm team plays a critical role in fulfilling The Trustees’ conservation, environmental and agricultural goals and priorities for the farm.   

Specifically, you’ll:

• Help with day-to day operational responsibilities including livestock care (primarily cattle, pigs and chickens), pasture management and equipment operation  

•  Assist with daily livestock chores including feeding and watering of livestock and barnyard animals  

•  Help monitor daily health and well-being for all animals as well as performing routine care for animals in need under the guidance of the Livestock Manager, including vaccination assistance  

•  Basic grounds maintenance for highest quality guest appearance and ease of operation for livestock areas  

•  Help manage, clean and maintain livestock buildings, equipment, and facilities, including public facing educational areas  

•  Center thoughtful, calm and respectful animal handling at all times  

•  Support educational programming, community outreach, and other events as needed  

•  Maintain awareness of and concern for the visual presentation of Appleton Farms  

•  Other duties as assigned   

This is a limited-term nonexempt position reporting directly to the Assistant Dairy and Livestock Manager.

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

Required:

• 1 – 3 years of related work experience 

• Experienced with basic hand tools  

• Ability to carry out physically demanding duties: walk long distances on uneven terrain, pound posts, move/lift heavy items, work in all weather conditions     

• Comfort working in close proximity with a variety of farm animals  

• Must be able to work with minimal supervision and be willing to learn new skills.  

• Must be neat and have an eye for detail  

• Basic knowledge of and commitment to sustainable farming principles  

• Interest in working for a mission-driven organization focused on achieving conservation and agricultural impacts at the local, state, and regional level 

• Able to lift a maximum of 75 pounds 

• Ability to push and pull a maximum of 150 pounds 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment. 

• A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy. 

• Position will be driving under 10k miles. 

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check. 

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org

Your Benefits:

• Sick Time: Mass Sick Time 

• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.  

• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.  

Equal Opportunity and Diversity:

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.