Seasonal Paddle Center Associate

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: $16.50-$17.50/hour 

Hours per week: 12 

Job Classification: Limited-term, non-exempt 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: May - October 

Location: Crane Beach, Ipswich, MA 

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

Supporting the engagement mission of The Trustees, as the CraneOutdoors Paddle Center Associate you are an integral part of the CraneOutdoors Operations Team. 

The Role:

This position is responsible for managing the operations of the CraneOutdoors Paddle Center—located on Castle Neck at the Crane Estate in Ipswich, MA—during programmed events. The Crane Estate is open daily and operates programming on weekdays, weekends, evenings, and some holidays, particularly during peak seasons. The CraneOutdoors Paddle Center is in operation from Memorial Day Weekend, through October.  

As a Paddle Center Associate, you will work closely with the CraneOutdoors Manager, Guide Staff, and other Crane Estate Staff to provide a best-in-class experience for all members and guests. You will welcome guests to the Paddle Center, be the CraneOutdoors representative to event participants, and assist CraneOutdoors Guides with event preparations and logistics. Responsibilities also include opening and closing the Paddle Center, assisting in customer service needs, and being a customer-focused ambassador for the CraneOutdoors Program at all times. 

Specifically, you’ll:

• Welcome guests and serve as the primary point of contact for all Paddle Center Visitors  

• Assist in Customer Service efforts, including answering phones, responding to emails, and answering guest questions in real time  

• Manage the operation at the Paddle Center, including opening, closing, and routine maintenance/organization  

• Work with CraneOutdoors Manager to maintain kayak fleet and other relevant field gear as appropriate, including the logging of equipment maintenance needs  

• Connect guests with information about membership and other upcoming programs  

• Interact with CraneOutdoors volunteers so that their experience is enjoyable and makes a positive contribution to program execution 

This is a limited-term, non-exempt position (12hours/week) reporting directly to the CraneOutdoors Manager. 

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Welcome guests and serve as the primary point of contact for all Paddle Center Visitors  

• Assist in Customer Service efforts, including answering phones, responding to emails, and answering guest questions in real time  

• Manage the operation at the Paddle Center, including opening, closing, and routine maintenance/organization  

• Work with CraneOutdoors Manager to maintain kayak fleet and other relevant field gear as appropriate, including the logging of equipment maintenance needs  

• Connect guests with information about membership and other upcoming programs  

• Interact with CraneOutdoors volunteers so that their experience is enjoyable and makes a positive contribution to program execution 

• Ability to work in a customer service/hospitality environment  

• Ability to move a 60-lb kayak alone or with another person  

• A positive attitude, team-oriented, flexible approach, and a commitment to achieving the goals at the Crane Estate and The Trustees more broadly  

• Comfortable using Excel and other PC/mobile apps for tracking guest registration and attendance 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Willing to work outside during all weather conditions (guest safety precludes heading into known hazards, though coastal weather conditions can change quickly)  

• Work periodically includes weekend and evening hours 

• Ability to lift 60 lbs   

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

• 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 Leave Accrual 

• 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.