Seasonal Public Programming and Visitor Service 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: $19/hour 

Hours per week: 20 

Job Classification: Seasonal, Non-Exempt 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: May - August 

Location: FARM Institute, Edgartown, Martha’s Vineyard, MA 

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

The Farm Institute became a Trustees-managed property in 2016 at which time The Trustees built a teaching kitchen to complete the cycle of farm-to-table. In 2021, a new partnership was formed with The Trustees and Slough Farm to continue our farm-based educational programs and events. Morning Glory and Grey Barn are actively farming Katama Farm. Visitors can often see both Morning Glory cows and Grey Barn sheep grazing in the fields or walk through the Katama Barn to meet The Trustees sheep, goats, chickens, and roaming ducks. 

The Role:

As a Public Programming Assistant, your primary responsibility is to assist in the coordination and growth of TFI’s events and presence in our community.    

Specifically, you’ll:

• Assist Engagement Site Manager in all engagement related programs including but not limited to: daily tours, cooking classes, homesteading workshops, farm dinners, one-off cooking classes, family programming, and more  

• Programs include registration, set-up, break-down, promotion, correspondence with teachers, managing staff assistance   

• Creation of branded content such as promotional materials, as well as contributing to TFI’s social channels (Facebook and Instagram)  

• Assisting visitors and customers in our visitor center and farm stand including use of our POS sale system to sell registrations, memberships, produce and other TFI branded merchandise  

• Being a FARM Institute/Trustees ambassador and creating awareness of our mission to our community  

• Assisting with livestock chores and occasional field work related to our pyo sunflower and pumpkin 

• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation 

This is a Seasonal, Non-Exempt position 20 hours/week reporting directly to Engagement Site Manager.

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• A love of food and farming!  

• Serv-safe certified preferred  

• Social media experience required  

• Can-do attitude with strong attention to detail  

• High level of organization and professional attitude  

• Must be organized and able to work independently as well as part of a team  

• Must have strong written and oral communication skills  

• Experience in managing schedules and staffing a plus 

• Flexibility to work nights and weekends. 

• Access to your own form of transportation. 

• Must be able to lift 40 pounds. 

• Must be willing to work in variable weather conditions. 

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. [if needed] 

• 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
• 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.