Seasonal Tour Guide

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: $18 - $20/hour

Hours per week: 40 

Job Classification: Limited term, non-exempt 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: May - October 

Location: Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, Nantucket, MA 

What You’ll Do:

The Role:

As a Seasonal Tour Guide, you report to the Stewardship Manager of the Coskata Coatue Wildlife Refuge. The Seasonal Tour Guide will work independently to give the public a guided over sand vehicle experience on the property while discussing the cultural and natural history of the property and introducing them to the trustees of reservations. This position is either full or part time and seasonal. Possibility of extension and work in future seasons pending performance. The amount of work will vary depending on tour bookings and will not exceed approximately 8 hours in one day.    

Specifically, you’ll:

• Drives a 4-wheel drive truck from Wauwinet Gatehouse out to great point and back on an established tour schedule  

• Provides tour guests with oral interpretive information during tours  

• Educates tour guests about the wildlife and management on the refuge during tours  

• Performs daily tour vehicle maintenance and cleaning  

• Provides excellent customer service  

• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation. 

This is a seasonal, non-exempt position (40 hours/week) reporting directly to the Stewardship Manager.  

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Experience driving vehicles on sand  

• Clean driving record required  

• Excellent time management  

• Knowledge of Nantucket history and wildlife  

• Demonstrated ability to provide good customer service  

• Excellent interpersonal communication skills 

• Prior experience driving in a barrier beach environment  

• Prior experience giving tours  

• High School diploma or equivalent 

Eligibility Criteria:

• First aid and CPR certification desired   

• Ability to get into and out of a large truck without assistance  

• Ability to assist guests getting into and out of a truck 

• 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 [email protected]!

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.

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 [email protected].