Seasonal Trail Steward

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/hr

Hours per week: 40, typically 7AM-3PM 

Job Classification: Seasonal, nonexempt

Job Type: Onsite, based in the Florence Office with daily travel regionally

Duration: May 11, 2026 - September 2026

Location: Central and Valley Region,

• Homebase: Florence Office, 100 Main Street, Florence, MA 01062

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

Join our dynamic and experienced professional trail team as we work to deliver best in class outdoor experiences on our trails across the state. A combination of hard work and fresh air will leave you feeling a sense of accomplishment at the end of each day, all while enjoying the scenery of one of our many western MA properties.   

The Role: 

Focusing primarily on sustainable recreational trail reconstruction and maintenance projects, the Trail Steward works as part of a regional team, focused in Western MA, to protect, restore, and enhance our trail resources and systems, the environment, and visitor experience through high quality trail work. The Trail Steward is knowledgeable on the use and maintenance of tools, and basic trail work skills. This role reports to the Trails Team Leader. It works with two full-time year-round Trail Specialists and another seasonal Trail Steward. It also works in collaboration with other staff across the region. 

 Specifically, you’ll: 

• Perform heavy reconstructive trail work including, but not limited to: trail relocations, tread hardening, culvert installation, rock construction (ex: walls and staircases), timber structures (ex: bog bridges and abutments), and new trail construction. 

• Perform routine monitoring and maintenance of trail systems, including updating wayfinding signage and blazing, removal of encroaching vegetation, clearing trails and entrances of hazard or downed trees, cleaning drainages, and checking trail conditions. 

• Work within appropriate techniques and BMPs related to trail design, layout, building, maintenance, restoration, and preservation for sustainability and desired visitor experience 

• Work collaboratively as part of the Trails Team, with other staff across the organization, and with volunteers. 

• Use and maintain vehicles, tools, and equipment to the highest safety standards. 

• Work safely at all times and supports teammates in creating a culture of safety. 

Work environment - Variable outdoor weather conditions sometimes during inclement weather. Also, potential exposure to biting and stinging insects, thorny and rash-inducing plants are all part of the routine working conditions. Although duties largely performed outside, they may include indoor (shop) based projects. Will be working with or near heavy equipment, carpentry tools, and small engine power tools (chainsaws, brush saws, etc.) 

Physical demands - The physical demands of the job, including bending, sitting, lifting, and driving. Duties will require bending, lifting, and navigating uneven terrain. Ability to lift 50 pounds of gear and tools required. Driving or riding in a vehicle for up to 150 minutes per day may be required. 

Position type and expected hours of work - Full Time, seasonal, typically 7AM-3PM 

This is a seasonal, nonexempt position, working 40 hours per week reporting directly to Trails Team Lead. 

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

Required:

• A minimum of one season of professional experience associated with the responsibilities of the position 

• Proven ability to work independently or collaboratively as a team member. 

• Proven ability to complete assigned projects and tasks, meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks. 
• Basic First Aid/CPR preferred. 

• Commitment to natural resource protection. 

• A positive attitude, willingness to be flexible, and a commitment to the mission of The Trustees.    

• This position performs tasks across a broad range of disciplines, so a willingness to learn new skills and flexibility to meet the day-to-day demands of the job is a must.  

Preferred:

• Power tool use and UTV experience preferred. 
• Basic First Aid/CPR preferred. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

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

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

• 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: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront.

• 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].

Cost Center: 3000-113-9191

Driving: Over 10k