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

Hours per week: 40

Job Classification: Seasonal

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

Duration: May 19, 2025 - September 2025

Location: Central and Valley region

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 - he 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 position, 40 hours per week reporting directly to Trails Team Lead. 

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:  

• 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. 

• Power tool use