Seasonal Chief Ranger

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: $20-$22 

Hours per week: 40 

Job Classification: Limited-Term, Nonexempt 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: May – October 

Location: Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, Nantucket, MA 

What You’ll Do: 

Your Impact: 

The Trustees of Reservations (TTOR) is seeking a friendly, patient, and attentive Lead Ranger to support daily operations at the CoskataCoatue Wildlife Refuge on Nantucket. This role is responsible for ensuring a safe and positive visitor experience by enforcing refuge rules and regulations, assisting with property and trail maintenance, supporting rare and endangered shorebird protection efforts, and managing OverSand Vehicle (OSV) access and restrictions. The ideal candidate has strong interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and experience in customer service, and is committed to protecting one of Nantucket’s most unique and ecologically significant landscapes. 

The Role: 

As a Seasonal Chief Ranger at the CoskataCoatue Wildlife Refuge on Nantucket, you play a key leadership role in daily field operations, ensuring a safe, organized, and welcoming environment for all visitors. OSV Rangers form the backbone of refuge operations, and this position guides and supports their work with a strong emphasis on providing an exceptional visitor experience, from managing admissions and issuing OSV permits to delivering clear information about conditions, regulations, and responsible recreation. 

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Enforce Refuge rules and regulations with confidence, professionalism, and a calm demeanor, including when working with uncooperative visitors or responding to emergencies.  

• Serve as an information conduit for OSV conditions, visitor trends, and operational concerns, relaying timely and accurate updates to the Beach Operations Lead and Refuge Manager. 

• Educate visitors about The Trustees’ mission and encourage membership by distributing brochures, sharing program information, and keeping public bulletin boards updated.  

• Provide a welcoming, positive first impression to all guests while wearing the official Trustees uniform.  

• Support property maintenance efforts and assist in endangered species and habitat conservation activities.  

• Answer visitor questions about The Trustees, as well as the natural history, cultural history, and ecology of the refuge.  

• Assist Gatehouse staff as needed, including responding to phone inquiries and providing accurate information on directions, operating hours, fees, and conditions.   

• Collaborate with Education staff to support youth, partner groups, and educational programming on the Refuge.  

• Help Gatehouse staff with collecting admissions, selling memberships, and issuing OSV permits when required.  

• Assist with or oversee OSV and parking logistics, including implementing closures and communicating conditions to visitors. 

• Work effectively both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, outdoor environment.  

• Implement basic first aid and emergency response protocols; CPR certification opportunities provided.  

• Help maintain clean, safe facilities, parking areas, and visitor-use spaces.  

• Report safety concerns, maintenance needs, and visitor incidents promptly and accurately in accordance with Trustees policy.  

• Safely operate and perform basic maintenance on Refuge vehicles including UTVs, and 4×4 trucks.  

• Conduct all activities in compliance with safety standards and organizational guidelines. 

• Maintain accurate counts of visiting vehicles and assist with general operational