On-farm Maintenance/Livestock Position Available:
Park and Conservation Technician
South Shore Management Unit
Hingham, Massachusetts
Position Description:
The mission of the Trustees of Reservations is to preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. We are more than 100,000 people like you who love the outdoors, who love the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting them, for everyone, forever. Together with our neighbors, we protect the distinct character of our communities and inspire a commitment to our special places. Our passion is to share with everyone the irreplaceable natural and cultural treasures we care for. We enjoy and care for more than 100 special places – nearly 25,000 acres – all around Massachusetts. And we are actively building an extended family of friends and neighbors across the state that can help in their different ways.
Through more than 100 years of hard work and high standards, The
Trustees have built a history of success. Yet today, the places we
care about are going fast, and the forces undermining them, including climate change, are moving faster. We need to tap the source of people’s joy – in their communities, their heritage, and the natural world –and mobilize a whole new generation to care.
The Trustees’ South Shore Management Unit (SSMU) includes six
properties which total some 1,300 acres. These properties include a
working farm, a 19th century landscape designed by Fredrick Law
Olmsted, and numerous woodlands. The properties also include five
residences, a barn, and several other structures. These properties
welcome approximately 130,000 visitors each year.
The Park and Conservation Technician (PCT) is a full time, non-exempt position reporting to the Superintendent of the SSMU. The PCT works closely with the unit’s other property management staff. The PCT works a Wednesday through Sunday schedule. As a condition of employment, the PCT is required to live in housing at Weir River Farm to provide adequate livestock care.
Responsibilities:
Property Maintenance:
· Assist with the protection and management of buildings and grounds
at Weir River Farm. World’s End, Whitney and Thayer Woods, Norris
Reservation, and other management unit properties as necessary.
· Assist with tractor work, such as managing compost, moving round
bales, haying, routine and non-routine mowing and brush work.
· Provide passive security of Weir River Farm during evenings and weekends.
· Assist Community Supported Agricultural staff and Educational
Coordinator when needed. Be willing to assist with projects on other
Trustees properties as required and perform additional duties as
assigned by the Superintendent.
Volunteer recruitment and supervision:
· Assist in the supervision of programs, train and oversee volunteers in everyday tasks.
· Work with the Superintendent to identify meaningful volunteer opportunities.
Livestock Management:
· Assist the Superintendent and other staff and volunteers to provide care & feeding for the farm’s livestock, including feed/water animals, checking and treating herd for illnesses/injuries, cleaning stalls/pens, restocking feed/bedding/supplies, turning animals out for exercise, reporting maintenance needs of the livestock barn, keeping appropriate records on a daily basis related to the animal care.
· Assist with the installation and maintenance of grazing
infrastructure including pastures, water systems, and fencing.
· Weekend and evening work will be required for routine animal care
and feeding, programming, and for special events.
Qualifications, Work Experience, Abilities, and Skills:
· Have an Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Arboriculture, Horticulture, Wildlife or Park Management or similar field and 3 years experience in these areas or related fields. Additionally, the PCT should possess excellent interpersonal skills. Experience with livestock care is highly desirable.
· Enjoy working with a diversity of people, have excellent people
skills, and be comfortable speaking to the public.
· The PCT must be able to work independently with a minimum of
supervision and be willing to learn new skills in order to meet the
broad range of tasks that will be assigned to the position.
· Have sound writing and computer skills.
· Have experience using a chainsaw, snowplow, tractor, and other
agricultural equipment or willingness to do so.
· Must be able to handle the physical demands of the job.
· Be able to meet visitors at properties with confidence, charm, and tact.
· Have a good attitude, willingness to be flexible, and a commitment
to achieving the goals of The Trustees of Reservations and the South
Shore Management Unit.
Hours, Salary, and Benefits:
The starting salary is commensurate with experience and
qualifications. The position provides an excellent fringe benefits
package, including paid time off, group health insurance and, a 401(K)and Group Life and Total Disability Insurance.
Application Instructions:
To apply, send cover letter (include salary requirements and where you saw the job posted) and resume to:
Ben Neumann
Email: bneumann@ttor.org [1]
The Trustees of Reservations
396 Moose Hill Street
Sharon, MA 02067
No Phone Calls Please.
In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, the Trustees of
Reservations aims to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that
values each member of our team. We aspire to reflect and effectively
serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the
core of our mission.