The Stewardship team of the Southeast Gardens is responsible for managing and maintaining a diverse portfolio of properties in the Greater Boston area, including historic homes, parks, and public gardens. Based at the Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton, our team is engaged in all aspects of property care to support the mission of the Trustees and to ensure that these special places are protected, and preserved, in perpetuity for the public good.

The Steward is a seasonal position, responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the properties in the Greater Boston Area between the months of May and October. This position also supports Engagement staff in the preparation of seasonal events.

Essential Functions:

• Perform landscape maintenance including, but not limited to: mowing, string trimming, trash collection, leaf clean-up, and other gardening tasks

• In cooperation with the Stewardship Manager, oversee routine maintenance of all structures, including janitorial duties, painting, light carpentry, and plumbing

• Ensure that all equipment is in good working order through proper use and preventative maintenance

• Maintain positive and productive relationships with our neighbors, visitors, town officials, businesses, and Trustees staff from other divisions

• Assist with projects on other Trustees properties as required and perform additional duties as assigned by the Stewardship Manager

• Meet visitors at properties with confidence, charm, and tact

• Provide oversight and recognition of volunteer and intern efforts in the field

• 1-3 years of experience in property, landscape, or facilities management (or a related field)

• Excellent leadership skills that contribute to the personal and professional development of staff members

• An awareness and concern for aesthetic quality in all aspects of landscape management

• The ability to work independently, or cooperatively, depending on operational needs

• Demonstrated experience using hand and power tools

• The ability to repair and maintain equipment

• Attention to detail

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

Other Requirements:

• Willingness to learn new skills to meet the broad range of tasks that will be assigned to the position

• Committed to working safely and proactively participating in a culture of safety

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

• A satisfactory criminal background check (CORI)

Work environment:

• Works outdoors during the spring, summer, and fall seasons; exposed to direct sunlight, heat, humidity, and occasional rain

• Works in public spaces, with frequent interaction with visitors, volunteers, and staff members

• Works in managed and natural landscapes, as well as historic structures

Physical demands:

• Must be able to handle the physical demands of the job, which will include routinely lifting 50 lbs. and working in all weather conditions

• Must be able to walk, sit, or stand for long periods of time

• Must be able and willing to work from ladders

Position type and expected hours of work

Full-time: 7:30AM-3:30PM, Monday through Friday (40 hours per week). May require some nights and weekends.

About The Trustees:

The Trustees places are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. We are a non-profit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households

Our seasonal staff plays an integral role in ensuring that our visitors enjoy our extraordinary places. With the change to warmer temperatures, we experience an influx of visitors of all ages and backgrounds who want to explore and be inspired by our properties. Sandy beaches, wooded trails, cultural gardens, historic homes, community supported agriculture—there are many ways for visitors to discover and explore The Trustees, and just as many opportunities for seasonal employees to make each visitor’s experience special.

The Trustees offers competitive compensation, as well as the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors and the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, 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.

Our commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity