Trail Specialist - Eastern MA

Position to be based at any of these three locations: Moose Hill Farm in Sharon, Powisset Farm in Dover, or Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens in North Andover. The Trails Specialist is responsible for identifying and executing trails specific stewardship needs as directed by the Associate Field Director. The Trails Specialist provides leadership to seasonal staff and volunteers as needed. This position is also responsible for performing assessments for Trails and Entrances in their region and scoping the associated work orders. This position is primarily field based with some administrative tasks. This role reports to the Associate Field Director and works in tandem and in collaboration with other regionally based stewardship and trails positions.

The Trail Specialist requires dedication to maintenance and restoration of trails and other resources, desire to learn and develop various leadership and trail skills, a willingness and ability to work hard outdoors, demonstrate a commitment to safety, a proven ability to work collaboratively on project management, experience training and leading volunteers and seasonal staff, a self-motivated ability to work independently, and an aptitude for working with technology.

Essential Functions:

• Performs both basic and advanced trail work to a high standard of quality.

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

• Performs routine monitoring of trail systems and responds to work requests to clear blowdowns, clean drainages, and check trail conditions.

• Perform Trails and Entrance assessments

• Delivers on key trail and entrance project objectives within Trails Team Plans, and Property Business Plans.

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

• Works collaboratively as part of a team and with other staff across the organization.

• Uses and maintains vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment to the highest safety standards.

• Support local stewardship teams and field staff on non-trail related projects as needed (up to 30% of time). This work may include property activation projects, large capital projects, storm response, and other maintenance or project-based work.

• Other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

• 1-3 years of professional experience in property maintenance, landscaping, trail work, facilities management, or other experience that is relevant to this position. Or, an Associate degree in Horticulture, Park Management, Forestry, ecology, or another natural resource field.

• Technical expertise in trails and best practices associated with this resource.

• Experience using hand and power tools including string trimmers, brush saws, chainsaws, blowers and more. The ability to repair and maintain equipment.

• UTV operation, transport of trailers, light machinery (small tractor, mini-excavator, chipper) operation and other power tool use or training, preferred.

• The ability to work independently and unsupervised as well as work cooperatively and demonstrate leadership in groups. Ability to work with a diverse group of people, have excellent interpersonal skills, and be comfortable and competent speaking to the public.

• Ability to complete assigned tasks and projects, meet deadlines and manage multiple tasks.

• Basic computer skills and ability to keep good records, familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite and an ability to learn and use Trustees software systems.

• 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.

• Experience with MA permitting for wetland protection and rare species, preferred.

Other

• 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).

• Massachusetts Hoisting License - 2A (preferred) or willingness and ability to obtain

• Massachusetts Commercial Pesticide Applicator License (preferred) or willingness and ability to obtain

• OSHA 10 Hour General Industry (preferred) or willingness to obtain

• Wilderness First Aid (preferred) or willingness to obtain

Working Conditions

• Able to handle the physical demands of the job, which will include routinely lifting 50 pounds and working in all weather conditions.

• Works outdoors during all seasons, sometimes during inclement weather. 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.

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