Steward

**About The Trustees**

The Trustees is one of Massachusetts’ largest non-profits and the nation’s first conservation and preservation organization. Today, the places we care about are going fast, and the forces undermining them, including climate change, are moving faster.Our passion is to protect and share with everyone the irreplaceable natural and cultural treasures under our care.We are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 70,000 member households.

**Description**

**The Opportunity.**

The Steward is a member of the team responsible for the year-round upkeep and maintenance of eight properties located on Martha’s Vineyard, including Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, Mytoi, Wasque, Long Point Wildlife Refuge, Menemsha Hills Reservation & The Brickyard, Norton Point Beach, The FARM Institute, and the Vineyard Haven Office. The Steward is responsible for identifying and supporting property specific stewardship needs as directed by the Up and Down Island Stewards and Islands Director. The Steward provides support to seasonal staff and volunteers as needed. This position is primarily field-based with some administrative tasks. This role reports to the Islands Portfolio Director and works in collaboration with two other stewards and other Islands’ Team based staff across this group of properties as well as with regional and statewide staff.Housing may be available.

**Salary Range**: $20-$22 Hourly Rate

In this role you will:

- Support the stewardship, preservation and maintenance of the properties’ historic, cultural and ecological resources in accordance with organizational guidelines.
- Facilitates, support and/or carry out general maintenance of structures.
- Work closely with Ecology team to ensure protection of beach natural resources, compliance with Endangered and Threatened species protection program guidelines and other ecology functions.
- Perform property maintenance including but not limited to field mowing, lawn mowing, string trimming, trash pickup, raking, tree care, and other landscape tasks. Maintain proper wayfinding and clean and functioning facilities.
- Work with the Ecology team to support, including the installation of symbolic fencing, signs, and other ecology related tasks.
- Maintain a safe and functioning parking areas and trail systems across MV properties.
- Support Island stewards in management of off-season hunting activities.
- Supports the maintenance, operation, and transport of vehicles, machinery, tools and equipment.
- During fall, winter, and spring seasons, perform routine stewardship activities across MV properties including snow removal and major storm preparation/response.
- Provide cheerful and positive oversight and recognition of volunteer, intern, and seasonal employee efforts in the field.
- Participate in regular meetings to cooperatively plan work with other members of the Islands team.
- Support goals of Annual Stewardship Plan including routine property maintenance and targeted completion of deferred maintenance projects in pursuit of Key Performance Indicator goals.
- As the primary public-facing presence on these properties, ensure positive visitor experience and safety and maintain positive and productive relationships with our neighbors, visitors, town officials, businesses, and Trustees staff from other divisions and regions.
- Work with the Stewards and Islands Director to identify meaningful volunteer and internship opportunities.
- Other duties as assigned.

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

Skills/Qualifications:

- Experience in landscape maintenance with an eye for quality outcomes and attention to detail.
- Experience using hand and power tools including string trimmers, brush saws, chainsaws, blowers and more. The ability to repair and maintain equipment.
- Basic carpentry and painting skills, formal landscape management, trails maintenance, and related experience preferred.Experience managing cultural/historic landscapes and maintaining structures and building systems also a plus.
- 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.
- A positive attitude, willingness to be flexible, and a commitment to achieving the goals of The Trustees. Strong commitment to the mission of The Trustees.
- This position per