Seasonal Event Assistant - The Trustees of Reservations

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: $18/hour

Hours per week: 10-20

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Part-Time, Limited Term

Job Type:  Onsite

Duration: March-December

Location: Weir River Farm/World’s End, Hingham, MA

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

The role of the Event Assistant is to run small programs/events, assist with larger events, lead birthday party programs, promote Trustees membership and engage and excite visitors, program participants, and private lessees at the South Shore Portfolio properties. The position is part time, limited-term, often on weekends, evenings, and holidays.

The Role:

The Event Assistant is responsible for assisting with onsite execution of public programs and private events. Tasks may range from event set up (moving tables and chairs,) organization and decor, greeting/checking-in participants upon arrival, assisting with classes (material set-up and break-down), selling memberships and providing membership information to visitors, accessing guest lists from Trustees software, and more. At all events and programs, the Event Assistant will educate and encourage visitors to support The Trustees through a variety of outlets. Events and programming are farm-based or nature-based; a significant amount of programming occurs outdoors. 

Specifically, you’ll:

·       Assist Engagement Manager or other managers with event set up such as moving tables & chairs, decorating, and providing Trustees marketing and educational material.

·       Lead smaller programs, including Barnyard programs and other events independently.

·       Lead birthday party programs and other private group programs.

·       Assist instructors with classes and workshops.

·       Assist with private events as on the on-site staff member and liaise with private lessees on site.

·       Educate visitors about The Trustees mission and value of membership; sell memberships on site using Acme software.

·       Greet and/or check-in visitors upon arrival and orient them to the property; provide exceptional customer service by answering questions, problem solving, and directing visitors, as needed.

·       Supervise volunteers during each event.

·       Be familiar with and enforce property rules and regulations.

·       Keep event areas organized, clean, and orderly to deliver a positive visitor experience.

·       Perform opening and closing procedures during each shift and perform cash or credit sales transactions. Use basic computer skills and have the ability to learn new systems, including processing credit card transactions using Shopify and logging hours using Paycom.

·       Communicate regularly with staff to report safety concerns, incidents, maintenance needs, and program assessment.

·       Other duties as assigned.

This is a limited term, nonexempt position, 5-10 hours/week reporting directly to the Senior Regional Engagement Manager

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

Required:

o   Outgoing, friendly, enthusiastic; must enjoy working with the public, including children and families.

o   Experience working with children in educational settings a plus.

o   Responsible and committed, with exceptional attention to detail and safety.

o   Available to work weekends, occasional holidays, and evenings.

o   Articulate, confident, and calm when confronted by uncooperative visitors and when handling emergencies.

o   Ability to work independently.

o   CPR & First Aid certification desirable.

o   Committed to the mission of The Trustees.

o   Committed to a great visitor experience.

o   Flexibility to work nights and weekends is required.

o   Must be able to lift 40 pounds.

o   Must be able to work in variable outdoor working conditions.

Preferred:

o   Experience or a background working within natural or farm settings, nature education, ecology and farm animals preferred. 

Eligibility Criteria:

·       Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.

·       A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy. [if needed]

·       A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Have questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org!

Benefits

Your Benefits:

• Sick Time: Mass Sick Leave
• Reciprocity: Employees have access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions. 
• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns. 

Equal Opportunity and Diversity:

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

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

 It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.