Trails Specialist - The Trustees of Reservations

The Trustees is one of Massachusetts’ largest non-profits and the nation’s first conservation and preservation organization. We manage, protect and share over 100 irreplaceable, natural and historic properties across New England, including Castle Hill and the Crane Estate, World’s End and the deCordova Sculpture Park & Museum, to name but a few. The Trail Specialist works as part of a small regional team to protect, restore, and enhance our trail resources and systems, the environment, and visitor experience through high quality trail work. Reporting to the Trails Team Leader, this person is primarily field-based and works both independently and collaboratively with Trails Team and Trustees Stewardship Staff.  

In this role, you will: 

• Demonstrate true dedication to the preservation and restoration of trails, a strong commitment to natural resource protection and alignment with the mission of the trustees.  

• Perform both basic and advanced trail work to a high standard of quality, including: heavy reconstructive trail work such as trail relocations, tread hardening, culvert and rolling grade dip installation, rock construction (ex: stairs and retaining walls), native and dimensional timber structures (ex: bog bridges, cribbed stairs, and bridge construction), clearing storm damage, and new trail layout and construction. 

• Use industry standard techniques and BMPs related to all aspects of trails and entrance design, layout, signage, building, maintenance, restoration, and preservation for sustainability and optimal visitor experience 

• Knowledgeably monitor and maintain entrances and trails in all weather and seasons using standard field and shop tools both hand and machine/powered. 

• Supervise and train seasonal staff and volunteers/interns, and assist in supervising contractors on trail and entrance projects 

• Assess future project work needs and assist in designing solutions for trails and entrances. 

• Use and maintain vehicles, machinery, tools, and equipment to the highest safety standards 

Requirements

The ideal candidate will have 2 or more years in a similar position/environment, as well as: 

• Ability to quickly assess trail conditions, spot problems, and identify solutions 

• Experience using hand-held power tools (ex: chainsaw, drill, brushcutter) 

• Basic computer skills in Office365, and an ability to learn and use trustees software systems and mobile technology 

• MA Hoisting 2A License or ability to acquire upon hiring  

• Experience and/or training with UTV operation, trailer transport, and light machinery a plus (ex: tractor, mini-excavator, skidsteer)  

• Associates Degree in natural resources or related field, preferred. 

• Wilderness First Aid certification, preferred 

• Experience working with volunteers a plus 

This is a permanent, full-time, hourly paid position, with an optimal start date in January 2025.  

This position is based in Florence, MA but will require frequent 2-hour round-trip drive times in a company vehicle to work sites. As a result, a valid driver’s license and clean driving record required. 

Desire and ability to handle the physical demands of this outdoor job during all seasons, including ability to carry 50 pounds of gear and tools over two miles of trail. Note that potential exposure to biting and stinging insects, thorny and rash-inducing plants, and inclement weather are all part of the routine working conditions. 

A background check is required for this position.

Benefits

Your Benefits: 

• Sick time: 80 hours   

• Vacation time: 15 days per year  

• Early release time: 36 hours per year  

• Floating holidays/personal days: 15 Floating Holidays (13 observed holidays; 2 floating)  

• Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offers additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.  

• Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance  

• Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave  

• Life Insurance  

• 401k with 5% match after 1 year of employment 

• Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.  

• 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.  

• Day of Wonder: Spend one workday per year to exploring a Trustees property  

• Day of Service: Spend one workday per year to helping with a project at a Trustees property  

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.