Job DetailsJob Location Naumkeag - Stockbridge, MA Position Type Seasonal Education Level High School DescriptionAbout The Organization: The Trustees is an organization with a fascinating past and an exciting future. Our 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 and work to protect special places across the state. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 25,000+ acres on more than 100 reservations that are all open to the public. We are a nonprofit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and more than 40,000 members. 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. Position Summary: Are you a storyteller with a passion for history, art, and gardens? Do you enjoy engaging with people, learning new things, and participating in a dynamic work environment? If so, join our dedicated and lively team of Seasonal Interpreters. Our interpreters bring the stories of our special places to life in meaningful and relevant ways that spark connections between our visitors and our special places. This is a part-time, seasonal position, April through September, with the opportunity to extend hours through the winter in other roles. Training for this position will begin in late February/early March. Pay Rate: $17.00-$19.00 per hour In This Role You Will: Essential Functions:
- Engaging visitors in formal and informal interpretive experiences, including leading guided tours, school programs, and other participatory activities.
- Welcoming and orienting visitors, acting as an ambassador for the site and The Trustees of Reservations, providing excellent customer service and promoting membership.
- Participating in trainings that provide professional skill development, inform staff of interpretive philosophies and techniques that improve visitor experiences.
- Continuing education through self-guided research and ongoing study of the history and cultural context of the site.
- Promoting the mission of The Trustees and our work; encouraging guests to join as members in preserving special places across Massachusetts.
- Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.
- Following best practices in safety, collections care and security, in order to protect the collections, gardens, house and visitors.
QualificationsQualifications:
- Background in teaching, museums, customer service, and/or theater
- High school diploma or equivalent required, further education in history, theatre arts, education, museum studies, or a related field, preferred.
- Excellent conversational and public speaking skills
- Willing to engage visitors through multi-sensory interpretive techniques including storytelling, hands-on activities, and interactive discussion
- Professional and team-oriented demeanor
- Respect for all visitors and exceptional customer service
- Ability to climb stairs and stand for periods of 2 hours or more at a time
- Reliable and committed to the position, site team, and the mission of the Trustees
- Comfort with variable outdoor weather conditions
The Trustees offers competitive compensation and the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors, who love the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever. In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees of Reservations aim to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts who are at the core of our mission. 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.