Seasonal Chief Ranger

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: $20-$22 

Hours per week: 40 

Job Classification: Limited-Term, Nonexempt 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: May – October 

Location: Mytoi Garden, Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, and Wasque Reservation, Chappaquiddick 

• Edgartown, MA 

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

The Trustees of Reservations is seeking friendly, patient, and attentive rangers to work at Cape Pogue Wildlife Refuge, Leland Beach & Wasque Reservation properties on Chappaquiddick Island. As a ranger, you will enforce refuge rules and regulations, assist with daily operations and maintenance of property and trail systems, assist in rare and endangered shorebird protection, and facilitate Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV) openings and restrictions. You should possess good interpersonal skills and experience in customer service. 

The Role:

As a Seasonal Chief Ranger, you work at Mytoi Garden, Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, and Wasque Reservation on Chappaquiddick Island. Gatehouse rangers are the backbone of operations, with emphasis on the facilitation and fulfillment of an outstanding visitor experience, including admissions and Over-Sand Vehicle (OSV) permit distribution. 

Specifically, you’ll:

• Enforce rules and regulations; exercise confidence and calm demeanor and be articulate when confronted by uncooperative visitors and when handling emergencies.  

• Educate visitors about The Trustees mission and encourage them to become active members; direct visitors to membership brochures, distribute flyers to the public, and on bulletin boards.  

• Greet visitors in a welcoming manner, while wearing a Trustees uniform at all times.   

• Assist with property maintenance and endangered species/habitat conservation management.  

• Answer questions about The Trustees and the history and ecology of the properties.   

• Assist TTOR Gatehouse Rangers when needed with phone inquiries to provide accurate information on directions, hours of operation, fees, etc.   

• Assist TTOR Education staff when needed to support youth and partners in education programs on the property.   

• Assist TTOR Gatehouse Rangers when needed to collect admission and/or program fees and sell memberships and OSV permits.   

• Assist and/or manage OSV and parking lot logistics and closures.   

• Have opportunities to work in a team setting and as an individual.  

• Implement basic first aid and emergency response protocols when required, opportunity for CPR certification provided.   

• Help maintain clean facilities, parking lot, and other areas as needed.   

• Report safety concerns, incidents, and maintenance needs.  

• Effectively and professionally manage visitor complaints. Accurately report incidents according to Trustees policy.   

• Perform basic maintenance and safe operation of all vehicles, including ATV’s, Side-by-sides, and four-wheel drive trucks.  

• Conduct all activities in compliance within all safety guidelines.   

• Keep an accurate count of vehicles visiting properties.  

• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation. 

This is a limited-term, non-exempt position (40 hours/week) reporting directly to Stewardship Manager of Martha’s Vineyard.

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• A genuine commitment to the values and mission represented by The Trustees.   

• Excellent visitor contact/customer service skills.   

• Ability to work with or without supervision, and as a member of a team.   

• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).   

• Sound computer skills (MS Office programs). 

• Ability to work inside or outside in all weather conditions including heat and rain.  

• Flexibility to work nights and weekends. 

• Must be able to lift 40 pounds. 
• Preferred:
• Ability to drive 4WD vehicles; experience with the operation of power tools is preferred.   
• CPR & First Aid certification (highly desirable) 

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.

Questions? Contact our People team at [email protected]!

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.  

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.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected].