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:
Housing: [add details if applicable]
Hours per week: [add hours per week]
Job Classification: [Exempt/Nonexempt] [Full-Time, Part-Time, Limited Term, Seasonal]
Job Type: [Hybrid, Remote, Onsite] [If hybrid, be specific about how many days in office and in which location]
Duration: [Use for seasonal/limited term roles]
Location: [Property, City, State]
Please upload a resume summarizing your education and work history and a cover letter telling us about your interest in working with children in nature in this position.
What You’ll Do:
Your Impact:
Farmer, Forester, Chef! is a day camp located at Powisset Farm in Dover, MA. Powisset Farm is a working CSA vegetable farm with a vibrant learning garden, barnyard animals, scenic trails, engaging education programs, and deep history that make this a special place to visit and work. At summer camp, we have an interdisciplinary, hands-on approach to learning in the fields and forests, the Learning Garden, the barnyard, and the kitchen. Our unique camp connects children to the land and the natural systems that support us all, while spending time outdoors, exploring, making friends, and having fun.
For more information about our program, please visit: https://thetrustees.org/program/massachusetts-summer-camps/
The Role:
[Add an opening paragraph describing the role, followed by specific responsibilities; write in the second person, e.g., As the Dune’s Edge Campground Manager you’ll oversee the management of Dune’s Edge Campground, ensuring a welcoming and positive visitor experience that connects people to the outdoors in a meaningful and engaging way.]
Specifically, you’ll:
- Assist the Camp Director in managing the daily routines of Powisset Farm Camp. Includes: compiling rosters and camper information pages; providing support to Camp Educators; attending all weekly staff meetings; and coordinating group schedules
- Attend the American Camp Association (ACA) New Camp Director Workshop to gain Camp Director certification before the beginning of the camp season; act as backup Camp Director in the event of the Camp Director absence
- Communicate with camper parents regarding camp questions and basic camper information, in coordination with the Camp Director
- Attend training for and act as the Health Care Supervisor, along with the Camp Director and other select camp staff
- In coordination with the Camp Director, act as a primary contact for camper health and/or behavioral issues, and all camp-related activities that require direction and/or assistance
- Assist and mentor Camp Educators during their training week (June 12-16), in coordination with the Camp Director
- Assist with camp set-up & break down (June 1 - August 26)
- Perform daily camp staff chores to organize and prepare for each day
- Ensure safety of campers and staff by closely following all COVID-19 protocols
- Meet periodically with the Camp Director to evaluate experience and performance
- Other duties as assigned as necessary
This is a [full-time/part-time/seasonal/limited term] [exempt/nonexempt] position [(add hours/week)] reporting directly to [add title of manager].
What You’ll Need:
Skills and Experience:
- A bachelor's degree in environmental or agricultural education, the sciences, education, or other relevant course of study is preferred, but not required
- Two seasons previous experience working as a camp counsellor, classroom teacher, or informal educator with children ages 6-12
- Completion of the ACA New Camp Director Workshop (provided by the Trustees if not previously earned)
- Must be outgoing, have a willingness to learn, and bring unbridled joy and enthusiasm to work every day
- Must have experience with and enjoy working with children in an outdoor setting and creativity developing farm-based learning experiences and activities
- Knowledge of or interest in farm-based education, food, and sustainability
- Knowledge of or interest in culinary arts and cooking farm-fresh food
- The physical and mental wherewithal to teach outdoors, sometimes under difficult circumstances
- A familiarity with Powisset Farm and The Trustees
- Reliable transportation
- Must be available from June 1 for camp prep, camp staff training week (June 12-16) and all 9 weeks of camp; and able to be onsite between the hours of 8AM and 3:45 PM Monday-Friday (June 13, 2025 - August 25)
- A satisfactory criminal background check (CORI and SORI, Community CPR, and Basic First Aid certifications required by June 1, 2025)
- Able and willing to work outdoors in variable weather conditions
- The Assistant Camp Director must be at least 21 years old by the start of camp
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!
Your Benefits:
- Sick Time: Mass Sick Time
- 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.
