Seasonal Gatehouse Attendant and 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: $17-$19 

Hours per week: 40 

Job Classification: Limited term, non-exempt 

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 Gatehouse Ranger, you 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:

• Greet visitors in a welcoming manner; project the first impression of The Trustees and our special places.  

• Provide thoughtful and informed information about The Trustees, the property, history, ecology, and engagement programming. 

• Handle phone and email inquiries to provide prompt and accurate information on programming, directions, hours of operation, fees, et al.  

• Exercise confidence, a calm demeanor, and be able to articulate when confronted by unhappy or uncooperative visitors.  

• Participate in trainings for rangers, especially IT, membership, team building sessions and meetings with the Ecology and Education teams.  

• Educate visitors about The Trustees mission and encourage them to become active members or renew.  

• Collect admission and/or program fees; operate gatehouse and Point of Sale (POS) systems. Assist with POS troubleshooting, training, and management as needed.  

• Responsible for cash management and closeout procedures.  

• Issue pre-purchased OSV permits or sell on-site.  

• Manage and communicate gatehouse, property, tour vehicle safety, and any upkeep to supervisor. Report concerns, incidents, and maintenance needs.  

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

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

• Help maintain clean facilities and gatehouse surroundings as needed. 

• Assist Stewardship Rangers and Island Ecology staff when needed to accurately describe property or OSV trail restrictions, protecting rare and endangered shorebirds and plants, safety concerns, announcements.  

• Other duties as assigned 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:

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

• Excellent visitor contact and customer service skills.  

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

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  

• Sound computer skills and or the willingness and ability to learn.  

• CPR & First Aid certification (highly desirable). 

Eligibility Criteria:

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

• Flexibility to work nights and weekends. 

• 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.