The Trustees
200 High Street | Boston, MA 02110
Internship Opportunity:
Natural Resource Management
Overview
Further your studies and learning path while assisting the West Management Unit Superintendent with the varied job of
managing eleven properties in the unit. A wide variety of special projects, research, and hands-on experience is possible,
including property maintenance, volunteer management event outreach, photo documenting, social networking, photo
and video management. Help people discover these special places and foster local land conservation efforts while you
“learn by doing” to gain a deeper understanding of field operations at the cutting edge of land trust work. You will
acquire marketable job skills for the natural resources field and complete measurably valuable projects.
Reports to
Superintendent, West Management Unit
Commitment
10 hours per week for 12-16 weeks
• 2-3 days total
• Hours and days flexible based on intern’s schedule, some weekend availability helpful
• Start date is flexible, option to continue internship through the academic year
Responsibilities
Typical responsibilities of the Intern will vary depending on current needs and the intern’s interests, skills, experience
and abilities, but will be similar to tasks listed below.
FIELD / SHOP (~90%) Bullitt Reservation (332 Bullitt Road, Ashfield, MA)
• Visit properties with the Superintendent and assist with maintenance duties such as: o Maintenance of property
grounds, and onsite cultural, and natural resources Cleaning, painting, minor carpentry o Trail maintenance,
litter pickup, mowing paths, raking leaves, graffiti removal o Literature re-stocking and educational materials
development. o Brush and invasive plant trimming, and control; Hazard tree felling and removal o Weeding,
planting, and watering
• Projects: sign installation, trail building, painting, carpentry, rockwork, etc.
• Organize and maintain tools and equipment in the storage area, shop, and in vehicles.
• Serve as a Property Ambassador: welcoming visitors, soliciting memberships, responding to visitor questions,
promoting awareness of regulations.
OFFICE (~10%) West Region Main Office (100 Main Street, Florence MA 01062)
• Help with outreach efforts to partners and volunteers (incl. recordkeeping/data entry).
• Basic research: information for property management plans, web listings, etc.
• Social media promotion and management.
Qualifications and Physical Demands
• Must be able to handle the physical demands of the job, which includes a level of physical fitness adequate to
enable them to, for example: o
o Lift 80 lbs. to waist height and maintain 5 lbs. over shoulder height for 5 minutes;
o Work outdoors for 4-6 hours on their feet in a variety of weather conditions
o To safely handle shovels, rakes, pruners, handsaws, hammers and other tools
• Transportation to begin work at the office, shop and/or field location each day.
• Commitment to remain in regular communication with internship supervisor regarding scheduling, work
planning and the like. A smartphone is not required, but is helpful.
LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES & OTHER BENEFITS
• Training in natural resource management routine and project-based work.
• Specific training and experience in tools and equipment used in field operations.
• Increased skill at managing and coordinating other volunteers.
• Augment familiarity with local natural areas.
• Exposure to a leading conservation organization: an on-the-inside look at operations.
• Improved time management, work planning and event management.
• Develop community contacts, supplementing your local contacts.
• You will likely perform tasks pertaining to the following careers (partial list):
Painter Park Ranger
Carpenter Mechanic
Landscaper Photographer
Arborist Roofer
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and cover letter to Josh Knox, Superintendent: West Management Unit.
413-522-5770
[email protected]
About The Trustees:
The Trustees is the oldest land trust in the world, founded in 1891. Dedicated to preserving for public use exceptional
natural and historical properties throughout Massachusetts, we have over 115 “reservations,” on more than 26,000
acres, visited by more than two million people annually. With more than 100,000 members, our remarkable properties
range from meadows to mountains, farms to forests, to world-class beaches, and including five National Historic
Landmarks, five community-supported agriculture programs, 72 archaeology sites, a model archives center, and 54
historic buildings.
Together with our neighbors we preserve the distinct character of our community and inspire a commitment to special
places across the commonwealth. We envision a Commonwealth that is thriving as a result of people’s commitment to
creating healthy, active, and green communities. Our passion is to share with everyone the irreplaceable landscapes
and landmarks that we care for – as we know how valuable they are to our everyday life. Currently, we own and
manage 4 spectacular properties in the Pioneer Valley (Dinosaur Footprints, Little Tom Mountain, Land of Providence
and Mount Warner) and 4 in the Hilltowns (Petticoat Hill, Bullitt, Chapel Brook, and Bear Swamp). More info at:
www.thetrustees.org.
The Trustees is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity for all employees and
qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national
origin, ancestry, age, military service, application for military service, veteran status, physical or mental disability,
genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. The Trustees makes reasonable accommodations
for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
Megamenu Social