Seasonal Assistant Livestock Caretaker

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts' 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: $17.00 - $19.00

Hours per week: 15 hours per week

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Part-Time, Limited Term

Job Type: Onsite

Duration: May 15 - October 31

Location: Powisset Farm, Dover, MA

What You'll Do:

Your Impact:

Ready to work on a historic farm in Dover, MA and tend to the animals that call this special place home? As the Assistant Livestock Caretaker, you will care for the livestock at Powisset Farm and engage with visitors of all ages, supporting the Trustees mission to welcome and connect with people and create a sense of belonging.

The Role:

As the Assistant Livestock Caretaker, you will be responsible for the care of the animals, including feeding, sheltering and supporting the overall well-being of the engagement and camp animals at Powisset Farm. You'll exemplify the role and model this quality of care for others. Additionally, you will collaborate on a regular basis with colleagues working for Stewardship, Engagement, and Summer Camp departments.

Specifically, you'll:

• Carry out twice daily chores to include turnout, feeding, watering, and manure management
• Track feed and supplies
• Work with the Engagement Manager to schedule and lead engagement events: two Family Farm Chores sessions per week, two Gather with Goats sessions per month, and Barnyard Birthday Parties as needed
• Monitor the health and well-being of the animals and note any issues, reporting them promptly. Administer or assist in the necessary treatment
• Cover volunteer shifts as needed
• Liaise with Stewardship for maintenance issues
• Liaise with Engagement and Camp staff regarding barnyard program execution
• Assist the Engagement Manager with additional non-barnyard engagement programs as desire
  
  

This is a part-time, seasonal/limited term, nonexempt position working 15 hours per week, reporting directly to the Livestock Caretaker.

Requirements


What You'll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• An interest in working in a barn environment and caring for farm animals. Prior experience is a plus
• Responsible and committed work ethic, with keen attention to detail, especially related to barnyard cleanliness, safety, and other best practices
• Strong communication skills and a desire to engage with visitors including children and families, showing a commitment to a great visitor experience
• Able to work in all weather conditions and in a working farm environment
• Able to lift 50lbs
• Preferred fields of study: Animal Science; Education
• First Aid and CPR certification desired
  
  

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 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 people@thetrustees.org

Benefits


Your Benefits

• Sick time: MA 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.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.