Seasonal Visitor Services Associate

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: $17-20 

Hours per week: 15-20

Job Classification: Exempt, Seasonal, Part-Time 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: 4/15/25 - 9/28/25 

Location: Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens, North Andover, MA 

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

Purchased by James Stevens in 1729, Ashdale Farm (now known as the Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens) remained in the family for six generations, ultimately becoming the property of Helen Granger Stevens and her husband John Gardner Coolidge in 1909. Over the course of its 300-year history the house was transformed from a simple Colonial farmhouse into a Victorian Italianate gentleman’s farm and finally a Colonial-Revival country house with beautiful gardens. 

John Gardner Coolidge was a descendant of Thomas Jefferson and nephew of Isabella Stewart Gardner. During his years as a diplomat he and Helen collected artifacts from Asia, Europe, and South America that are now on display in the house. The couple added a walled rose garden, French vegetable garden, and a serpentine brick wall to the property. The house today represents a unique example of the “Country Place Era” of the early 20th century. 

The Role:

Stevens-Coolidge House & Gardens is a scenic public garden and historic home located in North Andover. We are currently hiring a team of Visitor Services Associates who will work to further the mission of The Trustees and preserve our special place forever by providing superior service during general public visitation, programs, and events. This dynamic position presents an opportunity to serve our visitors by completing tasks that include, but are not limited to, the following: 

• Overseeing general admission for daily visitors. 

• Overseeing admission to events and special programs. 

• Working in the giftshop. 

• Offering visitors information on different garden and historic house experiences. 

• Generating new memberships through visitor engagement. 

• Addressing concerns through to resolution. 

Specifically, you’ll:

Visitor Services: 

• Provide visitors with a warm welcome. 

• Provide directions and basic layout of the property to guests. 

• Address visitor questions directly whenever possible. 

• Welcome group tours and assist interpreters. 

• Uphold high standards of customer service, including greeting every customer, educating them about SCHG and The Trustees, and helping them in a friendly manner. 

• Directly handle any escalated visitor complaints and/or negative visitor behavior, notifying the manager of visitor services of all incidents. Requests assistance for resolving escalated issues as needed. 

• Follow the procedures and practices for preparing to close and secure the property and all visitor service areas for the day which includes but is not limited to: 

• Lock public entrances. 

• Perform a security walk through with check list. 

Giftshop Retail: 

• Operate the point-of-sale system.  

• Perform opening and closing duties related to cash reconciliation, organization, and cleanliness.  

• Receive deliveries and assist with inventory controls, including managing expiration dates; restocking shelves; merchandising; pricing new items; and updating inventory. 

Events: 

• Support setup and takedown of event including but not limited to: 

• Additional stanchions and/or signage. 

• Setting tables and chairs. 

• Maintain SCHG security, cleanliness, and customer service standards throughout the duration of events. 

• Assist with various tasks to ensure a smooth event at the discretion of the engagement manager and property director. 

This is a seasonal, exempt position working flexible hours reporting directly to the Manager of Visitor Services.

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

Required: 

• Able to work most Friday through Sundays, from May through September. 

• High school diploma. 

• Ability to learn and use point-of-sale systems. 

• Candidate must be at least 18 years of age with a minimum of one year of work experience. 

• Able to work well with people in a team environment and to communicate effectively, both in writing and orally. 

• Able to function and act both independently & as a team, plus make decisions & multitask under pressure. 

• Math skills for handling and counting cash. 

• Able to consistently lift 40lbs & stand for long periods of time (at least 6 hours). 

Preferred: 

• Previous experience in a visitor service role, preferably in both an indoor and outdoor setting.   

• Previous retail experience, including cash handling, merchandise/product set up, and ordering. 

• Intellectually curious and open to learning and sharing new things. 

• Flexible and willing to meet the needs and interests of visitors. 

• Strong communication skills, dependability, and punctuality. 

• Attention to detail and a friendly demeanor. 

• Reliable and committed to their position, their site team, and the mission of the Trustees. 

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.

Have questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org!

Your Benefits: 

• Sick Time: Mass Sick Leave Accrual

• 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 people@thetrustees.org.

Salary : $17 - $20