Seasonal Retail Associate (Appleton Farms)

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: $16-$18 

Hours per week: 8-16 hours a weekend May-October 

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Limited Term 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: May - October 

Location: Appleton Farms, Ipswich, MA 

What You’ll Do:  

Your Impact: 

Our seasonal staff plays an integral role in ensuring that our visitors enjoy our extraordinary places.  With the change to warmer temperatures, we experience an influx of visitors of all ages and backgrounds who want to explore and be inspired by our properties.  Sandy beaches, wooded trails, cultural gardens, historic homes, community supported agriculture—there are many ways for visitors to discover and explore The Trustees, and just as many opportunities for seasonal employees to make each visitor’s experience special.     

The Role: 

As a Seasonal Retail Associate, you perform the essential function of welcoming all guests to Appleton Farms and selling merchandise in the Farm Store. You are crucial as ambassadors of The Trustees, introducing guests to Farm Store merchandise, directing guests to refreshments and amenities, and sharing the many benefits of membership.    

The ideal candidate will model excellence in customer service and possess a passion for food and cooking; sustainable agriculture and local farming.  You have experience contributing to a team and the ability to function independently. Candidate must be at least 18 years of age with a minimum of one year of work experience required.  

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Warmly greet all guests, assist guests in making purchases, have full product knowledge of what is carried in the store, act as a general ambassador to the Farm Store and property at large.  

• Operate Shopify POS system to sell merchandise/refreshments including proper cash handling.  

• Maintain supplies. This includes but is not limited to restocking, labeling and maintaining inventory as needed and alerting the Manager as to inventory levels.  

• Independently open and close the Farm Store, including starting and closing register sales sessions and reporting sales.  

• Upon request, the ability to work during seasonal events and holidays. 

This is a limited term nonexempt position (8 – 16 hours/week) reporting directly to the Senior Retail Manager - Appleton 

What You’ll Need: 

Skills and Experience: 

• Able to provide respectful, exceptional customer service to all guests with a friendly, courteous, and confident demeanor.   

• Able to learn and use POS and Ticketing systems, handle cash, and make credit card sales.   

• Able to handle multiple tasks and unexpected situations in a calm manner.   

• Team-oriented, with a professional, positive attitude towards all staff, volunteers, and guests.   

• Availability to work at least one day each weekend and some evenings and holidays. 

• Must be able to lift 40 lbs. 

• Must be able to work in varying weather conditions, including summer heat. 

• Must be able to work 2-3 days a week, including some weekend days and holidays. 

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? Reach out to our People Team by emailing [email protected]. 

Your Benefits:

• Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront. 

• 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 [email protected].