Youth Programs Event Assistant

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: $16.00 - $18.00 

Hours per week: Variable, up to 20 per week 

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Part-Time

Job Type:  Onsite 

Location: Powisset Farm, Dover, MA 

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact: 

 Are you interested in providing hands-on experiences for children in Powisset Farm’s fields and forests, children’s garden, lively barnyard, and teaching kitchen? Our unique farm programs connect children to the land and the natural systems that support us all, while spending time outdoors, exploring, and having fun. 

Powisset Farm is a 109-acre working CSA vegetable farm with a vibrant learning garden, barnyard animals, culinary program for all ages, scenic trails, engaging education programs, and deep history that make this a special place to visit and work. 

As a Youth Programs Event Assistant, you’ll have a unique opportunity to work with children ages 2 to 17. Working with this vast age range means you’ll grow your experience working and learning with youth at different stages of their development.  

The Role: 

The primary role of the Youth Programs Event Assistant is to promote membership to families and engage and excite visitors, program participants, and private lessees at Powisset Farm in Dover, MA. The position is part-time, year-round, often on weekday afternoons, weekends, evenings and holidays.  The Youth Programs Event Assistant is responsible for assisting with on-site execution of children’s public programs and private events (including birthday parties and field trips) in the farm kitchen/classroom or outdoors. Tasks may range from leading children through activities, event set up (moving tables and chairs), greeting/checking-in participants upon arrival, assisting with youth cooking classes (material set up, washing dishes, cleaning, assisting participants), selling memberships and providing membership information to festival attendees, and more. At all events and programs, the Youth Programs Event Assistant will educate and encourage visitors to support The Trustees through a variety of outlets. 

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Assist Youth Programs Manager with event set up such as moving tables & chairs, organizing program supplies, decorating, providing Trustees marketing and educational material. 

• Assist chef instructors with cooking classes, which could entail setting-up cooking stations, assisting participants, washing dishes, food prep, and cleaning. 

• Assist with adult public programs in addition to youth events, as needed. 

• Assist with private events and liaise with private lessees on site. 

• Educate visitors about The Trustees mission and value of membership; sell memberships on site using Siriusware software. 

• Lead participants through the barnyard and maintain the safety of guests and animals (barnyard training provided). 

• Greet and/or check-in visitors upon arrival and orient them to the property; provide exceptional customer service by answering questions, problem solving and directing visitors, as needed. 

• Be familiar with and enforce property rules and regulations. 

• Keep event areas organized, clean, and orderly to deliver a positive visitor experience. 

• Perform opening and closing procedures during each shift and perform cash or credit sales transactions. Use basic computer skills and have the ability to learn new systems, including processing credit card transactions and logging hours. 

• Communicate regularly with staff to report safety concerns, incidents, maintenance needs and program assessment. 

This is a part-time, nonexempt position working up to 20 hours per week reporting directly to the Youth Programs Manager.

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Outgoing, friendly, enthusiastic; enjoys working with the public including children and families. 

• Responsible, committed with exceptional attention to detail and safety. 

• Dependable, available to work weekends, holidays and occasional evenings. 

• Articulate, confident and calm when confronted by uncooperative visitors and when handling emergencies. 

• Ability to work independently. 

• CPR & First Aid certification, highly desirable. 

• Committed to the mission of The Trustees. 

• Committed to a great visitor experience and sharing the excitement of Powisset Farm. 

Other:                                          

• Flexibility to work nights and weekends is required. 

Working Conditions: 

• Variable outdoor weather conditions.  

• Ability to lift 40 pounds required. 

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 [email protected] 

Your Benefits:

• Sick time: Massachusetts 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 [email protected].