Property Steward

About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org.

About This Position
Mass Audubon is looking for a dedicated Property Steward with a passion for the environment. The Property Steward plays an integral role on the Metro West team on a variety of projects that are essential to the mission of Mass Audubon, including trail, boundary, and building maintenance, monitoring land, maintaining equipment, assisting volunteers, implementing Mass Audubon policies, monitoring visitor use, controlling invasive species, assisting with goat care, and maintaining external relationships. The Property Steward ensures that Mass Audubon and its sanctuaries are inclusive and welcoming so more people have access and can connect with the joys of nature. This position will work at Mass Audubon’s sanctuaries in Natick, Lincoln, and Belmont, MA.

Application Instructions
Please submit a resume and cover letter with your ADP application.

Responsibilities

• Maintain grounds and property including mowing, pruning, maintaining trails and parking lots, plowing snow, and constructing signs, boardwalks and fences
• Contribute to implementation of the sanctuary’s ecological management objectives
• Maintain buildings and other structures including performing emergency repairs, carpentry duties, and assisting with minor plumbing, electrical or mechanical repairs
• Provide custodial and other facility related cleaning services
• Ensure the safe operation of all equipment and vehicles
• Provide guidance for the work of temporary and seasonal staff, volunteers and volunteer groups as requested by supervisor
• Provide efficient and courteous service to the public by offering information about the site to visitors and responding to other visitor service requests
• Use of a computer and Microsoft software (including Excel, Word, Outlook, Teams) for communication on projects, and task management/reporting; training for specific programs will be provided
• Work to obtain Pesticide License in State of Massachusetts if needed to accomplish the sanctuary’s ecological management goal
• Keep all required licenses & permits up to date to ensure compliance & safety (including chain saw training and any future safety trainings that become standard practice at Mass Audubon)

Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

Must Haves

• High school diploma and at least three years of equivalent related experience
• Basic maintenance skills, including a knowledge of the safe operation, maintenance, and storage of power tools, equipment, tractors, mowers, implements, and vehicles.
• A valid Massachusetts driver’s license and the ability to carry out routine building maintenance and site security
• A demonstrated ability to work well with other staff, volunteers, and community representatives and to relate to a diverse range of people and exercise cultural competence and inclusion
• Ability to perform physical work, sometimes under adverse conditions
• Ability to hike over rough terrain for extended periods of time, lift and carry up to 40 pounds, and be willing to work outdoors sometimes in foul weather

Nice to Haves

• Carpentry skills
• Tractor experience
• Chainsaw training
• First Aid certification
• Valid Massachusetts pesticide applicator license
• Class 2 Hoisting License

Compensation, Benefits and Perks
This position’s pay range is $17.50-19.54/hour; actual salary will reflect level of experience and qualifications relative to position requirements.

Benefits eligible staff at Mass Audubon may elect to enroll in medical, dental, and vision plans. Mass Audubon also offers disability and life insurance plans, a retirement plan through MetLife, and Flexible Spending Account options. Mass Audubon employment also includes access to an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Reciprocity Agreement through the Consortium of Non-Profit Arts/Cultural/Environmental Organizations of New England. Mass Audubon employees also enjoy 13 paid holidays (holidays may shift annually due to where days fall within calendar).

Work Schedule
This position works 40 hours per week, Sunday-Thursday.

Other Requirements
Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice
Mass Audubon embraces diversity and equal opportunity in a serious way. We are dedicated to forming a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be. People of color are strongly encouraged to apply.

Mass Audubon’s mission is to “protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife” by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.