The Trustees is seeking a friendly & out-going individual to lead interpretational tours and educational programs on Martha’s Vineyard. Applicants must possess outstanding interpersonal skills, be able to work independently, and successfully supervise and lead tour/program participants.

The Coastal Educator & Tour Guide will work within the Martha’s Vineyard properties of Cape Poge Wildlife Refuge, Mytoi, Wasque, Long Point Wildlife Refuge, Menemsha Hills Reservation & The Brickyard, The FARM Institute, and the Vineyard Haven Office.

Tour Guide Essential Functions (3 days/weeks):

• Lead interpretational ecology, kayak, hiking and/or over-sand beach discovery tours at The Trustees places on Martha’s Vineyard.

• Teach basic kayaking skills to beginners and assist participants during incidents of kayak stranding, capsizing, and towing.

• Assist Engagement Coordinator with additional tours and public programs.

• Accurately describe tour programs, directions, and book reservations.

• Answer basic questions about the property, rules and regulations, and fee formats.

• Assist with Tour reservations, processing waiver forms and payments for tours.

• Meet regularly with the Engagement Coordinator to discuss tour programs and where improvements can be made.

• Sell, renew, and promote Trustees memberships.

• Implement basic first aid and emergency response protocols when required.

• Other duties as assigned.

Educator Essential Functions (2 days/week):

• Assist the Education & Operations Assistant with place-based educational programs 2 days/week through the Claire Saltonstall Education Program (CSEP) on all Trustees’ properties on Martha’s Vineyard.

• Co-lead school programming during the spring and fall months with the Education & Operations Assistant.

• Assist with the implementation of the CSEP Environmental Training High School internship program.

• Help support and lead a range of creative environmental education programs and activities at The Trustees’ properties for children, adults, and families.

• Help maintain a strong relationship with the Martha’s Vineyard Public School System and Charter School.

• Maintain Claire Saltonstall Education Program equipment, materials, and supplies in good order.

• Answer phone and email inquiries for programs and send surveys as program follow-up.

• Experience with delivering interpretive or educational programming.

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively on a team.

• Applicants must have kayaking experience.

• Ability to lead outdoor activities with little to no shelter, and in varying weather conditions.

• Passionate about The Trustees mission.

• Excited to provide a great visitor experience in The Trustees exceptional places on Martha’s Vineyard.

• Enjoy working with the public of all ages.

• Ability to work independently & as part of a group.

• Willingness to employ creativity, imagination, and a sense of fun in educational program development and delivery.

• Excellent organizational skills.

• Must possess or be willing to obtain First Aid & CPR certification (course will be provided in the first weeks of training).

• Must be able to swim at least 550 yards, and tread water for at least 2 minutes.

Other Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record required for driving Trustees vehicles.

• Satisfactory background checks (CORI & SORI).

• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends required.

• Must be 18+ and be able to safely operate four-wheel drive ATV’s, UTV’s, and trucks (training available).

Work environment -

The Coastal Educator & Tour Guide will be working outside in a variety of weather conditions for up to 8 hours/day. Conditions include sun, heat, wind, and rain.

Physical demands:

• Kayaking for up to 2 hours at one time.

• Hiking on established trails two hours at a time.

• Towing an individual or a pair in a kayak.

• Exposure to heat and sun for long periods of time.

• Lifting up to 50 lbs.

About The Trustees:

The Trustees places are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in what we do. Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, we preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity. We have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. We are a non-profit conservation organization funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households.

Our seasonal staff plays an integral role in ensuring that our visitors enjoy our extraordinary places. Every season brings 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 Trustees offers competitive compensation, as well as the opportunity to be part of a dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors and the distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our special places, for everyone, forever.

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, sex, gender, sexual orientation, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, 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.

Our commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here: Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity