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: $29.44 - $37.86/hour
Please note that new employees are placed in the range between $29.44 - $33.65 to allow for an equitable starting salary process and continual salary growth during an employee’s time at the Trustees.
Hours per week: 40
Job Classification: Full-time, non-exempt
Job Type: Onsite
Location: Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, Nantucket, MA
What You’ll Do:
The Role:
Do you want to work on the front lines of conservation - where coastal wilderness, community, and public access intersect every day? As the Beach Operations Lead, you will play a pivotal leadership role in stewarding the 1,100‑acre Coskata–Coatue Wildlife Refuge and the adjacent Nantucket National Wildlife Refuge. In collaboration with the Refuge Manager, you’ll help protect a nationally significant landscape while creating a safe, welcoming, and meaningful visitor experience in one of Nantucket’s most iconic natural places.
About Coskata–Coatue Wildlife Refuge:
Coskata–Coatue is globally rare in its geomorphology and ecologically irreplaceable. In 2024, the refuge was designated a National Natural Landmark, recognizing its exceptional natural integrity and national significance. The landscape supports rare and endangered species, some of Nantucket’s oldest trees, one of six important white shark areas along the Atlantic Coast, and one of only four gray seal breeding areas in the United States.
Each year, nearly 50,000 visitors experience Coskata–Coatue through guided tours, fishing, walking, and permitted over-sand vehicle (OSV) access - all carefully managed to balance public enjoyment with habitat and wildlife protection. This position sits at the heart of that balance.
Specifically, you’ll:
Beach and Refuge Operations
- Assist the Refuge Manager in leading day-to-day beach operations and steward, protect, and manage public access across the refuge.
- Implement operations using an adaptive management approach aligned with The Trustees’ Beach Management Plan, Massachusetts Coastal Zone Management Guidelines, and applicable state and local wetland regulations.
- Assist the Refuge Manager in hiring, training, and managing seasonal staff, including rangers, gatehouse staff, and tour guides.
- Maintain and groom OSV trails; oversee symbolic fencing and signage to clearly delineate OSV trails and sensitive habitat areas.
- Assess beach and wildlife conditions regularly and recommend OSV access and restrictions as conditions evolve.
- Serve as a key communicator, sharing real-time beach conditions and access updates with visitors, neighbors, and stakeholders via text, email, and other channels.
Business and Financial Performance
- Support OSV permit and tour programs, helping achieve revenue and visitation goals.
- Assist the Refuge Manager in meeting budget targets and operational efficiencies.
- Identify staffing, equipment, and financial resources needed to deliver an exceptional visitor experience.
- Oversee critical database and operational systems to ensure accuracy and prevent data loss.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
- Build and steward strong relationships within the Nantucket community to expand access, reach new audiences, and maintain a welcoming, inclusive environment.
- During the off-season, assist with tours and educational programming, particularly for island students and nonprofit partners.
- Develop and implement proactive, systematic approaches to ongoing community engagement.
- Foster authentic local partnerships that deepen community connection and support for the refuge.
Cultural and Natural Resource Stewardship
- Collaborate with The Trustees’ coastal ecologist and ecology teams to protect rare and endangered species, with a strong focus on shorebirds.
- Communicate and enforce wildlife protection measures with clarity, consistency, and professionalism.
- Support logistics for coastal resilience and restoration projects in partnership with the Coastal Project Manager.
- Provide regular reports, documentation, and photographic records to support internal coordination and long-term management.
This is a full-time, non-exempt position (40 hours/week) reporting directly to the Refuge Manager.
Requirements
What You’ll Need:
Skills and Experience:
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3–5 years of relevant professional experience; 3+ years of management or team leadership experience preferred
- Experience engaging with the public on complex or occasionally controversial issues related to wildlife protection and beach access
- Bachelor’s degree in ecology, marine conservation, forestry, recreation management, or a related field preferred
- Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and unify a team toward shared goals
- Strong customer service, communication, and organizational skills
- Ability to maintain professionalism while working in highly visible public-facing roles
- Comfort with technology, including Microsoft Office, point-of-sale systems, and operational databases
- Ability to thoughtfully balance conservation priorities with public enjoyment
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic outdoor environment
- Valid driver’s license and ability to operate The Trustees’ vehicles
- Chainsaw and basic carpentry skills preferred
- Minimum of two years’ supervisory experience in a service or customer-facing role
- CPR and First Aid certification preferred (training provided)
Eligibility Criteria:
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Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment.
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A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy.
- 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].
Benefits
Your Benefits:
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Sick time: 15 days per year
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Vacation time: 20 days per year (prorated)
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12 observed holidays, 3 floating
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Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offers additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.
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Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
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Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave
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Life Insurance
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401k with 5% match after 1 year of employment
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Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.
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Reciprocity: Enjoy access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions for Trustees Staff, Volunteers and Interns.
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Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.
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Day of Wonder: Spend one workday per year to exploring a Trustees property
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Day of Service: Spend one workday per year to helping with a project at a Trustees property
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].
