Seasonal Camp Lead Environmental Educator; Crane Estate

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,(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

Hourly Rate: $18.00-$20.00/hour

Rates are determined based on relevant experience.

Hours per week: 35-40 hours/week, 8:00 AM-4:00 PM (Part‑time hours May 27 to June
6)

Job Classification: Seasonal, Non‑Exempt

Job Type: Onsite

Duration: May‑August 2026

Location: The Crane Estate, Ipswich, MA

As the Lead Environmental Educator, you will bring your expertise and passion for environmental education to work with Camp Educators and camp persona curriculum that leverages the deep resources of the coastal education department to support campers in learning about the coastal environment.

Summer Quest—a vibrant day camp for 70 campers, ages 5-14, set on the expansive and stunning Crane Estate. Our place‑based activities immerse campers in the beauty of the coast, arts, culture, and more, fostering a deep respect for the environment. Summer Quest is designed for adventurous campers who love the outdoors, exploring the woods and shoreline, and connecting with the land.

It’s a place where imagination, independent learning, and resilience thrive—rain or shine.

For more information about our camp, please visit Trustees Camps.

The Role:

As the Lead Environmental Educator, you will coordinate daily routines, weekly themes, and periodic workshops for all staff that include educational activities, games and coastal crafts; exploring this historic property and its many wild habitats; learning about ocean science, sustainability, and ecology; art and craft making; and free play. We offer two weeks of collaborative paid training to prepare our staff for this complex, challenging, and rewarding work.

Prior to camp, you will work with year‑round staff to prepare materials and spaces for staff training and the camp season, and assist leading training activities for staff.

Specifically, you’ll:

• Support camp educators/counselors with activity development and group management.
• With support from senior staff and using the coastal education team’s resources, design camp curriculum and lead daily activities based on coastal habitats, sustainability, and the natural world.
• Provide floating support to camper groups and senior staff as needed.
• Provide leadership in the use of the expansive property in creative ways.
• Partner with Assistant Camp Director to mentor counselors and help them develop daily and weekly schedules.
• Supervise campers as needed to provide breaks for Camp Educators during the day.
• Inventory supplies and help prepare supply orders.
• Communicate with camper parents regarding camp questions and basic camper information.
• Perform daily camp staff chores to organize and prepare for each day.
• Meet periodically with Camp Director to evaluate experience and performance.

This is a Seasonal, non‑exempt position working 40 hours/week reporting directly to The Appleton Farms School and Youth Programs Manager/Camp Director.

Skills and Experience:

• Demonstrated skills in environmental education and curriculum development a must.
• Knowledge of or interest in outdoor education, coastal habitats, ocean science and sustainability.
• A bachelor's degree in environmental education, the sciences, education, or other relevant course of study is preferred.
• A special interest in outdoor education, especially in a coastal setting, and a great attitude…