Seasonal Retail Associate; Appleton Farms

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. Our preserves 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, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 member households.

• Salary/Hourly Rate: $16–$18
• Hours per week: 8–16 hours during weekends May–October
• Job Classification:
  Nonexempt, Limited Term
• Job Type: Onsite
• Duration:
  May – October
• Location:
  
  Appleton Farms, Ipswich, MA

Our seasonal staff is integral to ensuring visitors enjoy our extraordinary places. With warmer temperatures come an influx of visitors of all ages who want to explore and be inspired by our properties—sandy beaches, wooded trails, cultural gardens, historic homes, and community‑supported agriculture. Seasonal employees have many opportunities to make each visitor's experience special.

As a Seasonal Retail Associate, you will welcome all guests to Appleton Farms and sell merchandise in the Farm Store. You serve as an ambassador of The Trustees, introducing guests to Farm Store merchandise, directing them to refreshments and amenities, and sharing the many benefits of membership.

Ideal candidates model excellence in customer service and possess a passion for food, cooking, sustainable agriculture, and local farming. You have experience contributing to a team and can function independently. Candidates must be at least 18 years old and have a minimum of one year of work experience.

• Warmly greet all guests, assist with purchases, and maintain full product knowledge.
• Operate the Shopify POS system to sell merchandise and refreshments, including proper cash handling.
• Maintain supplies: restock, label, and inventory as needed, and alert the manager of stock levels.
• Independently open and close the Farm Store, start and close register sales sessions, and report sales.
• Work during seasonal events and holidays as requested.

This is a limited‑term nonexempt position (8–16 hours/week) reporting directly to the Senior Retail Manager – Appleton.

• Provide respectful, exceptional customer service to all guests with a friendly, courteous, and confident demeanor.
• Learn and use POS and ticketing systems, handle cash, and process credit card sales.
• Handle multiple tasks and unexpected situations calmly.
• Team‑oriented with a professional, positive attitude toward staff, volunteers, and guests.
• Availability to work at least one day each weekend and some evenings and holidays.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.
• Ability to work in varying weather conditions, including summer heat.
• Work 2–3 days per week, including some weekend days and holidays.

• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment.
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.

We welcome applicants who may not meet every skill or experience listed. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you miss some requirements.

Have questions? Reach out to our People Team at people.

• Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront.
• Reciprocity:
  Access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions.
• Discounts:
  Free entry to all Trustees properties, discounted event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and inns.

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 preference, 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 accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at people.