Seasonal Inland Ecology Technician

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)..

Salary/Hourly Rate: $18.50-$20.50/hour

Hours per week: 40

Job Classification: Limited Term, Nonexempt

Job Type: Onsite

Duration: May - September

Location: Statewide, Massachusetts

The Trustees protect more than 27,000 acres across Massachusetts; many of these lands support exceptional ecological value including beaches, grasslands, shrublands, forests, and barrens. Protecting these natural resources is central to the mission of The Trustees and is the focus of the Coast and Natural Resources Program. These resources, in healthy condition, support biodiversity for a myriad of plant and animal species, provide critical habitat for rare and threatened species, buffer the impacts of climate change, sequester carbon, allow for public enjoyment and recreation, and inspire the next generation to care for our lands.

As an Inland Ecology Technician you’ll play an integral role, contributing to the protection and management of key species and native habitats through biological monitoring and invasive plant control activities.

As an Inland Ecology Technician, you will assist with plant monitoring, ecological research, and stewardship activities across our natural areas statewide to support biodiversity and climate adaptation of these ecosystems. You’ll be part of the Inland Natural Resources team, responsible for the stewardship of grasslands, forests, wetlands, and other habitats on Trustees properties, and a part of our larger statewide Coast and Natural Resources program.

The focus of this position is on monitoring rare plant populations, documenting key vegetation characteristics including invasive plants within our grassland habitats, and supporting habitat management such as controlling invasive plants at our most ecologically significant habitats.

The Inland Ecology Technician will report to the Lead Ecologist for Inland Natural Resources and will work closely with the Habitat Specialist on invasive plant control efforts.

This is a limited full‑time position expected to begin in May and continue through August. This 14‑week position includes the opportunity to learn about and participate in many of the modern stewardship challenges facing land managers today, especially those exacerbated by climate change.

• Survey for and inventory known rare plant populations at 10 different properties including grasslands, forests, and wetlands throughout Massachusetts.
• Map and assess invasive species populations threatening habitat health at key native habitats.
• Conduct vegetation surveys to analyze species diversity and evaluate the success of existing management activities.
• Map, record, and analyze all data collected to inform future management actions.
• Assist the Habitat Specialist in controlling invasive plant species in some of our most ecologically significant habitats, especially grasslands. Control activities include mechanical and chemical control.

This is a limited term, non‑exempt position working 40 hours per week reporting directly to the Director of Inland Ecology.

• Coursework in botany, ecology, environmental science, or related field.
• Strong botanical skills and the ability to identify Massachusetts plant species.
• Ability to collaborate with other staff…