The Trustees of Reservations is hiring: Seasonal Historical Interpreter in Ipswi

Seasonal Historical Interpreter

Join to apply for the Seasonal Historical Interpreter role at The Trustees of Reservations.

About the Organization

Founded in 1891, The Trustees of Reservations is the nation's premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees preserve properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts for public use and enjoyment. Over 50,000 acres—including more than 27,000 acres across 120+ reservations—are protected. As a non‑profit, the organization is funded entirely by visitors, supporters, volunteers, and 100,000 member households. Learn more at www.thetrustees.org.

Posting Information

• Salary/Hourly Rate: $16.50 – $18.50 per hour
• Hours per week: 14–21 (flexible)
• Job Classification: Limited Term, Seasonal
• Job Type: Onsite
• Duration: April – November
• Location: Castle Hill, Ipswich, MA

What You’ll Do

At Castle Hill on the Crane Estate, you’ll lead up to four hour‑long tours a day as a Cultural Site Interpreter. When not on tour, you will greet visitors, interact with guests, and potentially add interactive elements to tours you are not leading. You will share historical information in a narrative style, engaging visitors and helping them imagine what life was like in the 1920s.

Specifically, you’ll:

• Open and close the museum rooms of the Great House
• Interact with visitors throughout the day, whether on tour or casually
• Encourage visitors to become The Trustees members
• Provide guidance on exploring the Castle Hill grounds

This is a limited‑term, non‑exempt position working 14–21 hours per week, reporting directly to the Cultural Programs Coordinator. Shifts are typically 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., with availability both during the season and on weekends for shoulder seasons.

Requirements

• Skills & Experience: Verbal communication, storytelling skills, comfort around all people, ability to work indoors and outdoors, steady standing and walking up stairs, ability to carry a tray of glasses.
• Eligibility Criteria: Current U.S. work authorization by day one; satisfactory criminal background check (CORI).
• Priority will be given to applicants who bring skills to the role, even if not all are met. The Trustees are committed to building a diverse team.

Benefits

• Sick Time: 40 hours of paid sick time upfront.
• Reciprocity: 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 stores and inns.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status, including age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preference, nation of origin, religion, or disability status. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.

It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. Any violation will be subject to criminal and civil penalties.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact people@thetrustees.org.

Questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org.