Seasonal Beachfront Supervisor Job at The Trustees of Reservations in Ipswich

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Overview

The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the nation's premier conservation and preservation organization founded in 1891. The Trustees preserve properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts for public use and enjoyment. Our properties are open to all and we thrive by involving many people 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.

Posting Information

• Salary/Hourly Rate: $22-$25/hour
• Hours per week: 20-30
• Job Classification: Limited Term, non‑exempt
• Job Type: Onsite
• Duration: Variable term, with lifeguards on beach Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day (April – September)
• Location: Crane Beach, Ipswich, MA

What You'll Do

Visited by more than 350,000 people annually, Crane Beach remains a national model for balancing conservation of diverse natural habitats and wildlife with the management of active public recreation. Our seasonal team members are the driving force for creating a safe, mission‑driven, and memorable experience for all Crane Estate visitors.

As the Seasonal Beachfront Supervisor (SBS), you will serve as a leader and use your experience in customer service to help ensure every aspect of the public's visit to Crane Beach is positive, safe, and enjoyable. You will report to the Property Business Manager and work closely with all seasonal and full‑time staff during the peak summertime period. You will oversee day‑to‑day operations on the beachfront, manage all lifeguard personnel, and collaborate with other supervisory staff on the property. You are fully responsible for the scheduling, management, supervision, and continued training of all lifeguard staff.

Responsibilities

• Assist with seasonal staff training, monitor delivery, and coach staff to sustain positive staff/guest interactions; correct behaviors as necessary.
• Engage in interdepartmental communication and duties at Crane Beach, ensuring that Rangers, Lifeguards, Stewardship Crew, Gate Staff, EMTs, Beach Store, Summer Camp Staff, Ecology, and Engagement Staff work positively together.
• Ensure proper daily opening and/or closing of beachfront.
• Oversee employee records and payroll for lifeguards; maintain staff schedules and departmental equipment.
• Carefully monitor beachfront and ensure that all safety and operational protocols are followed and that there is always adequate staff coverage in season.
• Possess a commanding knowledge of all safety and first‑response guidelines.
• Prepare and lead both physical and scenario‑based training programs throughout the season for lifeguard staff.

Requirements

Skills and Experience

• Strong and positive leadership skills with experience building cohesion in teams.
• Interest in both workstation and field operations work, able to switch gears readily.
• Experience with record/log keeping and public safety documentation.
• Eye for detail to ensure smooth daily operations, while also seeing the ‘big picture’ and guiding staff toward a common goal.
• Exceptionally strong customer service and communication skills.
• Capable of effectively handling high‑pressure situations while remaining calm.
• Additional experience/background in customer service, conflict management, visitor experience, ocean and land‑based search and rescue techniques, ocean and river currents, and working knowledge of boating (including trailering, launching/loading, anchoring and maintenance) is a plus.

Eligibility Criteria

• At minimum, the ideal candidate has or can obtain both EMT‑B and lifeguard certifications.
• Summer season, holidays, evening, and weekend work is required; access to a vehicle is necessary.
• Must be able to self‑fill lifeguard shifts on bad‑weather days or days with staff shortages.
• Ability to create and lead regular workout and training programs.
• Strong familiarity with all aspects of ocean lifeguarding, including currents, tides, and related search & rescue techniques.
• Current authorization to work in the United States; a candidate must have such authorization by their first day of employment.
• A valid driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees' driving policy.
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.
• Comfortable working in variable outdoor weather conditions.
• Able to consistently lift 40 lbs and be on feet up to 10 hours per day.

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.

Contact

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

Benefits

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

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 accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.