Resident Caretaker

About Mass Audubon

Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries.

About This Position

Join the Boston Nature Center (BNC) team as the Resident Caretaker of a unique wildlife sanctuary situated within Boston. The Caretaker serves as a friendly and welcoming representative of Mass Audubon to visitors, program participants, gardeners and neighbors. The caretaker provides ongoing security and monitoring of the property, including closing and opening the gate each day and responding quickly to emergency issues if they arise. The Resident Caretaker performs facility and property management duties on the sanctuary and within its buildings for 10 hours each week. The caretaker resides in a beautiful renovated, energy-efficient, 4 bedroom home with parking located on the sanctuary. The caretaker is directly responsible for maintenance and upkeep of this historic home and works closely with the property manager to communicate any building maintenance needs. Residing on the premises is required.

BNC is a beautiful 67-acre wildlife sanctuary with 2 miles of trails through woodlands, meadows and wetlands. It has grown into a vibrant urban community nature center which offers a host of programs both onsite and across the city, a space for community use and trails for individuals to explore and enjoy.

BNC is a collaborative, forward-thinking community that values providing equitable and safe access to a healthy greenspace for Boston residents. Alongside BNC staff, the caretaker will interact with three onsite partners: Clark Cooper Community Garden, Boston Food Forest Coalition, and the Boston Area Beekeepers. As a community, we work together for the ongoing protection and revitalization of this important natural area for both people and wildlife to enjoy.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Provide security, open and close sanctuary gate daily, other routine work at Mass Audubon’s Boston Nature Center Wildlife Sanctuary
• Facility maintenance and daily cleaning of 450B and 450C buildings, Monday through Friday or weekly ground’s maintenance including mowing, snow and leaf removal, and other landscaping duties; dependent on the applicant's qualifications.
• Responsible for informing visitors of sanctuary regulations, responding to emergencies, and providing a consistent and positive presence on-site as well as with neighbors and community officials
• Strong customer service experience and skills a must
• Attend both regional meetings and one all-day property staff meeting each year
• Housing provided in exchange for 10 hours/week work
• Caretaker responsible for utilities

Qualifications

At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don't believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background. We are looking for applicants with the following qualifications:

• Demonstrated interest and support for the mission and goals Mass Audubon
• Mature, responsible, and organized; experience in buildings and maintenance preferable.
• Familiarity with Boston and its neighborhoods; Boston residents strongly encouraged to apply
• Must be at least 21 years old with a valid driver's license
• Must have at least two years related experience
• Strong ability and willingness to communicate well with staff, volunteers. and the public
• Fluency in other languages (Spanish, Haitian Creole, or other) helpful

Compensation & Benefits

This is not a benefits eligible position.

Additional Information

Work Schedule:

10 hours/week

Other Requirements:

Employees must successfully complete a CORI and SORI Background Check and a Motor Vehicle Record (if applicable) is required.

Mass Audubon's Commitment To Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, & Justice

Mass Audubon's mission is to "protect the nature of Massachusetts for people and for wildlife" by building a strong coalition of employees, volunteers, and community members. We recognize that the environmental movement and field of conservation have been affected by societal systems that have limited opportunity and access for many people. As a result, Mass Audubon is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We are engaged in an ongoing process of organizational assessment and change, designed to remove barriers and create a workplace where all forms of diversity are recognized and valued.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Mass Audubon is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. Mass Audubon prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

How To Apply

Please submit a resume. Providing a cover letter is always helpful.