Seasonal Kitchen Assistant

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, www.thetrustees.org.

Posting Information: 

Hourly Rate: $16.00-$18.00/hour 

Rates are determined based on relevant experience. 

Hours per week: 30 hours/week, Mondays-Fridays, 9:00AM–2:30PM  

Job Classification: Nonexempt, Seasonal 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: June 8-August 21, 2025 

Location: Powisset Farm, Dover, MA  

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

Support teaching and learning in Powisset Farm’s extraordinary teaching kitchen where four classes are taught to fifty campers 6-11 each day as part of the summer day camp.  

Farmer, Forester, Chef! is a day camp for fifty campers aged 6–11 located at historic Powisset Farm in Dover, MA. Powisset Farm is a 109-acre working CSA vegetable farm with a vibrant learning garden, barnyard animals, culinary program for all ages, scenic trails, engaging education programs, and deep history that make this a special place to visit and work.  

For more information about our camp, please visit Trustees Camps. 

The Role:

If you’re energetic, have a great work ethic, like being around children, and enjoy being a productive member of a fun, engaging team, this job is for you! Are you ready to work in a dynamic culinary environment with friendly, inclusive people? We are looking for a talented, patient, hard-working, dedicated and reliable individual to join an amazing team at Powisset Farm in Dover, to support our summer day camp. Additional opportunities to support evening and weekend programming may also be available. 

Specifically, you’ll:

• Help prep classes for camp with the Camp Culinary Instructor  
• Perform dish-washing duties in accordance with current applicable Health Department regulations, policies, and procedures. 
• Dispose of all food waste, trash, and recyclables in accordance with established Health Department regulations. 
• Empty and clean all kitchen garbage and recyclable barrels. 
• Sweep and mop kitchen and classroom floors. 
• Wipe down all equipment and clean kitchen sinks, tables, and countertops. 
• Do kitchen laundry using the farm’s washing machine and dryer. 
• Follow the schedule for cooking classes throughout the day, to ensure the kitchen is clean and ready for each class. 
• Other related duties as assigned. 

This is a seasonal position working 30 hours/week and reporting directly to the Powisset Camp Director and Seasonal Culinary Instructor. 

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions. 
• Enjoy working with the public, especially children. 
• Attention to detail. 
• Punctual and reliable. 
• Friendly, positive attitude. 
• Willing and able to become ServSafe certified, as necessary; training provided. 
• Committed to the mission of the Trustees. 
• Reliable transportation to the property. 
• Ability to lift 40 pounds. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Must be 16+ years of age. 
• Available during camp staff training week (June 15-19) and all 8 weeks of camp (June 22–August 14). 
• Current authorization to work in the United States by the first day of employment. 
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check. 

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? 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.

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

Benefits

Your Benefits:

• Sick Time: 40 hours

• 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 on stays at our 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.