Carpentry Volunteer - Fruitlands

Opportunity Overview:
In 1843, Amos Bronson Alcott and Charles Lane turned a swath of Harvard farmland into a Transcendentalist experiment in subsistence farming and Emersonian self-reliance, named Fruitlands, which ultimately disbanded after only seven months. In 1914, Clara Endicott Sears opened the grounds to the public, establishing a museum in the property’s 1820s farmhouse. Now, the 210-acre landscape encompasses five collections first established by Sears: the original Fruitlands Farmhouse; the Shaker Museum, the first such museum in the country; the Native American Museum, celebrating the history of indigenous peoples; the Art Museum, with a variety of rotating exhibits, contemporary art, and showcasing a combined collection of more than 300 Hudson River School landscape paintings and 19th-century vernacular portraits; and the Wayside Visitor Center, a classroom, education, and exhibition space.
 
The Fruitlands Management Unit is seeking individuals with a background in carpentry interested in undertaking building projects. Individuals should have a knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of historic houses, buildings, or other structures. Most of this work will be carried out individually with several opportunities to work on larger projects and assist or lead Trustees staff or volunteers.

Reports to: Stewardship Manager

Responsibilities (may include but is not limited to the following):

• Construct/repair trail or property structures e.g. trail kiosk, sign boards, fences, footbridges, picnic tables, nest boxes, etc.
• Perform structural repairs/renovations e.g. siding, trim, doors, office and outbuildings
• Assist with design/drawings for future planned construction/renovations
• Maintain workshop in a clean and organized fashion
• Tuning up or repairing power and hand tools
• Log volunteer hours weekly

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of power/hand tools and an understanding of safety
• Ability to work with tools, lumber, and materials
• Ability to organize assigned tasks, for completion alone or with help
• Knowledge of building structures including but not limited to ceilings, windows, frames, roofs, as well as independent structures (such as chicken coops) is necessary
• Some experience and ability in reading as well as drawing plans
• Ability to work alone and as a part of a team
• Solid communication skills to update staff on project status and needs
• Observance of Trustees safety protocol
• Traveling to nearby properties may be necessary

Time Commitment:
Minimum of 10 to 12 hours per month with a 3-month commitment. Flexible schedule. Ideally, volunteer would have some weekday availability to work alongside staff as needed.
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Contact the Volunteer Services Team at [email protected]

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More about The Trustees
Founded by landscape architect Charles Eliot in 1891, The Trustees has, for more than 125 years, been a catalyst for important ideas, endeavors, and progress in Massachusetts. As a steward of distinctive and dynamic places of both historic and cultural value, The Trustees is the nation’s first preservation and conservation organization, and its landscapes and landmarks continue to inspire discussion, innovation, and action today as they did in the past. We are a nonprofit, supported by members, friends and donors and our 116 sites are destinations for residents, members, and visitors alike, welcoming millions of guests annually. www.thetrustees.org.
 
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We are committed to providing a welcoming environment for all. Together, alongside our partners and volunteers we are creating inclusive spaces of community for people of all backgrounds to enjoy and preserving these open spaces for everyone, forever. We are committed to inclusion across race, gender, age, religion, identity, ability, and experience.
 
The Trustees is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal employment opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, age, military service, application for military service, veteran status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable law. The Trustees makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.