Winterlights Production Crew

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: 

Salary/Hourly Rate: $16 -$18 

Hours per week: Variable, up to 40 

Job Classification: Seasonal, Non-Exempt, Limited Term 

Job Type: Onsite 

Duration: September – January 

Location: Bradley Estate, Canton, MA 

What You’ll Do: 

Your Impact: 
This is a great opportunity to be part of one of Massachusetts’ most beloved holiday traditions. Winterlights is presented by The Trustees, whose mission is to protect and share the natural and cultural treasures of Massachusetts. Be a part of bringing joy to thousands of families while working in a beautiful, historic setting. 

The Role: 
Production Crew members install, maintain, and remove holiday lighting and décor throughout the property and support visitor services during Run of Show. This is a hands-on, outdoor role suited for candidates who enjoy physical work and the festive spirit of the season. 

Production Crew positions begin as early as September 15 and continue as late as January 15. This employment window is subject to change depending on site staffing needs.  

Specifically, you’ll: 

Set-Up: September 1- November 26; Hours: Monday – Friday, 8AM- 4PM 

Install holiday lights and seasonal decorations following a detailed design plan 

• Load, unpack, and carry ladders/equipment 

• Wrap trees and shrubs, install whimsical displays of sparkling spheres, snowflakes, and animated figures, install up- and floodlighting, and outline walkways 

• Install festive décor such as wreaths, trees, and garlands throughout the estate grounds and buildings as directed 

• Test lighting systems to ensure full functionality and perform regular maintenance throughout the event season to ensure a high-quality guest experience 

Run of Show: November 28-January 3; Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 3PM – 9PM (Open Wednesdays–Sundays from November 28–January 3; Closed December 24–25, Open on January 1; Additional days available December 22–23 and 29–30) 

• Support visitor experience through admissions, retail, and concessions duties 

• Traffic control, safety patrols, light display monitoring/troubleshooting 

• Ensure clean and functioning facilities 

Break Down: January 6-16; Hours: Monday – Friday, 8AM- 4PM 

• Safely remove and take down all lights and decorations  

• Properly label, inventory, store, and organize lighting equipment and decorations for reuse in future seasons 

At all times 

• Follow all safety protocols to prevent injuries and protect property and equipment 

• Work cooperatively with staff, volunteers, and vendors to meet deadlines and uphold the event’s standards 

• Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation. 

This is a limited term, nonexempt position [up to 40 hours/week] reporting directly to the Regional Events Manager.  

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Required 

• Enthusiasm for outdoor work in all weather conditions 

• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds, climb ladders, and perform physical tasks for extended periods 

• Attention to detail, reliability, and a strong work ethic 

• Ability to follow instructions and work independently or as part of a team 

• Availability evenings and weekends during Run of Show is required 

Preferred 

• Experience with event setup/design, electrical work, landscaping, or theatrical lighting is preferred but not required 

• Point of sale experience (i.e. managing cash registers, Toast, etc) 

• Previous experience in a food service or customer service environment (i.e barista, restaurant, department store).  

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her 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.  

Want to learn more? Set up an informational call with a member of our People Team by emailing people@thetrustees.org. 

Benefits

Your Benefits: 

• 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.