Seasonal Laborer I – Hostler (Mounted Unit) - Summer 2026

Job Position – Laborer I – Hostler – Short-term-seasonal – Summer 2026

- External

Position: Laborer I – Hostler (Mounted Unit)

Start Date: May 24, 2026

End Date: September 7, 2026

Please note, if you are selected for this position and will be working less than 90 days, the position will automatically revert to a short-term position. Our short-term positions are not part of the salary scale that is advertised within this job posting. Should this position revert to a short-term seasonal position (less than 90 days), your salary rate will be discussed with you during the interview phase of the process.

About the Department of Conservation and Recreation:

The Department of Conservation and Recreation’s mission is to protect, promote and enhance our commonwealth of natural, cultural and recreational resources for the well-being of all. DCR is steward to one of the largest and most diverse state parks systems in the nation which includes more than 450,000 acres of parks, forests, water supply protection lands, beaches, lakes, ponds, playgrounds, swimming pools, skating rinks, trails, golf courses and parkways. DCR strives to be an exemplary leader in conservation and recreation. DCR’s staff is passionate, dedicated, and continuously employs best practices that are informed by expertise, and creates a sense of place.

The Department of Conservation and Recreation seeks qualified applicants for the position of Park Ranger assigned to the agency's Mounted Unit. The Ranger will conduct mounted patrol, programs, special and ceremonial events, at assigned park(s) to promote compliance with regulations, provide visitor information, provide for the safety of visitors and protection of the natural, cultural and park resources, prepare and conduct education programs, lead walks, participate in special events and any other duties to carry out the mission of the Bureau of Ranger Services.

Duties:

Under the general direction of the Hostler’s Mounted Unit Commander (MUC), Hostlers are responsible for;

General care responsibilities for horse, including but not limited to:

1.Feeding.

2.Watering.

3.Grooming.

4.Exercising.

5.Mucking, stripping and maintaining stalls as required by prescribed schedule.

6.Report and document any injuries or unusual behavior of horses to the

MUC.

7.Maintains basic health of horses, including but not limited to sheath cleaning.

8.Contact vet through authorization of MUC.

9.Administers minor medications to treat sick or injured horses as directed by

MUC.

10.Maintains stable and surrounding premises, including but not limited to fence

repairs and landscaping.

11.Maintains equipment to operate stable and house facility.

12.Maintains horse equipment by cleaning, stripping, oiling and performing minor repair.

13.Maintains daily documentation of stable duties.

14.Maintains inventory and reports when supplies are low.

15.Transports horses to destination when assigned.

16.Maintains and cleans vehicles and trailers assigned to ranger mounted unit;

e.g. check oil, gas, brakes, lights, etc.

17.Ensures that horses are prepared to be transported at required time; e.g.

properly groomed, required riding equipment loaded on vehicle, horses loaded

on trailer, vehicle and trailer in safe operating condition, etc.

18.Perform related duties as required.

Qualifications:

1.Ability to understand and follow simple oral and written instructions.

2.Ability to work in a team setting.

3.Manual dexterity, physical stamina and endurance.

4.Ability to work in a dusty environment.

5.Willingness and ability to lift and carry heavy objects.

6.Willingness and ability to work under exposure to adverse weather conditions.

7.Skill in using simple motorized equipment such as blowers, snow blowers, lawnmowers, forklifts, dollies, etc.

8.Skill in using small hand tools such as pliers, hammers, screwdrivers, wrenches, etc.

9.Ability to provide park visitors with general assistance, directions, information on MDC park’sactivities and services.

10.Ability to provide park visitors with information on the historical, cultural, and feature.

11.Ability to promote park programming.

12.Ability to communicate effectively with the public.

13.Ability to provide and perform emergency assistance, such as CPR and First Aid.

Preferred Qualifications Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

§Ability to stand and walk for prolong periods of time.

§Ability to successfully complete the agency's Mounted Unit – Stable Management/Horse Husbandry Certification Program.

§Ability to work in the environment of a horse stable and paddocks including, but not limited to, being around animals/horses, hay, shavings, horse products, and having the ability to have 5-gallon water containers/buckets, lift up to 50lbs to include bales of hay, shavings and grain bags, and working in extreme weather conditions.

§Ability and Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office tools.

§Must have at least six months of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in performing manual labor in connection with general maintenance of large breed horses.

Qualifications

§Commitment to work Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Weekend on a 40hrs/week schedule.

§Considered essential personnel: working holidays, weekends, emergency days, etc. as horse unit needs required.

Minimum Entrance Requirements

Applicants must have at least:

(A) two years of full-time, or equivalent part-time experience in park or resource management, environmental education, water resources or water supply management, or natural/cultural history interpretation or

(B) any equivalent combination of the required experience and the substitutions below.

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics? Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.

Official Title: Laborer I (Hostler - Mounted Unit)

Primary Location:United States-Massachusetts-Milton-705 Hillside Street

Job: Animal Care/Labor

Agency:Department of Conservation & Recreation

Shift:Day

Number of Openings:1

If you have Diversity, Affirmative Action or Equal Employment Opportunity questions or need a Reasonable Accommodation, please contact Diversity Officer / ADA Coordinator:Moneesha Dasgupta-6176450358

Confidential:No

Potentially Eligible for a Hybrid Work Schedule:No

First consideration will be given to those applicants that apply within the first 14 days.

Minimum Entrance Requirements: None

Comprehensive Benefits

When you embark on a career with the Commonwealth, you are offered an outstanding suite of employee benefits that add to the overall value of your compensation package. We take pride in providing a work experience that supports you, your loved ones, and your future.

Want the specifics?Explore our Employee Benefits and Rewards!

An Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action Employer. Females, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. Research suggests that qualified women, Black, Indigenous, and Persons of Color (BIPOC) may self-select out of opportunities if they don't meet 100% of the job requirements. We encourage individuals who believe they have the skills necessary to thrive to apply for this role.