Facilities Steward

Facilities Steward 

Stewardship 

Southeast Region, Massachusetts 

Who We Are: 

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is Massachusetts’ 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: $24-$26/hour 

Housing: Optional onsite housing is available for reduced rent at various properties within the region. 

Hours per week: 40 

Job Classification: Full-Time, Nonexempt 

Job Type: Onsite, travel required between properties within the Southeast region 

Location: Southeast Region, Massachusetts.  

• Bradley Estate, Canton, MA

• Weir River Farm, Hingham, MA

What You’ll Do: 

Your Impact:  

As a Facilities Steward your work will ensure the continued care and maintenance of our historic Southeast buildings and properties and the operation and magic of one of our most beloved signature events, Winterlights at the Bradley Estate. 

The Role: 

As a Facilities Steward at The Trustees, you’ll focus on the routine maintenance of buildings and structures within the Southeast Region and support events and programming at the Elenor Cabot Bradley Estate in Canton, including Winterlights, our yearly signature lighting event. You’ll be responsible for identifying resource care needs, completing maintenance tasks, and supporting visitor services infrastructure to ensure visitors have an enjoyable and safe experience at our properties. You’ll also complete projects to care for facilities, structures, landscapes, equipment, and other natural and cultural features as needed. Additionally, the Facilities Steward will manage a team of 4-5 seasonal staff to install, care for, and take down our annual Winterlights display. 

Specifically, you’ll: 

• Complete routine maintenance functions including building exterior/interior, building systems, pathways/parking/entrances, painting and finishes, janitorial, waste management, repairs and other tasks as needed or assigned.
• Create and implement a long-term proactive maintenance plan for the buildings within the Southeast Region
• Coordinate service contracts and compliance/permitting of buildings systems including HVAC, fire safety, plumbing, septic, commercial kitchen, and pest management
• Provide oversight, quality assurance, and supervisory responsibilities for seasonal or contract staff as assigned.
• Coordinate with Engagement staff to understand schedule of events and programs to schedule vendors and contractors accordingly.
• Contribute to the development of operational standards and best practices for management of facilities within the Southeast Region
• Convey and advance local property care priorities with direct supervisor and contribute to annual planning, budgeting, and work scheduling systems
• Coordinate with local/regional stewardship teams to share resources (equipment, vendor relationships) and advance site-based stewardship goals and support regional, and statewide stewardship objectives.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with statewide stewardship teams and project managers to provide vendor access, support project communications, and other activity as needed
• Effectively collaborate and communicate with Engagement Staff and Regional Vice President teams through dotted line reporting structure

Winterlights Support and Maintenance (November-January): 

Installation & Setup  

• Supervise and participate in the installation of light displays and infrastructure across multiple acres of outdoor space and the estate house
• Coordinate with the creative and production teams to ensure designs are properly executed
• Collaborate with the Winterlights Event Manager on the development of a master staffing plan and timeline for design implementation
• Manage the seasonal Winterlights installation team, ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of the design plan
• Interpret layout plans, lighting schematics, and technical documentation
• Oversee power distribution, cable runs, control boxes, and timers

Run of Show  

• Conduct daily system checks and routine maintenance throughout the festival
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to lighting, power, or equipment failures
• Respond promptly to any on-site emergencies or outages during public hours
• Monitor weather-related concerns and implement protective measures when necessary
• Keep communication open with operations teams to ensure smooth nightly performance

Breakdown & Storage  

• Lead the safe and organized deinstallation of all lighting elements and infrastructure
• Oversee packing, labeling, and inventorying of gear for off-season storage
• Ensure all equipment is accounted for, properly maintained, and ready for next season

This is a full-time, nonexempt position (40 hours per week) reporting directly to the Stewardship Manager. 

What You’ll Need: 

Skills and Experience: 

• 1-3 years of professional experience in property maintenance, landscaping, facilities management, building trade, mechanics, or other experience related to the position.
• Ability to work independently, unsupervised, to complete assigned tasks and projects, meet deadlines, and manage multiple tasks with a focus on detail-orientated work
• Basic computer skills and ability to keep good records, familiarity with Microsoft Office Suite.
• A positive attitude, willingness to be flexible, and a commitment to achieving the goals of The Trustees.
• A commitment to be safety aware, to work safely at all times, and to create a culture of safety.
• High regard for teamwork, collegiality, customer service, and visitor experience.
• Strong collaboration skills across properties and with teams across the organization
• Ability to coordinate with vendors and contractors to support building systems
• Mid-level carpentry, painting, and finish work skills
• Experience maintaining cultural/historic buildings and is a plus.
• Massachusetts Hoisting License – 2A (preferred) or willingness to obtain
• OSHA 10 Hour General Industry (preferred) or willingness to obtain
• CPR/First Aid & AED (preferred)

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 valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy.
• This role will be driving vehicles over 10k lbs.
• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check.
• Willingness to work some nights and weekends.

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.  

Questions? Contact our People team at people@thetrustees.org 

Your Benefits:  

• Sick time: 15 days per year
• Vacation time: 20 days per year
• Holidays: 12 observed holidays, 3 floating
• Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offers additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave
• Life Insurance
• 401k with 5% match after 1 year of employment
• Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.
• 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.
• Day of Wonder: Spend one workday per year to exploring a Trustees property
• Day of Service: Spend one workday per year to helping with a project at a Trustees property

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 accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.