Stewardship Manager

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: $65,000 - $75,000 

Hours per week: 40 

Job Classification: Full-Time, exempt 

Job Type: Onsite 

Location: Eleanor Cabot Bradley Estate, Governor Oliver Ames Estate, Francis William Bird Park, Moose Hill Farm, Signal Hill 

What You’ll Do: 

Your Impact: 

Are you ready to serve as a critical team leader to oversee the management and care of the Trustees’ busy and resource diverse properties in Canton, Sharon, Walpole and Easton? Then this role may be for you! 

The Role: 

As Stewardship Manager, you’ll be the hands-on leader ensuring that five of our most treasured properties—including a vibrant public garden and a historic house—thrive for the enjoyment of all who visit. You’ll oversee the care and upkeep of landscapes, buildings, trails, roadways, vehicles, and equipment, making sure each site is safe, welcoming, and well-maintained. Leading a dedicated team of full-time and seasonal stewards, you’ll guide day-to-day operations, foster a culture of excellence and teamwork, and ensure that every visitor has a memorable experience. 

No two days will be the same—you may start by directing seasonal staff on daily tasks, spend part of the day working with property stakeholders, and finish with administrative work like coding bills and keeping operations running smoothly, all while ensuring the grounds look their best for an upcoming wedding. 

Beyond the daily work, you’ll play a key role in monitoring and protecting the land, upholding regulations, and working closely with colleagues and organizational partners to keep these places vibrant and resilient for the future. A big part of your success will come from maintaining effective relationships with a wide range of property stakeholders—such as a preschool operating on-site, advocacy groups like the Friends of Bird Park, event vendors and caterers, and contractors—ensuring that each property’s needs are met while supporting its long-term stewardship. 

This position includes on-site employee housing at the Bradley Estate, where the Stewardship Manager will live as part of their role. 

Specifically, you’ll:  

• Care for every aspect of our properties—landscapes, buildings, trails, roads, vehicles, and equipment—so they remain safe, beautiful, and welcoming for all. 
• Identify and prioritize daily and seasonal maintenance needs, scheduling and carrying out both routine work and larger projects that keep our properties thriving. 
• Manage and collaborate with outside contractors and vendors when needed, including bidding, hiring, and overseeing their work. 
• Lead the year-round care of landscapes, including mowing and lawn care, brush cutting, weeding garden beds, maintaining stone dust pathways, and ensuring safe, accessible roadways and walkways in every season. 
• Hire, train, and mentor stewards, seasonal staff, and volunteers, creating a positive, rewarding team culture where people feel proud of their contributions. 
• Work side-by-side and effectively collaborate with other Trustees’ resource teams on meaningful projects, from invasive species control and trail restoration to building improvements and landscape design. 
• Build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders—including community partners, program organizers, event vendors, and neighbors—balancing multiple priorities to support both property needs and community use. 
• Ensure an exceptional visitor experience by keeping facilities clean, signage clear, and spaces safe and welcoming, while also supporting signature events like Winterlights and weddings. 
• Provide on-call support for weddings every other weekend from mid-May to mid-October. 
• Partner with the Facility Steward to monitor and maintain building systems—including fire and security alarms, HVAC units, pellet and oil-fired boilers, and other essential infrastructure—to keep properties operating smoothly and safely.  

We provide modest funding to support certifications and offer ongoing internal, skills-based training. We encourage lifelong learners to apply. 

This is a full-time, exempt position (40 hours/week) reporting directly to the Senior Regional Stewardship Manager.  

What You’ll Need: 

Skills and Experience: 

• 5–8 years of relevant work experience, including at least 1–3 years in a supervisory role. 
• A bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies, Horticulture, Landscape Maintenance, Property Management, Cultural/Historic Landscapes, or a related field is preferred  — however, we welcome candidates with equivalent hands-on experience that demonstrates strong knowledge and skills in these areas. 
• MA Hoisting 2A, Core Pesticide Applicator, MCA/MCH/MCLP, First Aid/CPR, OSHA 10, Electrical Hazard Awareness Program, Massachusetts Lead-Safe Renovator Supervisor (preferred) 
• Confident in the safe use and maintenance of landscaping equipment (chainsaws, trimmers, brush cutters, mowers, tractors etc.); basic carpentry, painting, and building maintenance skills (preferred) 
• Experience with cultural or historic landscapes and formal landscape maintenance (preferred) 
• Proven ability to hire, manage, and inspire staff and volunteers, balancing independent work with strong team collaboration. 
• Skilled at prioritizing, planning, and executing multiple projects while meeting deadlines and maintaining high standards. Experience managing contractors and overseeing project work on properties, ensuring quality, safety, and alignment with organizational standards. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and strong recordkeeping abilities. 
• Flexible, positive, and mission-driven, with a strong commitment to conservation and the goals of The Trustees. 
• Dedicated to creating and maintaining a culture of safety across all operations. 
• Committed to excellent customer service and enhancing the experience of every visitor. 
• Experience building and managing budgets effectively. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• This position requires residency in provided employee housing at the Bradley Estate to ensure availability for weddings, events, and property needs. 

• Comfortable lifting 50lbs  

• Ability to push and pull heavy objects 

• Comfortable in variable weather conditions 

• 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. Ability to obtain a DOT Medical Card.  

• 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.  

Questions? Contact our People team at [email protected] 

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 [email protected]. 

Your Benefits: 

• Housing: Available, onsite at the Bradley Estate

• Sick time: 120 hours per year 

• Vacation time: 20 days per year (prorated) 

• Holiday time: 12 set 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