Project Manager, Landscapes and Structures

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: $80,000-$90,000 

Hours per week: 40 

Job Classification: Exempt, Full-Time 

Job Type: Hybrid

Location: Statewide, Massachusetts

A cover letter and resume are required for all applications!

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

As a Project Manager, Structures and Landscapes, at The Trustees, you’ll help maintain more than 300 mission-related buildings and structures, 550 acres of designed landscapes, and hundreds of other types of non-building structures throughout the more than 120 reservations and 25,000 acres statewide. This is your chance to contribute to the preservation and care of The Trustees' iconic special places, working in some of the most beautiful areas of Massachusetts. 

The Role:

As the Project Manager you’ll focus on stewardship excellence, working with the Landscapes and Structures Project Team and in collaboration with regional stewardship staff and program specialists to develop best practices and standards, oversee condition assessments and evaluations, support property and capital planning efforts, and ensure excellence in the implementation and delivery of project management related to structures and landscapes.  

Specifically, you’ll:

Project Management

• Oversee and direct capital construction projects for building, structures, and designed landscapes across the state. 
• Lead a multi-disciplinary project team of Trustees staff and professionals to guide projects through all phases of development from conceptual design/planning through construction administration.  
• Ensure that upon completion all projects have completed occupancy requirements, have been documented completely, and can be handed off to stewardship staff with appropriate knowledge of ongoing routine care.  
• Understand and analyze project schedule deliverables.  
• Track project expenses and provide routine updates on project status.  
• Inspect structural and landscape work during and post project to ensure that it adheres to original plans, is compliant with contract, and meets code requirements.  
• Be aware of and concerned with safety in the workplace and business continuity, and limit impacts to property stewardship, public programing, and general operations.  

Standards, Best Practices, and Planning  

• Work collaboratively with cultural resource, stewardship teams, and property managers to develop and refine best management practices and standards for designed landscapes and structural resources.  
• Conduct structures and designed landscapes condition assessments based on Trustees standards and accepted best practices.  
• Create work orders for structures and designed landscape condition indicators that do not meet baseline standards and develop a scope of work, specifications, and cost estimates to address deficiencies.  
• Create and update unit cost tables and estimation tools for specialist teams and property managers.  
• Evaluate and provide guidance on the spatial arrangement of existing and proposed land features and structures and appropriate materials for use in landscapes.  
• Analyze environmental reports on land conditions, such as drainage and energy usage.

This is a full-time, exempt position (40 hours per week) reporting directly to the Structures and Landscapes Project Director. 

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in design, project management, or related field. Alternatively, a commensurate amount of relevant professional experience. 

• Five years of landscape construction, property stewardship, and project management experience, including but not limited to contract negotiations, construction means and methods, and regulations and codes (local, state, and federal).  

• Knowledge and experience of routine maintenance best practices for structures and landscapes.  

• Ability to manage and motivate people, as well as be able to work harmoniously and collaboratively with other Trustees staff as well as volunteers.  

• Exceptional communication skills including ability to listen well and respond appropriately, working independently on a variety of projects.  

• Ability to plan and see the “big picture”, recognizing the impact of choices on the local and organizational level.  

• Ability to manage projects effectively delivering quality in a timely manner and within budgetary parameters. 

• Working knowledge of building systems as well as experience with decarbonization efforts a plus. 

• Familiarity with project management software applications, GIS software, PeopleGIS, and CAD software a plus. 

• Experience with the preservation, restoration, and adaptive re-use of historically significant buildings and cultural landscapes is a plus. 

• Must be able to work in variable outdoor weather conditions. 
• Position requires travel across the state; access to a personal vehicle required. 

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.

• 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 people@thetrustees.org

Your Benefits:

• Sick time: 80 hours

• Vacation time: 15 days per year.

• Early release time: 36 hours per year.

• Floating holidays/personal days: 15 Floating Holidays (13 observed holidays; 2 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- 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 accommodations during the application or interview process, please contact us at people@thetrustees.org.