The Trustees of Reservations is looking for a House Manager and Lead Interpreter to

support the day-to-day operations of the Naumkeag house and gardens. The House

Manager will provide leadership to a group of interpreters and engage visitors directly

through interpretation of their own, in order to bring the stories of this very special place

to life. They are responsible for ensuring that all interpretive staff are making positive

and effective connections between our visitors and our special places, by engaging

visitors through interactive and multi-sensory strategies that provoke, excite and inspire.

With views of Monument Mountain, original artwork, a shingle-style house, and a

stunning collection of gardens created over 30 years by renowned modern landscape

architect Fletcher Steele and Joseph Choate’s daughter, Miss Mabel Choate,

Naumkeag is a quintessential country estate of the Gilded Age. Bequeathed in its

entirety in 1959 – from furniture to garden tools – Naumkeag offers an unforgettable

experience for visitors to explore.

Today, we aim to bring the stories of special places like this to life, and make

connections between our visitors and the unique spirit of each place through interactive

and multi-sensory strategies that provoke rather than instruct.

Essential Functions:

The House Manager and Lead Interpreter is responsible for:

 Welcoming and orienting visitors, acting as an ambassador for the site and The

Trustees of Reservations, providing excellent customer service and promoting

membership

 Establishing positive visitor experiences and providing excellent customer service

 Leading and facilitating interpretive experiences for visitors of all ages, including

interactive guided tours and other participatory activities

 Opening the house each morning; shutting down and securing the house each

evening

 Ensuring that staff and facilities are prepared and presentable for visitors during

all hours of operation

 Staffing and setup of on-site programs and events including, but not limited to,

workshops, performances and lectures

 Providing leadership to interpretive staff while establishing a positive, productive,

and harmonious work environment

 Conducting ongoing evaluations and mentoring of interpretive staff

 Ensuring that interpretive themes for house and landscape tours are being

clearly and accurately articulated and delivered by interpretive staff

 Following best practices in safety, collections care and security, in order to

protect the house, gardens, collections, staff and visitors

 Advising the Engagement Manager of any problems, maintenance needs, supply

shortages or personnel problems as necessary

 Consulting with the Engagement Manager in resolving problems and making

decisions appropriate for the smooth running of the site

 Participating in regular trainings and team meetings that provide professional skill

development, inform staff of interpretive philosophies and techniques that

improve visitor experiences at each site, and update staff on current

developments at The Trustees of Reservations

 Participating in guided research and ongoing study of the history and cultural

context of the site

 Promoting the mission of The Trustees of Reservations and our work;

encouraging guests to join us as members in preserving special places across

the state of Massachusetts

 Other duties as assigned with or without accommodation.

Qualifications:

House Manager and Lead Interpreters:

Education and Experience:

 have 1-3 years experience with a teaching, museum, leadership, or customer

service background

 possess a Bachelor’s degree in history, education, or a related field (preferred,

but not required)

Skills/Qualifications:

 have finely-tuned leadership skills

 have the ability to handle multiple tasks and the unexpected with a calm

demeanor

 are cheerful; with a good sense of humor

 have the skill to work with staff, volunteers and visitors comfortably and

welcomingly

 are able to make decisions as necessary, while knowing when to ask for help

 are friendly, active listeners with excellent conversational and public speaking

skills

 enjoy engaging visitors through multi-sensory interpretive techniques including

storytelling, hands-on activities, and interactive discussion

 are intellectually curious and open to learning and sharing new things

 are professional and team-oriented

 are respectful of all visitors and able to provide exceptional customer service

 are flexible and willing to meet the needs and interests of visitors

 are self-reflective and eager to continuously improve job skills

 are reliable and committed to the position, the site team, and the mission of The

Trustees of Reservations

 are CPR certified and possess first aid training

 have the flexibility to work on weekends, weekdays and some evenings

This is a part-time, seasonal position, expected to begin in May and end in October.

Daytime, weekend and some evening hours are required. This position requires the

ability to lift 40 pounds, stand and walk for long periods of time, climb steep inclines and

multiple flights of stairs, and work indoors and outdoors in inclement, hot, and cold

conditions. The Trustees offers competitive salaries and the opportunity to be part of a

dedicated team across the Commonwealth who love the outdoors, who love the

distinctive charms of New England, and who believe in celebrating and protecting our

special places, for everyone, forever.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and salary requirements

via email to:

Andrian Paquette, apaquette@ttor.org

– OR –

by mail to: The Trustees of Reservations, Attn: Andrian Paquette, PO Box 792,

Stockbridge MA 01262

No phone calls please.

In addition to being an Equal Opportunity Employer, The Trustees of Reservations aim

to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that values each member of our team. We

aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts

who are at the core of our mission.