Construction Specialist - The Trustees of Reservations

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. 

Salary Rate: $70,000-$85,000 

Hours per week: 40 

Job Classification: Exempt, Full-Time 

Job Type: Onsite 

Location: Statewide, Massachusetts

A resume and cover letter are required for all applications!

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact: 

As the Construction Specialist and member of The Trustees statewide stewardship team, you’ll ensure the success of projects to preserve, renew, and transform The Trustees special places, including historic homes, museums, and other building and structures. 

The Role: 

As the Construction Specialist, you’ll provide project-based support in various functions including planning, cost estimating, and scope development with a focus on project execution. You’ll oversee a variety of projects, including large scale physical transformations, renovations of existing assets, renewals, and routine maintenance.  

Specifically, you'll:

• Serve as the staff contact for construction contractors and manage contracting services from bid development through project completion. 

• Provide construction oversight on capital and donor-restricted projects. 

• Monitor budget, quality, safety, and timeline-related metrics during project implementation. 

• Navigate necessary permitting approvals and ensure compliance through project completion. 

• Implement decarbonization projects of building stock. 
• Lead internal communication during construction and use existing tools and processes to document approvals and progress. 

• Maintain relationships with contractors and material suppliers on behalf of the organization. 

• Provide expertise on building systems to property and regional teams to establish and maintain best practices. 

• Collaborate and coordinate with property and regional teams on annual priorities and scheduling of work. 

• Act as a thought partner in scoping site-specific property projects and connecting with contractors and material sources. 

• Work in tandem with site staff to pursue all necessary permitting approvals and regulatory reviews for projects. 

• Play a key role in the Baseline Standard Assessment goals of the organization, collaborating with property stewards to conduct ongoing conditions assessments of buildings and structures across the state. 

• Assist in determining the remaining useful life of assets’ components and identify physical deficiencies. 

• Document the projected scope and cost estimate to address needs of assets. 

• Implement best practices on the long-term care and renewal of buildings and structures and advise property stewards on care of building assets. 

• Provide support to property-based staff to expand field capacity for self-perform activities, with the goal of supporting property stewards in achieving site-specific goals. 

This is a full-time, exempt position, 40 hours a week, reporting directly to the Project Director on the Capital Planning and Projects team.  

Requirements

What You’ll Need: 

Skills and Experience: 

• 1-3 years of experience in the field of construction  

• 1-3 years of supervisory experience (preferred) 

• Technical/working knowledge of building systems 

• Ability to be involved in multiple projects with changing priorities  

• Strong problem-solving ability 

• Knowledge of construction materials, tools and equipment 

• Understanding of historic preservation principles 

• A keen interest in developing and maintaining working relationships 

• Experience and knowledge in regulatory compliance and permitting processes 

• Preferred:
• Experience with implementing building decarbonization strategies 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Construction Supervisor license or the interest in pursuing license for the role

• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by their first day of employment. 

• A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy. [if needed] 

• 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.  

Want to learn more? Set up an informational call with a member of our People Team by emailing people@thetrustees.org. 

Benefits

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.  
• Dental and vision insurance

• 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.