Position Description
Cultural Resources Specialist, Western Region
Central MA, Pioneer Valley, Berkshires
At The Trustees of Reservations, "Cultural Resources" include the buildings, features, landscapes, archives, decorative arts collections, archaeological resources, folklore and other features that tell the story of people and the land. The Western Region Cultural Resources Specialist (WRCRS) guides the stewardship of these resources within a landscape stretching from I-495 to the New York State border. The reservations, their histories, and the landscapes in which they are situated are diverse. The Specialist will have the opportunity to bring their cultural resource stewardship expertise to historic homes, formal gardens, farms, woodlands, wildlands and recreational and educational enterprises in rural, suburban, and urban landscapes.
The WRCRS plays a critical role in working with and supporting regional staff to develop and implement strategies that foster a deep connection to the cultural heritage of our properties, engaging volunteers, supporters, partners, and the general public in the research, conservation and preservation of cultural landscapes, historic structures, collections and archives.
As stated in The Trustees' most recent strategic plan, we make sustainability the centerpiece of all we do—in land conservation, cultural resource preservation, public education, and other initiatives. The Trustees define "sustainability" as living in ways that ensure the health and vitality of our communities and our planet—not just for today, but for generations to come. We believe that a strong relationship between people enhances an individual's commitment to preservation, conservation and sustainability, and is fundamental to the creation of sustainable communities. All of our work is informed by this directive. As we strive to steward our cultural resources and uphold our institutional priorities, we will combine the best of the past, the present and the future in developing creative, innovative and professionally responsible standards for our cultural resources.
The WRCRS reports to the Regional Director of the Western Region, works very closely with The Trustees' Cultural Resources Program Director, Director of Buildings and Technology, Statewide Curator, and Archivist and is a member of both the Western Region Management Team and the statewide Cultural Resources staff team. The WRCRS is expected to travel across the region and state as needed to carry out their region-wide responsibilities.
Essential Functions include:
1. Provide leadership in articulating a regional vision for cultural resources that is integrated with The Trustees statewide cultural resources strategy. Mobilize this vision internally via collaborations with staff and volunteers and externally through strategic partnerships and community relations.
2. Oversee cultural resource management at properties across the region and collaborate with staff and colleagues in developing both specific and region-wide strategies for excellent care of these resources. This includes providing a) input on statewide policy, b) stewardship and guidance for local property managers, and c) periodic/episodic hands-on care of the resources.
3. With colleagues, develop creative communication and engagement strategies around our cultural resources and their preservation that attract, educate, and delight visitors, partners, and the public into the care and conservation of The Trustees' special places and sustainable communities.
4. Oversee the implementation and enforcement of policies, standards, and guidelines that strengthen The Trustees' cultural resource protection efforts in the Western Region, including the maintenance of object accession and catalog records and supporting the work at The Trustees' Archives and Research Center.
The WCRS provides leadership in cultural resource and cultural landscape stewardship within the Western Region and has specific responsibilities that include, but are not limited to:
· Represent The Trustees' Cultural Resources Program within the community.
· Participate in campaigns and ongoing Advancement strategies including the pursuit and management of grants.
· Recruit and utilize a diverse group of volunteers, supporters, and partners in furthering collections management, landscape stewardship, research, and interpretation goals.
· Participate in planning efforts related to The Trustees' properties and programs in the region.
· Collaborate with staff in prioritizing and pursuing capital repairs and renewal, as needed.
· Perform or direct special projects, as requested and carry out other duties, as assigned.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
1. Demonstrated program and project leadership, including the ability to work with and motivate a team of diverse professionals and volunteers to produce a high quality outcome on time and on budget.
2. Demonstrated ability to manage cultural resources and supervise cultural resource programs, including management of grants.
3. Demonstrated knowledge of trends in cultural site interpretation and visitation and an ability and willingness to be creative, flexible, fun, and innovative in the quest to engage and mobilize the public around The Trustees' cultural resources.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of cultural resource conservation and applied practice.
5. Strong working knowledge of the historic and cultural features of the Massachusetts landscape.
6. Demonstrated skills in problem-solving and strategic analysis and planning.
7. Excellent interpersonal skills and strength in oral and written communications and the management of multiple tasks.
8. A proven passionate commitment to the values, mission, and purposes represented by The Trustees.
Required Experience and Education
- Advanced degree in cultural resource management, protection, planning, or a related field.
- 3-5 years experience with a history of increasing responsibilities in cultural resource management and planning. Demonstrated ability to undertake the varied and technical tasks of stewarding historic sites and cultural resources
- Working knowledge of sustainable best practices in historic preservation, collections care, site stewardship , architectural conservation, and historic landscape management
- Ability to work flexible schedule, including weekends when necessary
- Good communication, organization and collaborative skills,
Benefits, Work Schedule and Salary
As a full-time employee, the Cultural Resources Specialist is eligible for benefits provided by The Trustees. The position is a full-time, exempt position. It requires frequent travel across the Western Region and periodically, the state. Minimal administrative support is available so the workload will include a range of administrative tasks. Periodic work on weekends, evenings required. Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications and experience.
TTOR's Underlying Values
The Trustees of Reservations aims to create a thriving, inclusive workplace that a) values each member of our team and b) reflects and effectively serves the diverse residents and communities of Massachusetts. We believe that people and communities are strongly connected to place; that it is our mission to foster stronger connections between communities and their natural and cultural heritage; that climate change is a serious threat to our mission and the sustainability of the landscape, and that we must work to catalyze widespread action to offset this threat. To succeed, The Trustees must be a broadly inclusive organization that engages and serves the many different communities of Massachusetts.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to fairness and equity throughout our internal operations. Inclusion and diversity are priorities in our Strategic Plan and we are currently finalizing a detailed blueprint to strengthen and continue to diversify our team and expand the constituency for all facets of our work.
About the Organization
The mission of the Trustees of Reservations is to preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. A small band of visionary volunteers founded the organization in 1891 and it has evolved into a complex organization with 180 year-round employees who are led by a volunteer governance structure and supported by over 45,000 member households. We care for over 100 properties which comprise more than 25,000 acres and monitor over 300 Conservation Restrictions protecting another 17,000 acres.
To apply please send your resume and cover letter to:
Cynthia Sommer
The Trustees of Reservations
193 High Street
Holyoke, MA 01040
Email: csommer@ttor.org
Please let us know how you heard about the job in your cover letter. No phone calls please.
No comments:
Post a Comment