Refuge Manager

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the 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.

About Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge: 

Stretching across 1,117 acres of barrier beach, maritime forest, dunes, marshes, and coastal ponds, Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge is one of Nantucket’s most ecologically significant landscapes. Managed in partnership with the Nantucket Conservation Foundation (NCF) and the US Fish and Wildlife Service, it provides critical habitat for rare shorebirds and other wildlife, while offering thousands of visitors a chance to experience the pristine, diverse, and beautiful beach ecosystem.  beauty of Nantucket’s north shore. 

Salary/Hourly Rate: $68,668-$88,313  

Housing: Housing is available

Hours per week: 40

Job Classification: Full-Time, Exempt

Job Type: Onsite

Location: Nantucket, MA

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

Are you ready to live and work where the land meets the sea—helping protect one of Massachusetts’ most treasured coastal landscapes? As the Refuge Manager, you’ll lead the daily management and long-term stewardship of Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge, balancing ecological protection, visitor engagement, and operational excellence. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a leader who thrives in the outdoors, values community connection, and wants to make a tangible impact in conservation. 

The Role:  

As Refuge Manager, you’ll plan, organize, and manage stewardship and business operations of the 1,117-acre Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge with approximately 10 miles of pristine barrier beach, old-growth maritime forest, dunes, ponds, and marshes. This is a full-time, exempt position (40 hours per week) reporting directly to the Islands Director as part of the Southeast and Islands Regional team.  

Specifically, you will: 

Lead and Inspire 

• Oversee all operations, stewardship, and visitor services at Coskata-Coatue Wildlife Refuge. 

• Hire, train, and supervise a Beach Operations Lead and a staff of 10-12 seasonal rangers, maintenance staff, and gatehouse attendants, fostering a culture of teamwork, safety, and environmental stewardship. 

• Serve as an ambassador for The Trustees—modeling a welcoming, educational, and mission-driven visitor experience. 

Protect and Steward 

• Manage the refuge’s sensitive coastal ecosystems, ensuring compliance with state and federal protections for rare and endangered species and wetlands.  

• Implement and monitor beach management plans, oversand vehicle (OSV) access, and storm-related closures to balance public enjoyment with habitat protection. 

• Coordinate with The Trustees’ Ecology and Stewardship teams on habitat restoration, invasive species control, and wildlife monitoring. 

Engage and Educate 

• Collaborate with the Islands Education Manager to deliver programs—including daily Coskata-Coatue Natural History Tours—that connect visitors to the refuge’s natural and cultural significance. 

• Work with community partners, including NCF, the Town of Nantucket, and local associations, to build strong relationships and shared conservation goals. 

• Support volunteer programs and public engagement initiatives that promote stewardship and awareness of coastal resilience. 

Operate and Grow 

• Oversee daily refuge operations, facilities maintenance, and visitor safety—including the refuge house, office, trails, and beach infrastructure. 

• Manage budgets, payroll, and financial records; support enterprise revenue and membership growth goals. 

• Lead on-site retail and event operations (including the annual Sunset Soirée development fundraiser) to enhance visitor experience and raise vital support for refuge management. 

• Collaborate with local emergency responders, ensuring readiness for storms, marine hazards, and other risk scenarios. 

What You'll Need:

Skills and Experience: 

• College degree in Environmental Studies, Marine Conservation, and/or Recreation Management (preferred) 

• Strong leadership and at least 5 years of supervisory experience in recreational management or another natural resource field, hospitality, or related setting. 

• Experience managing public visitation on conservation lands with customer service and ecological protection.  

• Demonstrated success in creating an inspiring team environment with an open communication culture. 

• Critical thinking, adaptability, and active listening skills. 

• Exceptionally strong customer service, relationship building, management, and communication skills. 

• Demonstrated track record of successful community engagement. 

• Capable of effectively handling high-pressure situations. 

• Strong computer skills, some knowledge of point-of-sale systems, and a general aptitude for technology. 

• A quick and independent learner, able to pick up things on the job and quickly adapt to new situations. 

• An eye for detail, as well as the ability to look at the ‘big picture’ and be able to guide staff towards a common goal. 

• Knowledge of maintenance, basic mowers, landscaping equipment, and experience in trailering. 

• Additional experience/background in the following areas is a plus: ecology, travel/tourism, beach management, service industry, teambuilding, marine mammal protection, and outdoor facilities. 

Other:                                      

• Evening, weekend, and some holiday work is required. 

• Chainsaw and basic carpentry skills desirable. Training can be provided. 

• CPR and First Aid training preferred, training provided 

• Variable outdoor weather conditions.  

• Ability to lift 40 pounds consistently required. 

• Ability to be on feet up to 10 hours per day. 

 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.

Your Benefits: 

• Housing: Housing is available 
• 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  

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].