About Boscobel

Museum Guide

Boscobel Guides are expert storytellers who connect audiences to the museum and the important cultural resources that it protects and shares.  As Boscobel’s primary providers of Personal Facilitated Experiences, they are the most prominent representative of Boscobel to many visitors.  It is essential that Guides are hospitable and show personal warmth toward all visitors. They must be knowledgeable, enthusiastic, have good communication and teaching skills, be willing to work as a team, and project a professional image.

Guides are required to master the materials in the Museum Guide manual and in training sessions, as well as review relevant books and research materials in the staff library, to develop an engaging and accurate guided tour.

Guides are required to dress in accordance with personnel policy. They must be available to work at least three weekend days per month when the property is open to the public, especially peak season in May-October, occasional evenings, and major events on/around holidays such as Earth Day, July 4th, and winter holidays. Position reports to the Assistant Curator.

Specific duties to be performed:

• Lead Guided Tours of the Historic House Museum, Grounds, and Gallery, and/or provide informal verbal interpretation responsive to guest interest and according to Interpretive Plan
• Support other programming and outreach initiatives such as social media, digital guides, community events, fundraisers, private rentals, and the onsite farmers’ market 
• Keep public and staff spaces within the museum clean and orderly; notify relevant staff immediately to problems (uncomfortable temperatures, disruptions, messiness, etc.)
• Staff and monitor galleries and enforce Visitor Guidelines (confirm admission status, no touching collection objects, no pets, etc.)
• Protect the collection and monitor and report any condition variances
• Report accidents to appropriate staff and/or emergency personnel and fill out an emergency report for incidents they witness or are directly involved in
  

• Report missing objects or other collections/interpretation problems to the Assistant Curator and/or Executive Director
• Attend scheduled Guide and all-staff meetings and training sessions 
• All other duties as required

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Service-centric mindset
• Exceptional ability to retain and communicate information; multiple languages a plus
• Ability to maintain a highly professional, positive, and flexible mindset and demeanor
• Eagerness to learn and work independently and collaborate as part of a team

• Must be able to navigate on foot the historic site without assistance, including stairs, tight spaces, and uneven terrain; and stand for at least two hours
• Must be able to open, read, and respond to emails in a timely manner
• Scheduling availability

 Compensation and Benefits for qualified applicants:

• Hourly rate range of $17.00-$17.50 depending on proficiency
• Staff discount in museum store
• Access and free admission to numerous museums and cultural institutions
• Professional development opportunities

Boscobel is committed to diversifying its audience and workforce. Veterans and candidates of any gender, ethnicity, race, religion, and cultural background are encouraged to apply.  To apply, please send your resume to curatorial@boscobel.org.

Facilities Manager

The Facilities Manager is responsible for the overall maintenance, security, operations, and preservation of Boscobel’s buildings, grounds, technical systems, and rental properties. This position provides leadership and oversight for maintenance and security staff; supports programs, events, and exhibitions; and ensures that the 112-acre site is maintained to the highest standards of safety, functionality, and historic integrity.  This role requires a combination of administrative management and hands-on work, including the operation of equipment, physical labor outdoors in all weather conditions, and availability to support operations during days, nights, weekends, and holidays.

This position reports to the Deputy Director of Operations and Facilities and keeps her/him informed weekly of departmental progress on assigned projects, sitewide maintenance, emergency situations, and purchases.  The FM schedules, supervises, and ensures the ongoing development of a team of part and full-time Maintenance Technicians along with hiring and overseeing seasonal and contract help as budgeted.  S/he demonstrates exemplary organization, communication, and interpersonal skills to collaborate effectively with every department, clients, tenants, and vendors to achieve the museum’s strategic and financial targets. This individual should be a self-starter, able to anticipate and resolve potential conflicts between the museum’s site, mission, and operations, and client/vendor/guest expectations.  

The Facilities Manager position is envisioned as a year-round, full-time, non-exempt position averaging 40 hours/week and at least one weekend day onsite per week.  All Boscobel employees are expected to work certain holiday, evening, and weekend programs throughout the year including Chamber Music Festival events, holiday Twilight Tours, Independence Day concert, and other events as needed.

Program Support, Safety, and Security (30%)

• Ensure property security, including controlling the main gate and other access points; opening and closing all buildings; examining museum interiors to ensure proper conditions and accountability of art objects; activating/deactivating alarms; and monitoring onsite activity.
• Assist the Curator and/or Collections Manager with gallery preparations, exhibition installation and de-installation, and object handling/transport as directed.
• Coordinate with all departments to provide set-ups, deliveries, and other services necessary for programs and events.
• Respond to risk and emergencies proactively and promptly; advise appropriate parties; build and maintain relationships with local emergency response entities.
• Coordinate stewardship and security requirements with outside entities using Boscobel facilities, including the Cold Spring Farmers’ Market, private rental clients, and vendors.
  

Maintenance (40%)

• Plan, schedule, and lead volunteer workdays, providing training, guidance, and on-site oversight for trail restoration, invasive species removal, and routine grounds upkeep.
• Maintain the two single-family rental properties owned by Boscobel.
• Support, implement, and maintain the agreed horticultural strategy and support programs such as the Philipstown Garden Club as they relate to gardens and grounds.
• Maintain the site to the highest possible standards, including:
  • Planting and caring for trees and plants as outlined in the Master Plan
  • Maintaining the beauty and integrity of historic structures
  • Keeping the site as free as possible of invasive plants, litter, and unwanted animal/insect populations
  • Managing snow and ice removal, and all weather-related issues
• Maintain the inventory, operational state, and safe use of maintenance equipment and supplies such as snow blowers, tractors, lawn maintenance equipment, and power tools.

Repairs & Capital Improvements (15%)

• Implement, manage, and communicate the museum’s schedule of repairs and capital improvements, including infrastructure, buildings, and technical systems.
• Gather accurate estimates for vendor contracts; share with the Deputy Director; and, upon approval, confirm that all contracted work is completed as specified.

Administrative (15%)

• Schedule, train, and supervise the maintenance staff; supervise staff to ensure coverage and that all rounds and tasks are completed, even in the Facilities Manager’s absence.
• Monitor invoices and estimates closely and communicate regularly with the Finance Department.
• Develop, implement, manage, and communicate the museum’s efforts to improve environmental sustainability, including chemical-free plant care, composting, energy efficiency, and reduced use of fossil fuels.
• Ensure understanding and enforcement of OSHA guidelines and other applicable regulations to protect staff and the visiting public; report all work-related injuries immediately to Human Resources for compliance.
• Perform all other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements

• 5-10 years experience working with pre-1950’s buildings, gardens/landscaping
• Knowledge of building systems
• Managing a team of 3 or more people
• Service-centric mindset
• Communication skills via phone, mail, email, and in person
•  Excellent time management skills, ability to multi-task
• Eagerness to learn and work independently and collaborate as part of a team
•  Ability to maintain a highly professional, positive, and flexible mindset and demeanor
•  Valid driver’s license and personal vehicle
• Maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Perform physically demanding work across the 112-acre site in all weather conditions, including lifting and carrying up to 50 pounds, with or without accommodation.

Salary and Benefits for qualified applicants

• Salary range: $70,000-85,000 annually depending on experience
• Medical, dental, and life insurance
•  Generous 401k retirement plan
• Paid time off, including annual vacation, sick leave, personal days, and museum holidays
• Staff discount in museum store
• Access and free admission to numerous museums and cultural institutions
• Professional development opportunities 

Boscobel is committed to diversifying its audience and workforce. Veterans and candidates of any gender, ethnicity, race, religion, and cultural background are encouraged to apply.  Qualified applicants are encouraged to email their cover letter and resume to info@boscobel.org.