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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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.

$68,668-$88,313

Housing is available

40

Full-Time, Exempt

Onsite

Nantucket, MA

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.

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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…