Job Description
Old Sturbridge Village is seeking an experienced Building Trades Manager to lead our building trades team and oversee the care of one of New England’s most distinctive collections of historic structures. This is a rare opportunity for a skilled carpenter or trades professional to do genuinely meaningful work — restoration, conservation, and preservation projects on structures that range from 18th-century farmhouses to working mills — while also leading a talented team and contributing to a mission that matters. Reporting to the Director of Facilities, the Building Trades Manager oversees a team of six staff comprising carpenters, painters, and general maintenance technicians, and is responsible for the full scope of carpentry, masonry, and building trades work across OSV’s campuses. If you take pride in craft, know how to lead a crew, and want your work to have lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you. What You’ll Do Team Leadership & Operations Direct the day-to-day operations of carpenters, painters, and general maintenance staff. Provide safety training and ensure compliance with all applicable OSHA and workplace safety regulations. Prepare project and maintenance report documents; track progress and communicate status to the Director of Facilities. Manage all material procurement for building trades operations. Provide and maintain OSV power tools; ensure staff have appropriate hand tools for assigned work. Assist with snow removal and ice control as needed. Project Management & Contracting Work with colleagues across departments to develop scopes of work, secure proposals, and administer contracts on building and maintenance projects. Perform cost estimating, material procurement, and contractor negotiations. Read and interpret blueprints; create shop drawings as needed. Apply and ensure compliance with building codes and applicable federal, state, and local regulations. Restoration, Conservation & Preservation Perform historical and non-historical carpentry and masonry work on restoration, conservation, and preservation projects including roof shingling, sidewall installation, structural framing repairs, interior and exterior trim fabrication and installation, fenestration, masonry, and plaster repairs. Perform exhibition carpentry for exhibit installations, including case fabrication and setting construction. Assist in projects requiring a broad understanding of masonry, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems. Museum & Safety Standards Provide the best experience possible for all visitors by maintaining high standards of workmanship and professional conduct in public-facing areas. Ensure the safety and cleanliness of all work areas; share responsibility with all staff for the clean and neat appearance of the entire museum campus. Promote diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in all aspects of the role. Safeguard visitors and staff by being alert to foreseeable health and safety hazards. Participate in various projects or tasks as assigned by the Director of Facilities. Understand and observe all Village policies. Other duties as required. What You’ll Bring Education and Experience Eight to twelve years of carpentry experience, with progressive leadership responsibility. Associate’s degree, two-year college, or technical/vocational training preferred; equivalent combination of education and experience considered. Demonstrated experience in cost estimating, material procurement, and contractor negotiations. Proven ability to read and interpret blueprints and create shop drawings. Working knowledge of building codes and relevant federal, state, and local regulations. Experience with or strong interest in historic preservation, restoration, or conservation work is a plus. Licenses and Certifications Valid driver’s license required. Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License required. Massachusetts Hoisting License preferred but not required. Hydraulics Engineers License preferred but not required. Skills and Attributes Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate, and develop a team of trades professionals. Strong organizational and project management skills; able to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously. Ability to work cooperatively with diverse groups across departments and skill levels. Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment. A steady, solutions-oriented presenc