Description:
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.
Requirements 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.