Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Glen Foerd seeks a fulltime Preservation Caretaker. A rent-free 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom historic house is included as part of the salary package.

Preservation Caretaker (PC) performs skilled maintenance, repair, and minor construction work to ensure that the 1850’s Glen Foerd historic site and buildings are properly maintained and meet preservation standards. Responsible for total property maintenance and oversight as well as identifying and planning work. Duties may fall into a variety of trades, including carpentry, painting, mechanical, alarm responses, fire and life safety and keys/security systems. In addition to hands-on maintenance, PC identifies repair and maintenance projects requiring the assistance of contractors or vendors; participates in estimates and evaluations of project costs; monitors work of vendors or contractors; assists in the review of construction or remodel plans to assure compliance with preservation maintenance standards. Oversees and coordinates with outside contractor who does weekly landscaping.

Expertise in woodworking and carpentry skills are especially desirable. Candidates will need to be highly skilled with circular saws, power planers, hand planers, thickness planers, and table saws. Shop management is an integral requirement for this position. Materials, tools, and supplies for our Waterborne boatbuilding program need to be monitored and re-ordered as necessary; shop tools need to be kept in good repair.

Responds to off-hour alarms and emergencies to ensure that all facilities are protected and remain operational. Close and lock gates and coordinate closings with the event and catering schedule. Ensure all buildings are properly secured each night. Survey property regularly for vandalism, damage, theft, etc. and report any issues immediately.

Facilities Manager Job Responsibilities:

Responsible for building and grounds maintenance
Ensures security and emergency preparedness procedures are implemented properly
Supervises outside cleaning contractor and ensures that the facility is clean and maintained according to preservation policies and procedures
Manages and reviews service contracts
Conducts and documents regular facilities inspections
Schedules and approves work by vendors and contractors
Operates Glen Foerd van and is responsible for scheduling any maintenance needs
Assists staff in the use of the property for programmatic purposes
Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent. Five years of facilities maintenance, construction, or repair experience is preferred. Must have a valid driver’s license for operation of a motor vehicle in Pennsylvania and possess an acceptable driving record.

Work Hours & Benefits: This is a full-time salaried position. PC is expected to work during normal weekly business hours (9am to 5pm) with the understanding that after-hours and weekend responsibilities will arise. PC has the flexibility to adjust their schedule to fit the position’s needs and responsibilities. PC is provided with rent-free housing in Glen Foerd’s 1850’s Cottage as part of the salary package. The housing component has a fair market value of $30,000 - $36,000 which is factored into the salary. Annual salary is $18,000 - $22,000 plus healthcare.

Work Environment and Physical Requirements: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; use hands and fingers to handle objects, tools or controls and have the ability to move objects and equipment weighing up to 50 pounds.

History: Glen Foerd stewards an eclectic riverfront estate for the enjoyment and educational benefit of the community. Drawing from the estate’s architecture, art, material culture, and history—as well as its gardens and waterways—Glen Foerd provides inclusive experiences that spark curiosity and support Philadelphia’s natural and cultural ecosystems. The historic estate is a public park owned by the City of Philadelphia and managed and operated by the Glen Foerd Conservation Corporation. Located on 18-acres at the confluence of the Poquessing Creek and Delaware River, Glen Foerd is the only historic estate along the Delaware River open to the public. The combination of its waterfront location, historical context, and cultural landscape offers an exceptional opportunity to explore the intersection of art, history, horticulture and the environment. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and its grounds are listed on the Historic American Landscape Survey.