Building & Grounds Manager

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Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum (TVRM), located in Chattanooga, TN, was established in 1961 and is the premier visitor destination dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of railroading in the southeastern United States.

Among its several regular excursions, TVRM’s passenger trains run on a historic route that includes the Missionary Ridge Tunnel—completed in 1858 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

In addition to passenger excursions, TVRM preserves historic railroad equipment to educate visitors about the importance of the railroad industry and its role in shaping the modern world.

TVRM is seeking a dynamic and organized Building & Grounds Manager to oversee and execute the maintenance, repair, and improvement of museum facilities, grounds, and infrastructure. This role ensures that our historic property—including train platforms, visitor areas, and event spaces—remains safe, functional, and welcoming for guests, staff, and volunteers while ensuring that TVRM’s standards of excellence are upheld.

Working within the organization’s vision, mission, and values, the Building & Grounds Manager will collaborate closely with the Senior Director of Guest Experience to effectively manage and ensure buildings and properties support TVRM’s strategic objectives, including assistance in setting up and operation of events.

The ideal candidate brings a minimum of five years of experience in building and grounds maintenance, including planning and execution; effective management of a small crew (hiring, training, performance management); inventory and maintenance of related equipment (mowers, weed eaters, etc.) and supplies; and in partnership with vendors, oversees major projects such as cleaning, waxing floors, carpet cleaning, painting, pressure‑washing, and light repairs—all based on a foundational compliance with safety and compliance in a guest‑focused environment.

Experience in a nonprofit or experiential education setting is a plus. Additional desirable attributes include the ability to consistently produce high‑quality work, manage time effectively, work independently when needed, effectively manage internal team members and external service providers, and contribute positively to team learning and development. This position requires strong problem‑solving skills, the ability to interpret information, and the flexibility to work weekends and hours outside a standard office schedule.

Other key requirements include strong interpersonal and communication skills; the ability to manage and prioritize multiple responsibilities, projects, and deadlines; high attention to detail with a results‑oriented mindset; the ability to support and follow evolving procedures; capability in preparing accurate event plans and contributing to analysis; basic understanding of budget tracking; strong collaboration with internal and external partners; and proficiency in event management software, scheduling tools, and the Microsoft Office Suite.

Information about TVRM may be found by visiting

Job Title: Building & Grounds Manager

Reports To: Senior Director of Guest Experience

Location: Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum

Position Type: Salary (Exempt), Full‑Time

Schedule/Availability: Includes weekends and evenings as needed

On Call: Yes

Travel: Yes

Position Summary: This role is responsible for overseeing and executing the maintenance, repair, and improvement of museum facilities, grounds, and infrastructure. This role ensures that our historic property—including train platforms, visitor areas, and event spaces—remains safe, functional, and welcoming for guests, staff, and volunteers.

• Oversee upkeep of museum buildings, including HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and structural systems.
• Maintain landscaping, parking areas, walkways, and outdoor spaces to ensure safety and aesthetic appeal.
• Plan and coordinate repair, renovation, and improvement projects, working with contractors and vendors as needed.
• Ensure facilities meet safety, accessibility, and regulatory standards.
• Manage maintenance budgets, track…