Fort Gratiot Light Station and Post Hospital Site Manager

Title:

Fort Gratiot Light Station and Post Hospital Site Manager Hours Per Week:
Full-time; 40 hours per week. Scheduled days may vary. Flexibility required; includes weekdays, weekends, and possibly evenings.

Position Summary:

The Site Manager is responsible for the daily operations, care, and stewardship of a historic park that includes a lighthouse, multiple historic structures, and an on-site museum shop. This role ensures the site is safe, welcoming, financially responsible, and operationally sound for visitors, staff, volunteers, and partners. The Site Manager also oversees the recruitment, training, and coordination of volunteer docent staff to ensure high-quality interpretation and visitor engagement.

The Site Manager works closely with leadership to balance historic preservation with public access, earned revenue activities, programming, and community use.

Key Responsibilities Site Operations & Facilities

• Oversee day-to-day operations of the historic park, lighthouse, and all associated buildings
• Ensure buildings, grounds, and public spaces are clean, safe, and well-maintained
• Serve as primary contact for vendors, contractors, and service providers
• Monitor utilities, systems, and infrastructure; report and address issues promptly

• Support preservation of historic structures in accordance with county guidelines
• Maintain records related to maintenance, repairs, and preservation activities
• Work with Curator of Collections and Exhibits to create, implement, and maintain new exhibitions
• Act as resident site historian
• Assist with compliance related to safety regulations, accessibility, and historic requirements
• Supervise site staff and volunteers supporting operations, maintenance, visitor services, and retail
• Develop and deliver docent training focused on site history, interpretation standards, visitor engagement, and safety; regularly evaluate docents
• Train store volunteers on the POS system and procedures.
• Provide ongoing coaching, feedback, and recognition to volunteers
• Coordinate coverage with Director of HR to ensure appropriate staffing for tours, open hours, programs, and special events
• Foster a collaborative, respectful, and mission-driven work environment

• Ensure a positive, welcoming, and engaging experience for all visitors
• Oversee opening and closing procedures for the lighthouse, museum buildings, and shop
• Address visitor questions, concerns, and on-site issues professionally
• Support tours, educational programs, special events, rentals, and group visits

• Manage day-to-day operations of the museum shop
• Assist with inventory selection, ordering, pricing, and display with attention to mission alignment and visitor appeal
• Track sales, inventory levels, and basic financial reporting
• Coordinate volunteer staffing and scheduling for shop coverage
• Ensure point-of-sale systems are functioning properly and follow cash-handling procedures

• Implement and monitor safety protocols for staff, volunteers, and visitors
• Respond to incidents, emergencies, and accidents; complete required documentation
• Conduct regular site inspections to identify and mitigate risks

• Work closely with the Executive Director and/or leadership team on operational needs and priorities
• Work closely with Executive Director to develop and track annual FGLS budget
• Communicate site needs, challenges, and opportunities clearly and proactively
• Track and share site attendance and audience demographics to Executive Director and complete an annual report to County Commissioners
• Serve as staff liaison for on-site community partners,including Friends of the Fort Gratiot Light by attending meetings, providing information as needed.
• Assist with planning for capital projects, improvements, and long-term site needs

• Bachelor’s degree in History, Education (K-12) or related field
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in museums or education
• Proven supervisory skills with artists, educators, and community partners
• Excellent organizational, communication, and people skills and ability to work with volunteers and docents
• Proficie…