About Hildene:
This year, Hildene is celebrating its 120th anniversary. Located in southwestern Vermont, Hildene was the seasonal residence of Robert Lincoln and his wife, Mary. Mr. Lincoln was the only child of President Abraham Lincoln and Mary Todd Lincoln to survive to adulthood. Between 1905 and the death of their granddaughter Mary Lincoln Beckwith in 1975, more Lincolns (three successive generations) lived at Hildene than at any other place in the world. In 1978, the nonprofit Friends of Hildene purchased and preserved the estate, which is open to the public year-round.
Hildene is among Vermont’s top cultural heritage sites and tourist destinations. The rich tapestry of the Lincoln family legacy and Abraham Lincoln's enduring greatness are woven into the fabric of contemporary life at Hildene. Our nonprofit attraction is comprised of Lincoln’s 1905 Georgian Revival home, formal and working gardens, restored Pullman railcar Sunbeam, agricultural operations, cheesemaking facility, twelve miles of trails, and year-round programming, all on 412 acres in beautiful Manchester, Vermont.
Throughout 2025, stories and notable dates on the Lincoln family and Hildene’s 120-year history will be shared with visitors to the estate.
Learn more at: hildene.org.
Position Overview:
The Head of Housekeeping is responsible for keeping the facilities in a safe and sanitary condition.
- Performs weekly deep cleaning tasks, assists with daily cleaning, and oversees adherence to Community Caretaking schedules and standards.
- Establishes standards & protocols to increase efficiency of Hildene’s cleaning efforts.
- Work week is Saturday - Friday and pay is biweekly.
- Schedule allows for alternate weekends off with a four-day break every other week.
(Year-round position. FT, salary, 40 hours per week with benefits).
Responsibilities:
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.
- Responsible for keeping the facilities in a safe and sanitary condition.
- Coordinates schedules and manages 1 - 2 PT Caretaker/Custodian(s).
- Supports management of contract cleaning of Lincoln Hall, including restrooms, hallways, stairways, and glass. Visually ascertains if cleaning tasks are fulfilled reliably and to standards set by Hildene; makes reports to Director of Partner Engagements.
- Assists with daily cleaning and performs weekly deep cleaning of all areas and surfaces in venues, including restrooms, hallways, stairways, and glass.
- Oversight of “Community of Caretakers” program, including monitoring cleaning & upkeep tasks assigned to Hildene’s “Community of Caretakers.”
- Orders, inventories, and manages stocks all supply closets.
- Performs routine maintenance on cleaning equipment.
- Responds to major spills or incidents on an on-call basis during business hours.
- In collaboration with President and Administrative Officer, develops protocols and standard operating procedures that create a chain of command and communication regarding housekeeping matters.
- Communicates periodic cleaning updates to staff.
- Additional duties may be assigned.
To perform this job successfully, a candidate must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements are representative of the knowledge and ability required.
Preferred Qualifications:
- High School diploma or GED preferred.
- Evidences a history of demonstrating ethical and professional behavior.
- Previous experience as a general custodian desired.
- Knowledge of custodial equipment and supplies.
- Ability to work independently and multi-task effectively.
- Ability to handle multiple work priorities simultaneously and work with minimal supervision in a highly self-motivated manner.
- Ability to communicate effectively with a positive attitude.
- Excellent listening skills and customer responsiveness are essential.
- Valid Driver’s License
- Ability to work rotating weekends.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand for long periods of time
- Ability to move objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
- Traverse uneven terrain from one job location to another.
- Consistent use of hand tools to care for facilities.
- Constantly position and re-position self to care for and maintain facilities and re-stock inventory.
Compensation: Competitive
- Benefits include dental and vision; life and AD&D insurance; paid time off; sick days, holidays; Simple IRA account with employer 2% contribution. Hildene employees also enjoy a free Hildene Family membership, a 20% employee discount at The Museum Store and employee purchases of free-range eggs, cheese, and meat.
Additional Information:
Background check required of applicants 18 years of age or older.
Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home is an Equal Opportunity Employer and welcomes candidates for employment who will contribute to our diversity.