Island Steward
Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust
Job Description
Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust
Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island
Full-Time (Seasonal Flexibility) | Salary: $56,000 - $62,000 annually
About the Organization
Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust (RILFHT) is a historic preservation and education nonprofit dedicated to stewarding Rose Island, its lighthouse, and Fort Hamilton Barracks in Narragansett Bay. The organization provides public access, seasonal tours, overnight stays, and educational programming that connect visitors to Rhode Island’s maritime heritage, coastal environment, and community history. With its 40th anniversary aligning with the United States Semiquincentennial, 2026 will usher in a pivotal era of growth, renewed investment, and expanded public engagement for Rose Island.
Position Overview
RILFHT seeks a skilled, hands-on Island Steward to serve as the primary onsite operations leader for Rose Island.
This full-time, year-round role with seasonal flexibility is suited to a nonprofit professional or someone from a related field looking to move into a leadership role, with the technical, physical, and safety skills inherent in managing a remote island site. Candidates with hands-on operational backgrounds in hospitality, preservation, environment, arts, and education are encouraged to apply.
The Island Steward is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of all island systems, facilities, grounds, and activities, providing a safe, enjoyable, and memorable on-island experience for all guests. Initiating and maintaining mission-aligned historic preservation, environmental and visitor experience standards are vital to the organization’s continued success. This role requires sound judgment, technical aptitude, strong hospitality instincts, and comfort working independently in a maritime and island environment.
The Island Steward reports to the Executive Director, who provides oversight and approvals, while daily island operations are delegated to this role. This role requires a USGC Captain’s License (25 ton minimum) and the scheduling and oversight of additional captains. The Island Steward is supported by the Office Administrator who handles guest communications, reservations, payments, donor and member support, payroll, and most administrative coordination.
Primary Responsibilities
Island Operations, Systems & Safety
Compensation
Annual salary of $56,000 - $62,000
Paid annual leave and sick time
Optional enhancements may include USCG licensure reimbursement and other benefits
Role Parameters
This is a hands-on operational role and differs from administrative or executive positions. Accordingly, the Island Steward should expect to perform physical, technical, and maritime duties, as this is not a primarily office-based role. Note: This role offers seasonal flexibility. The island is open to visitors April through October and may require after hours and weekend work. During the months when the island is closed to visitors, the Island Steward will continue all job functions not related to visitor experience.
How to Apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a desired start date in March or early April.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest to careers@roseisland.org.
Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
Narragansett Bay, Rhode Island
Full-Time (Seasonal Flexibility) | Salary: $56,000 - $62,000 annually
About the Organization
Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust (RILFHT) is a historic preservation and education nonprofit dedicated to stewarding Rose Island, its lighthouse, and Fort Hamilton Barracks in Narragansett Bay. The organization provides public access, seasonal tours, overnight stays, and educational programming that connect visitors to Rhode Island’s maritime heritage, coastal environment, and community history. With its 40th anniversary aligning with the United States Semiquincentennial, 2026 will usher in a pivotal era of growth, renewed investment, and expanded public engagement for Rose Island.
Position Overview
RILFHT seeks a skilled, hands-on Island Steward to serve as the primary onsite operations leader for Rose Island.
This full-time, year-round role with seasonal flexibility is suited to a nonprofit professional or someone from a related field looking to move into a leadership role, with the technical, physical, and safety skills inherent in managing a remote island site. Candidates with hands-on operational backgrounds in hospitality, preservation, environment, arts, and education are encouraged to apply.
The Island Steward is responsible for the day-to-day functioning of all island systems, facilities, grounds, and activities, providing a safe, enjoyable, and memorable on-island experience for all guests. Initiating and maintaining mission-aligned historic preservation, environmental and visitor experience standards are vital to the organization’s continued success. This role requires sound judgment, technical aptitude, strong hospitality instincts, and comfort working independently in a maritime and island environment.
The Island Steward reports to the Executive Director, who provides oversight and approvals, while daily island operations are delegated to this role. This role requires a USGC Captain’s License (25 ton minimum) and the scheduling and oversight of additional captains. The Island Steward is supported by the Office Administrator who handles guest communications, reservations, payments, donor and member support, payroll, and most administrative coordination.
Primary Responsibilities
Island Operations, Systems & Safety
- Oversee daily island operations to ensure safe, reliable, and welcoming visitor and overnight experiences
- Maintain island facilities, historic structures, and grounds, including the lighthouse and Fort Hamilton Barracks
- Operate and oversee maintenance of island systems including solar power, diesel generator, heating, water, and small equipment
- Serve as a USCG Licensed boat captain several days per week and oversee marine operations, additional captains, docks, and transportation logistics
- Conduct and document routine safety inspections, systems checks, and emergency readiness procedures
- Ensure the island is properly staffed and prepared for daily tours, overnight guests, school group, and special visits
- Serve as the primary on site contact for guests while on the island
- Coordinate with the Office Administrator regarding schedules, manifests, reservations, and events
- Support educational, historical, and interpretive programming as appropriate
- Carry out routine maintenance, repairs, inspections, cleaning, and seasonal preparation of facilities
- Implement mission-aligned preservation and stewardship standards for historic structures and grounds
- Coordinate approved contractors and vendors for specialized work and collaborate with local and regional partners
- Manage supplies, tools, and inventory for island operations
- Supervise and schedule seasonal staff, captains, guides, cleaners, and volunteers
- Train staff and volunteers in safety procedures, operations, and guest service standards
- Review timesheets and coordinate with the Executive Director for payroll processing
- Provide regular updates to the Executive Director regarding maintenance needs, safety issues, staffing, and inventory
- Document inspections, maintenance work, and incidents as required
- Participate in check-ins and contribute operational insight to planning and budgeting
- Valid USCG Master’s License (25-ton minimum) required
- Experience in facilities maintenance, property management, or maritime operations
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently in a remote environment
- Physical ability to lift, climb, carry, and operate equipment safely
- Supervisory or team leadership experience, contributing to a culture of collaboration and teamwork
- Experience in hospitality, tourism, environmental stewardship, and/or historic preservation preferred
Compensation
Annual salary of $56,000 - $62,000
Paid annual leave and sick time
Optional enhancements may include USCG licensure reimbursement and other benefits
Role Parameters
This is a hands-on operational role and differs from administrative or executive positions. Accordingly, the Island Steward should expect to perform physical, technical, and maritime duties, as this is not a primarily office-based role. Note: This role offers seasonal flexibility. The island is open to visitors April through October and may require after hours and weekend work. During the months when the island is closed to visitors, the Island Steward will continue all job functions not related to visitor experience.
How to Apply
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, with a desired start date in March or early April.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter outlining relevant experience and interest to careers@roseisland.org.
Rose Island Lighthouse & Fort Hamilton Trust is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization and creating a safe, inclusive, and respectful workplace.
