Buildings, Gardens & Grounds Technician

Job Description

ABOUT THE OPPORTUNITY
Tudor Place Historic House & Garden seeks a skilled Buildings, Gardens & Grounds Technician to support the preservation, safety and daily operation of its 5½-acre historic property.

This position prioritizes building systems reliability, preventative maintenance and risk mitigation, while providing support for essential Garden, Grounds and landscape operations. The ideal candidate is mechanically proficient, highly organized and responsive in a historic, public-facing environment.

About Us

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
Tudor Place Historic House & Garden is an illustrious cultural institution in the heart of Washington, DC—a place where American history is not only preserved but actively explored, questioned and brought to life. Home to six generations of the Peter family, descendants of Martha Washington, from 1805 to 1983, Tudor Place offers an unbroken narrative of domestic life, civic engagement and social change spanning nearly two centuries.

The estate’s architectural centerpiece—a Federal-period mansion featuring a rare Temple Portico designed by U.S. Capitol architect Dr. William Thornton—anchors 5½ acres of historic gardens and green space. This urban oasis invites reflection and discovery, offering visitors a unique experience that blends landmark architecture, expansive landscapes and a nationally significant collection of over 18,000 artifacts, including the second-largest Washington Collection outside of Mount Vernon.

Tudor Place is more than a historic house museum. It is a platform for inclusive storytelling, where the lives of enslaved individuals, domestic workers and the original inhabitants of Georgetown are thoughtfully interpreted alongside the legacy of the Peter family. Its extensive archives of over 250,000 items document the social, architectural and economic history of the region and the nation.

As Tudor Place enters a new chapter, it is poised to evolve into a dynamic hub for education, dialogue and civic engagement. Plans for a reimagined Visitor Center, renewed exhibitions and digitally accessible collections reflect a bold vision for expanding impact and relevance. The institution is committed to making history resonate with contemporary audiences—locally, nationally and globally.

National Recognition & Awards
In recognition of its leadership in inclusive interpretation and community collaboration, Tudor Place Historic House & Garden has received multiple national awards for its groundbreaking exhibition and guided tour, “Ancestral Spaces: People of African Descent at Tudor Place.” This initiative—centered on the lives and legacies of enslaved and free individuals connected to the site—has been honored for its innovative use of descendant voices, artifacts, audio storytelling and photography to transform the traditional house museum experience.

In 2024, “Ancestral Spaces” earned the Award of Excellence from the American Association for State and Local History (AASLH), as well as the Outstanding Public History Project Award from the National Council on Public History (NCPH), both recognizing the project’s interpretive depth and impact. In 2025, Tudor Place received a second AASLH Leadership in History Award of Excellence, acknowledging the ongoing evolution and sustained excellence of the exhibit and tour. Together, these honors reflect a broader institutional commitment to truth-telling, inclusive narratives and collaborative public history practice.

Duties & Responsibilities

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: FACILITIES & BUILDING SYSTEMS
• Perform preventative and corrective maintenance across site buildings
• Conduct minor plumbing, electrical, carpentry and painting repairs
• Monitor and maintain boilers, generator, HVAC units, irrigation controls and essential systems
• Clear drains, window wells and site drainage infrastructure
• Test and document fire alarm and security systems
• Monitor for water intrusion and respond promptly
• Maintain tools, equipment and maintenance logs
• Coordinate and supervise contractors as assigned
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and best practices

SECONDARY RESPONSIBILITIES: GARDENS, GROUNDS & SITE SUPPORT
• Maintain pathways, driveways, exterior lighting and drainage areas
• Assist with turf care, seasonal cleanup and irrigation systems
• Support water feature upkeep
• Operate motorized equipment safely
• Perform snow removal and storm response as required

OPERATIONS & EVENT SUPPORT
• Perform opening and closing procedures
• Respond to facility emergencies and alarms
• Support event setup and breakdown
• Assist with furniture and equipment moves
• Perform other duties as assigned

Education and Experience

EXPERIENCE & EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
• High school diploma or GED required; technical training preferred
• Minimum 3 years’ facilities maintenance experience, preferably in a multi-building or historic environment

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES
• Working knowledge of plumbing, electrical, carpentry and mechanical systems
• Ability to work independently and prioritize effectively
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs and ability to use Microsoft Teams
• The physical requirements of this position are classified as medium work (exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently and/or up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects).
• This position requires climbing (stairs, ladders), stooping, kneeling, reaching, standing or walking for extended periods, pushing/pushing, lifting, grasping, visual acuity, keen spatial awareness, the ability to move within constricted spaces and the ability to safely traverse uneven surfaces.
• Ability to work in a range of environmental conditions

Additional Information

SCHEDULE
Monday–Friday, 7:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Weekend rotation as needed and after-hours work required for emergencies, snow removal and special events.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Compensation will be based on qualifications. Salary range is $44,000-$47,500.

Tudor Place provides excellent benefits to employees, including paid leave, paid holidays, free on-site parking, professional development and a staff Museum shop discount for all employees; life insurance and medical benefits are available to full-time employees.

Application Instructions

TO APPLY
Please email Helen Hubbard-Davis, Director of Finance & Administration, at careers@tudorplace.org with a resume and cover letter. Please include “Buildings, Gardens & Grounds Technician” in the subject line. No phone calls please.

Tudor place is an Equal Opportunity Employer.