Site Manager, Jeffers Petroglyphs

JOB TITLE: Site Manager, Jeffers Petroglyphs

LOCATION: Jeffers Petroglyphs, 27160 County Road 2, Comfrey, MN 56019

COMPENSATION: Typical starting range $63,336.00 - $79,152.00 annually

STATUS & HOURS: Full-time, regular (approximately 2080 annual hours) position.

BENEFITS:  Eligible to participate in State Employee Group Insurance Program and a retirement program with employer contribution. Generous vacation and sick time accruals with additional paid holidays.

DESIGNATION: Supervisory

POSTING DATE: January 29, 2026

DEADLINE DATE: February 13, 2026

 

TO APPLY: Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a resume and cover letter by the application deadline date.  

DESCRIPTION:  This position exists to provide strategic leadership in the professional administration and management of Jeffers Petroglyphs, a sacred place for Native Americans. The Site Manager of Jeffers Petroglyphs shall develop and implement long range and annual work plans; provide fiscal, business and facility operations management; oversee the delivery of public and schools program operations; direct the hiring, training, supervision, and motivation of site staff, interns, and volunteers; lead historic and environmental preservation efforts; manage the site’s public relations and outreach community development.

SUMMARY OF WORK:  1) The Site Manager takes ownership of the daily management and operation of Jeffers Petroglyphs. Owners meet goals and expectations, while delivering quality service and program through effective administration; 2) The Site Manager leads Jeffers Petroglyphs and represents MNHS through strategic planning, creative problem solving, and relationship building. Leaders build culture, set goals, and ensure long-term sustainability; 3) The Site Manager stewards MNHS initiatives and processes with assistance and guidance from the institution. This system is built on formal and informal collaboration and communication, often with deadlines imposed by others. ; and 4) Provide overall direction for placing, training, supervising and motivating assigned staff, interns, volunteers and fellows.  Ensure compliance with MNHS policies and procedures.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

B.A. in business administration, history, liberal arts or a related field plus 5 years management experience in customer service and/or at a historic site OR an advanced degree plus 3 years management experience or equivalent.

Knowledge of Minnesota history and specific knowledge of Native American culture and communities.

Knowledge of preservation, maintenance and security methods for contemporary structures, grounds and cultural landscapes.

Basic knowledge of curatorial practices as they apply to both two- and three-dimensional objects.

Skills in human resources and personnel management related to hiring, training, coaching, and appraising performance.

Knowledge of and ability in historical interpretation methodology and techniques sufficient to develop and implement interpretive programs.

Knowledge of or experience in management, including budget and personnel management, short-and long-range planning, office procedures, bookkeeping principles, and retail sales operation.

Demonstrated positive customer service skills.

Experience managing a business, store, or organization.

Knowledge of or experience in management, including budget and personnel management, short- and long-term planning, office procedures, bookkeeping principles, and retail sales operation.

Demonstrated ability to think imaginatively and problem solve.

Ability to plan, organize and manage complex budgets and multi-faceted projects/programs within a large institution.

Ability to coordinate a partnership in an area with properties owned by many entities other than MNHS, in an environment of political sensitivity.

Ability to respond to fire or security systems alarms at all hours. 

Valid Driver’s License.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

M.A. in historical administration, history museum studies, history, or a related field.

Demonstrated relationships with the Native American community.

Knowledge of the Dakota language.

Experience maintaining historic landscapes.

Knowledge of Project Management principles.

Ability to meet changing expectations and priorities at a seasonal site that requires year round management, care, and planning.

Should you have questions with the application process, email humanresources@mnhs.org or call MNHS Job Line at 651-259-3181.   

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.