The indispensible person -- the generalist fix-it-all whose really paid as
a mop and broom specialist -- is keeping alive so many good historic
houses/buildings while the trustees take the work for granted.

Farrar Elliot at the Ethan Allen Homestead, brand new at his own job, is
losing this jack-of-all-trades.

For what it's worth--

To a great many small-staff institutions, this is an educational
opportunity for the CEO.  One should use it learn what upkeep and repair
is all about.   A good time to get the old hands and knees dirty.

Pay the man who is leaving as a consultant to show you what he knows and
what the facility needs, once his resignation takes effect.  Somehow, being
known as a consultant is probably a good ego boost for this man as he
leaves, disgruntled and evidently bitter at being ignored in the recent
transition.

Urge the board of trustees to establish a buildings & grounds committee to
learn (perhaps hands-on) what the work entails.  The committee might see
why it's necessary to consider a better compensation package for the new
person.  Knowing nothing more about the institution than what Farrar's
posting reports, it seems that without the facility, the trustees are out
of a job.