About Our Organization

Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.

Job Summary

​​​The ​Facilities Maintenance Technician​ plays a critical role in advancing the museum’s mission by effectively performing all duties and responsibilities assigned by the Studio Museum in Harlem. They collaborate with other members of the Building Operations and Safety facilities department to enhance and promote a safe and hazard-free environment in both the new museum and in executive offices, in accordance with all standards, policies, and procedures set forth by the institution. 

​The Facilities Maintenance Technician applies skilled maintenance knowledge and uses power tools in the completion of daily tasks as assigned by supervisors. They perform routine maintenance repairs and general cleaning-related activities throughout the museum’s physical envelope, and in interior building and office spaces as required.​​ 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

• ​​Perform skilled repairs involving various trades of light electrical, carpentry, plumbing, sheet-rocking, plastering, and painting throughout the museum and office facilities regularly.  

• ​Perform routine maintenance around the building such as fixing structural minor damages involving plastering and painting, replacing air filters in HVAC units, greasing ball-bearings in equipment with motors such as but not limited to a/c fan motors, water pumps, exhaust fans, jockey pumps, rolling gates, etc. 

• ​Repair broken or leaking plumbing to avoid water damage and restore full use of water fixtures. 

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• ​Fix potential safety hazards to avoid injuries such as worn carpet, faulty flooring, door threshold, etc. 

• ​Paint areas of the building when old paint has become faded or chipped. 

• ​Replace light bulbs throughout and make simple lighting fixtures and wall outlets and wall switches repairs. 

• ​Perform cleaning of the art collection, gallery spaces, and storage spaces, as well as cleaning and maintenance duties in the Main Office and other leased office spaces. 

• ​Perform routine trash removal and recycling of waste when covering for absent Environmental Service Worker. 

• ​Assist in the completion of routine monthly/quarterly/semi-annual inspections of facility cleaning and maintenance equipment for museum and Main Office and other facilities using a paper checklist or computerized tool. 

• ​Ensure all cleaning and sanitizing of museum and office spaces is done in accordance with OSHA compliance.  

• ​Assist the Assoc. Dir. of Building Operations in coordinating routine and periodic cleaning projects using appropriate floor-care equipment, chemicals, and supplies.  

• ​Assists the Assoc. Dir. of Building Operations in overseeing waste management to include all recycling laws in accordance with local city, state, and federal guidelines. This includes emptying out confidential document-shredding bins. 

• ​Assist in coordinating and transporting office furniture and equipment in the museum and in leased offices.  

• ​Assemble furniture following instructions/manuals provided by the manufacturer. 

• ​Operate standard floor-maintenance cleaning equipment such as burnishers, buffers, strip/waxing machines, vacuum cleaners, wet vacuums, and other related equipment as trained or experienced with floor machines. 

• ​Inspects the maintenance and cleanliness of all areas of the museum to include stairs, roof, and perimeter sidewalks, etc., and collaborates with supervisors in avoiding and correcting violations that may be issued by the NYC Department of Sanitation (DOS), the NYC Department of Buildings (DOB), and by the Fire Department of NYC (FDNY), etc. 

• ​Manage multiple tasks with frequent interruptions and work in teams with other members of Building Operations to complete small painting and maintenance projects, as necessary.  

• ​Communicate effectively and work well with all levels of museum staff and especially with workers within our own Building Operations and Security department. 

• ​Exhibit initiative, flexibility, and teamwork always.  

• ​Work collaboratively with co-workers, with Building Manager, and with senior museum staff to enhance the visitor experience for all museum and executive offices.  

• ​Ability to read and understand oral and written instructions and effectively communicate information. 

• ​Apply basic computer skills including opening/reading email, writing correspondences to supervisor and to other museum staff, and basic internet use for researching cleaning products and maintenance supplies. 

• ​Carry a company-owned cell phone throughout shift.  

• ​Respond to after-hours calls of emergency nature that affect the museum building and main offices. 

• ​Promote the mission, vision, and values of the Studio Museum in Harlem institution.  

• ​Ability to follow all safety and prevention policies and procedures in performing Facilities Maintenance Technician duties, including emergency situations, internal or external disasters. 

• ​Perform seasonal snow removal as necessary at the Museum building and in other satellite locations. 

• ​Assist in dropping routine mail from Main Office to the local USPS postal office. 

• ​Assists Facilities department with performing moves using a U-Haul van/truck vehicle. 

• ​As a member of the Fire Brigade for the museum, perform all duties as applicable and trained by the building Fire Safety Director. 

• ​Assist the Assoc. Dir. of Building Operations in the tracking, monitoring, and replenishing of cleaning supplies and maintenance stock for both the museum, art collection storage, and for Main Office. 

• ​Attending all assigned training and applying learned skills and OSHA compliance training as necessary to complete jobs and daily tasks.  

• ​Perform other related duties as assigned by supervisors and museum leadership. 

Skills and Qualifications  

• ​Lives within walking distance of the Studio Museum in Harlem or in neighboring Harlem community. 

• ​Worked in a museum setting or in a class-A building in prior employment with no less than 5 years’ experience as a maintenance technician worker.  

• ​Bilingual in Spanish and English and in other languages. 

• ​NY State Driver’s License. 

• ​Two-Year associate degree in building management. 

• ​Operate scissor lift and Genie in replacing bulbs and fixtures.​ 

• ​30-hour OSHA Training. 

• ​Sprinkler (12) and Standpipe (13) certificates issued by NYC-FDNY. 

• ​Fire guard F-01 issued by NYC-FDNY.​ 

Education and Experience 

• ​​​High School Diploma or GED certificate necessary or equivalent experience.  

• ​An experience of no less than 5 years working in a museum or office environment as a Facilities Maintenance worker, or 8 years working as an Environmental Service Worker in a similar institution, can substitute for GED education requirement.​​ 

Physical Demands 

• ​​​Carry heavy office supplies, move office furniture, manage heavy trash, shovel and remove snow during winter season, brooming sidewalks, storefront and roof areas. 

• ​Able to bend, walk for extended period, climb stairs, crawl inside mechanical room areas, step ladders, and lift to 50-lbs​ 

Work Environment 

This position is considered a non-exempt position for purposes of federal wage and hour law, which means that you will be eligible for overtime pay for hours in excess of 40 in a given workweek. 

• Fast-paced environment with varying levels of guests and employees present. 

• Building Accessibility – office locations are wheelchair accessible, with elevators in the building. Other accessibility accommodations can be further discussed. 

Compensation

$29 an hour

Salary is commensurate with experience within the guidelines of a small not-for-profit. A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.

Application Instructions

Please upload your resume and a cover letter to your application. No phone calls or emails, please.  

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, only a select number of applicants will be contacted due to the volume of interest.

The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.  

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.