Facilities Assistant

Organization: Wende Museum

Department: Facilities

Status: Part-time, up to 29 hours per week

Pay Rate: $21–$24 hourly

Supervisor: Head of Facilities

Summary

The Facilities Assistant supports the maintenance, safety, and day-to-day operation of the Wende Museum’s buildings and grounds. This role is primarily focused on weekdays and weekend coverage to support public programs, events, and routine facilities maintenance. The Facilities Assistant works closely with the Head of Facilities to ensure museum spaces are safe, functional, and properly maintained for staff, visitors, artists, and community partners. This role offers opportunities to develop skills in museum operations, facilities management, and exhibition support. Please note that previous experience in facilities maintenance is required.

Duties and Responsibilities

Facilities and Maintenance

• Perform routine maintenance and upkeep of museum facilities, including offices, galleries, exhibition spaces, storage areas, restrooms, and outdoor and landscaped areas.
• Conduct regular walkthroughs to identify maintenance needs, safety concerns, or cleanliness issues.
• Assist with basic repairs, including minor plumbing, electrical, carpentry, and HVAC-related tasks.
• Report larger or specialized maintenance issues promptly to the Head of Facilities.

Event and Weekend Support

• Provide on-site facilities support during weekend programs and events.
• Set up and break down rooms for events, including furniture, equipment, and space configurations.
• Monitor facilities during events and respond to immediate operational needs.
• Perform post-event resets and coordination of cleaning as needed.

Safety and Security Support

• Assist with safety checks of emergency exits, exit signage, emergency lighting, and fire life safety systems.
• Support adherence to established safety protocols and incident reporting procedures.
• Assist with basic security-related checks during weekend operations.
• This role does not make independent security decisions and escalates concerns to the Head of Facilities or designated staff.

Exhibitions and Install Support

• Assist museum staff with exhibition installation and de-installation support.
• Safely move artwork, display cases, signage, lighting components, and related materials under supervision.
• Follow all museum handling, access, and preservation procedures.
• Art handling tasks are performed under supervision and training is provided.

Vendor and Contractor Support

• Assist with escorting vendors and contractors during scheduled shifts.
• Report work completed, issues observed, and follow-up needs to the Head of Facilities.

Inventory and Supplies

• Assist with organizing and maintaining facilities, tools, supplies, and equipment.
• Monitor supply levels and communicate restocking needs.

Waste and Sustainability

• Support proper waste disposal, recycling, and sustainability practices in accordance with museum policies and local regulations.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain basic records of maintenance tasks, inspections, and event-related facilities support as requested.

Online Museum Overstock Support

• Assist with managing the museum’s online overstock operations on platforms such as eBay and OfferUp.
• Support product listings, order processing, packaging, and shipping coordination as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Previous experience in facilities maintenance, building operations, or custodial work preferred.
• Experience in a museum, nonprofit, or cultural institution environment is a plus.

Essential Skills and Abilities

• Working knowledge of basic building maintenance and repair practices.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to follow established procedures and work independently when required.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Reliability and consistency, particularly for weekend event coverage.
• Bilingual English and Spanish preferred.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to climb ladders, bend, kneel, and perform physical labor.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying conditions.
• Ability to stand or walk for extended periods during events.

Schedule Requirements

• Primarily weekend work supporting events and routine maintenance.
• Occasional weekday hours may be scheduled based on operational needs.

To apply, please send PDF copies of a cover letter outlining your interest and a current resume to opportunities@wendemuseum.org

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Wende Museum is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful, and diverse workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.