Assistant Piano Technician (Piano Operations)

The Johns Hopkins University; Baltimore (MD); On-site; USD 32,000 - 56,000; Part time

Job summary

The Johns Hopkins University Peabody Institute invites applications for an Assistant Piano Technician. This casual, on-call position supports the Piano Operations team with tuning, maintenance, and minor repairs for practice and teaching pianos, including inventory management for over 250 instruments.

The role requires evening/ weekend availability, accurate tuning by ear, and ability to work with faculty and students.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED is required.
• Two years of experience including basic tuning and piano repair knowledge.
• Additional education may substitute for experience where permitted.

Responsibilities

• Performs tunings and general maintenance of pianos for the Peabody Institute.
• Assists in developing schedules for tuning and maintenance as requested.
• Aids in servicing, regulating, repairing, rebuilding, stringing, and cleaning of pianos.
• Works with faculty on piano-related needs and tunes non-Conservatory pianos as needed.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Skills

Tuning by ear

Piano repair knowledge

Piano regulation

Inventory management

Team collaboration

Ability to move pianos with assistance

Multi-tasking

Written and oral communication

Education

High School Diploma/GED

2 years tuning/repair experience

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Job description

The Piano Technology Department is seeking an Assistant Piano Technician who will reporting to the Manager of Piano Technology, and function as a member of the Piano Technology team. The Assistant Piano Technician will be a key member of the Piano Technology team and will be responsible for some tuning, repair and action regulation, moving with the assistance of the piano lift 2, cleaning, minor string repair, and general maintenance of instruments used for practice and teaching for the Peabody Institute.

The incumbent of this position will assist in maintaining our inventory of over 250 pianos and participate in our online request management system. Training in all online systems will be provided.

This is a casual, on call position with the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University supporting both the Conservatory and the Preparatory, as such, the incumbent must be available to work evenings and weekends when asked, dictated by the schedule.

The Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University advances a dynamic, 21st-century model of performing arts training in pursuit of its mission: to elevate the human experience through leadership at the intersection of art and education. Through its Conservatory for undergraduate and graduate studies and the Preparatory, Baltimore's largest community performing arts school, Peabody empowers musicians and dancers from diverse backgrounds to create and perform at the highest level.

Specific Duties & Responsibilities

• Performs tunings and general maintenance of pianos for the Peabody Institute.
• Assists in developing schedules for tuning and general maintenance as requested.
• Responsible for aiding in servicing, regulating, repairing, rebuilding, stringing and cleaning of pianos as needed.
• Works with faculty on piano-related needs as requested.
• Tunes and maintains non-Conservatory University pianos as needed or as requested.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Special Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities

• Must be able to tune aurally with accuracy and stability.
• Knowledge of grand and upright piano repair and maintenance, installation of action parts, basic repairs and regulation.
• Knowledge of acceptable work standards in the maintenance of pianos.
• Knowledge regarding the effects of humidity and seasonal changes on pianos.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills to support working with students, faculty, dealers, donors, and guest performers as necessary to perform the job.
• Ability to participate in moving pianos with the assistance of equipment.
• Ability to work with computers for inventory management.
• Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and problem solve.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to interact positively with others and function as a member of the team.

Physical Requirements

• Work is normally performed in a typical interior/office work environment.
• Moderate physical activity required. Work requires upper-body strength, and can be fatiguing for back, arms, and hands.
• Requires heavy lifting, pushing or pulling required of objects up to 40 pounds.
• Requires a high degree of fine finger or hand dexterity. Must be able to work in confined spaces.
• Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks such as, occasional use of hazardous solvents (acetone, lacquer) when necessary, which require following basic safety precautions and wearing safety equipment.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Two years of experience including basic tuning, knowledge of grand and upright piano repair and maintenance.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree Strongly Preferred

Classified Title: Piano Technician

Job Posting Title (Working Title): Assistant Piano Technician (Piano Operations)

Role/Level/Range: ACRO37.5/02/CF

Starting Salary Range: $23.30 - $41.50 HRLY ($30.00 targeted; Commensurate w/exp.)

Employee group: Casual / On Call

Schedule: Variable, up to 19 hours per week/987 hours per year

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Location: Peabody Institute

Department name: Piano Operations

Personnel area: Peabody