Carpenter

Art Institute of Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits

PTO Overview

Job summary

The Art Institute of Chicago is seeking a skilled Carpenter to construct, install, repair, and renovate wood and other structures across the museum. The role involves reading plans, determining materials, and executing safe, precise work throughout the facilities.

You will work on walls, ceilings, doors, and fixtures with a focus on craftsmanship, safety, and collaboration in a dynamic museum environment. This full-time, on-site position requires strong carpentry experience and the ability to

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2 years hands-on carpentry experience; apprenticeship preferred.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, sketches, and measurements.
• Residential framing experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to operate woodworking machines, hand tools and power tools safely.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Ability to work with limited supervision.
• Commitment to a diverse and inclusive environment.

Responsibilities

• Install walls, floors, and ceilings using wood, steel and other materials.
• Construct and install doors, frames, and interior trim.
• Build and repair custom casework, cabinets and fixtures.
• Read drawings and determine materials and dimensions.
• Measure and cut materials to specified sizes.
• Maintain a safe, clean, and organized worksite.

Skills

Carpentry

Reading blueprints

Safety compliance

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Woodworking machines

Hand tools

Power tools

Ladders & scaffolding

Job description

About The Art Institute Of Chicago

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.

About The Department

The Department of Facilities and Logistics is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the museum facilities and for non-art related operations and logistics. Functions in the department include Buildings and Grounds, Carpentry, Painting, Engineering, Mail Center, and Warehouse Logistics and Fulfillment.

Position Summary

The Carpenter constructs, installs, repairs, and renovates structures and fixtures made of wood and other materials throughout the museum. The role completes work ranging from custom cases and platforms to doors, walls, floors, ceilings, and building frameworks. The Carpenter reads plans, determines required materials, and performs assigned work in accordance with established safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Installs walls, floors, and ceilings using wood, steel, metal, concrete, plastics, composite materials, and other appropriate materials.
• Fits, constructs, and installs doors, door frames, door hardware, and interior and exterior trim using carpenter's levels, plumb bobs, laser levels, and related tools.
• Builds and repairs custom casework, cabinets, doors, frameworks, floors, and other wooden fixtures using woodworking machines, hand tools, and power tools.
• Reads and interprets construction drawings, sketches, and building plans and determines the dimensions and materials required to complete assigned work.
• Measures, shapes, and cuts materials to specified dimensions using hand tools, machines, and power saws.
• Assembles, joins, and fastens materials to create frameworks, fixtures, or props using screws, nails, dowel pins, glue, and other appropriate fasteners.
• Inspects ceiling and floor tile, wall coverings, siding, glass, woodwork, and related structures to identify damaged or defective areas.
• Removes damaged or defective parts or sections of structures and independently completes routine repairs or replacements within the scope of assigned work.
• Erects and uses scaffolding and ladders to assemble, install, inspect, or repair structures above ground level.
• Moves tools and materials around the jobsite as assigned and maintains orderly access to work areas.
• Follows established safety rules and regulations, uses required personal protective equipment, and maintains a safe and clean work environment.
• Participates in and successfully completes required safety training, virtually or in person, including but not limited to Asbestos Awareness, Hazard Communication, Fire Safety and Extinguisher Use, Personal Protective Equipment, Machine Guarding, Ladder and Aerial Lift Safety, Lockout Tagout, Back Injury Prevention, Hearing Conservation, Hand and Power Tool Safety, and Driver Safety.
• Removes worksite debris and performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on carpentry experience required; formal training acquired through a carpenter apprenticeship program is highly preferred .
• General knowledge of carpentry methods, materials, tools, machinery, and equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, sketches, building plans, measurements, and detailed instructions.
• Skill in measuring, cutting, shaping, joining, installing, and repairing wood and other construction materials.
• Residential framing experience strongly preferred.
• Ability to safely operate woodworking machines, hand tools, power tools, ladders, scaffolding, and related equipment
• Ability to communicate clearly, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize assigned work, determine appropriate materials, and complete routine tasks with limited supervision while seeking direction when circumstances fall outside the assignment or established procedure.
• Ability to follow safety requirements and maintain a clean, orderly worksite.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Physical Requirements

• Performs work fully in-person across museum facilities, carpentry shops, and active jobsites with potential exposure to dust, noise, construction materials, and moving equipment.
• Regularly handles, positions, and cuts large construction materials independently, including 4' x 8' x 3/4" hardwood plywood sheets weighing up to 80 pounds. Frequently pushes, pulls, and maneuvers loads exceeding 80 pounds using team lifting techniques or material-handling equipment such as carts and pallet jacks.
• Sustained physical movement including prolonged walking, standing, squatting, kneeling, reaching overhead and below the waist, and climbing stairs.
• Comfortably and safely performs work at elevated heights using ladders, scaffolding, and aerial lifts.
• Adheres to established safety standards and consistently wears required personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriate for the task and environment.
• Equipment may include, but is not limited to, table saws, miter saws, power saws, sanders, routers, woodworking machines, hand tools, power tools, carpenter's levels, plumb bobs, laser levels, ladders, scaffolding, material-handling equipment, and required personal protective equipment such as respirators, protective footwear, hearing protection, and protective eyewear.

Compensation & Benefits

• Hiring Range: $26.00 - $32.50 per hour.

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons.

• Benefits
• PTO Overview
• Job Classification: Non exempt
• Employment Category: Full time staff
• Grade Level: 7

Union

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.

Accessibility

If You Are a Job Seeker With a Disability And Require a Reasonable Accommodation To Apply For One Of Our Jobs, You Will Find The Contact Information To Request The Appropriate Accommodation By Visiting The Following Page Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at [e-mail].