Facilities Assistant

MILWAUKEE ART MUSEUM; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

The Milwaukee Art Museum is seeking a Facilities Assistant to help keep our campus safe, functional, and visually appealing. This full-time, union position performs general maintenance, preventative tasks, event support, and groundskeeping across multiple properties.

Requirements include at least 4 years of related maintenance experience, basic Office skills, and certification for scissor lifts and forklifts.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 4 years of related maintenance experience.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• A strong willingness and ability to learn, retain new skills, and apply them on the job.

Responsibilities

• Perform minor repairs and preventative maintenance on mechanical equipment, water fountains, strainers, filters, and intake screens.
• Replace lighting fixtures and bulbs; interior/exterior painting and surface washing.
• Maintain grounds, plazas, parking lots, bridges, decks, and the underground garage; assist with events.
• Adhere to OSHA regulations and use PPE; participate in toolbox talks; attend trainings.

Skills

Maintenance experience

Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Description

Job: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Hourly, Union

Supervisor: Facilities Manager

Schedule: 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 7:00 AM - 4:00 PM (hours may vary based on job demands; evening and weekend work required as needed)

Union Minimum Rate: $20.25/hr.

The Milwaukee Art Museum is a vibrant, welcoming destination where art, architecture, and community come together. As a cultural cornerstone of Milwaukee and a symbol of civic pride, the Museum connects people of all ages and backgrounds through inspiring exhibitions, engaging programs, and unforgettable experiences.

Position Overview

The Facilities Assistant plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation, safety, and visual appeal of the Milwaukee Art Museum campus. This position is responsible for performing general facility maintenance, preventative maintenance, event support, and groundskeeping across multiple properties.

Key Responsibilities

Maintenance & Repairs

• Perform minor repairs and preventative maintenance on mechanical equipment, water fountains, strainers, filters, and intake screens.
• Conduct minor electrical work, plumbing fixture repairs, and automatic flush control maintenance.
• Replace lighting fixtures and bulbs as needed.
• Perform minor and major interior/exterior painting and surface washing (including facades).
• Repair drywall on horizontal and vertical surfaces, as well as minor grout repairs.
• Complete assigned maintenance requests and work orders through the Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS).

Grounds, Campus, & Specialized Tasks

• Maintain the cleanliness and functionality of grounds, plazas, parking lots, bridges, decks, and the underground garage.
• Clean screens in the intake tunnel and maintain water fountains for cleanliness and proper operation.
• Clean interior and exterior windows as required.
• Perform the opening and closing of the Brise Soleil as required.
• Collect and manage recycling.
• Assist with office relocations and special projects.
• Provide logistical and facility support for special museum events.
• Assist fellow facilities staff with mechanical, electrical, and predictive maintenance projects.

Safety & Compliance

• Adhere strictly to OSHA regulations and utilize proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for all tasks.
• Attend and participate in regular OSHA toolbox safety talks.
• Attend all required staff meetings, weekly team meetings, and training sessions.

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Minimum of 4 years of related maintenance experience.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office products.
• A strong willingness and ability to learn, retain new skills, and apply them on the job.

Licenses & Certifications

• Must successfully complete certification classes for scissor lift and forklift operation.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and carry up to 30-50 lbs.
• Ability to stand for up to 4 hours per day.
• Ability to walk extensively throughout the museum and office spaces.
• Manual dexterity to use hands for fine motor tasks, handling, and touching.
• Visual acuity, including close vision and the ability to adjust focus.
• Ability to work at elevated heights (with proper training):
  • Operating scissor and boom lifts up to 40 feet off the ground.
  • Working from step and extension ladders up to 30 feet.
  • Working on rooftops and the Brise Soleil structure.

Disclaimer

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all qualifications, responsibilities, duties and skills required.

Milwaukee Art Museum is an EOE/M/W/Vets/Disability Employer.

DEAI Statement

The Milwaukee Art Museum is an equal opportunity employer. The Museum recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

We are committed to recruiting, developing, compensating, and retaining professional staff that reflect our community. We aspire to be a diverse workplace where talented people want to come, stay, and do their best work.

We stand committed to the work ahead, informed by our community, which we will support with our best thinking, our deepest empathy, and the courage to embody the convictions shared in our Strategic Direction.