Maritime Museum Facilities & Operations Specialist

Midwest Museums; Toledo (OH); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid Time Off

Health Insurance

Retirement Plan with Employee Match

Cell Phone Stipend

Job summary

National Museum of the Great Lakes seeks a Facilities & Operations Specialist to maintain the museum's building, grounds, and vessels—the Schoonmaker and Tug Ohio. You will perform routine repairs, conduct daily readiness checks, and support preservation efforts while coordinating contractors.

Reporting to the Director of Museum Operations, you will help ensure safety, compliance, and smooth operations during events, with occasional evening or weekend duties and lifting 50+ lbs.

Qualifications

• 3–5 years of experience in maintenance, facilities support, or related hands-on work.
• Demonstrated skills in basic carpentry, painting, minor plumbing, and simple electrical tasks.
• Ability to work safely at heights, on ladders, and aboard historic vessels.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, contractors, and leadership.
• Computer literacy and interest in using new technology to streamline operations and support recordkeeping.

Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance and repairs including painting, patching, basic carpentry, minor plumbing fixes, and simple electrical tasks within safety/code limits.
• Conduct daily building checks and address small issues directly.
• Maintain museum building and grounds through custodial tasks, landscaping, snow removal, walkway repairs, and seasonal outdoor tasks.
• Operate and maintain tools, equipment, and small machinery.
• Carry out routine preservation tasks aboard vessels, including cleaning, rust scraping, painting, sealing, minor surface repairs, and small pump operation.
• Assist with seasonal opening/closing procedures and vessel readiness for public access.
• Support vessel safety checks and report larger issues to the Director of Museum Operations.
• Participate in preservation planning discussions and help implement approved work plans.
• Assist the Director of Museum Operations in coordinating contractors, ensuring access, monitoring work progress, and documenting outcomes.
• Oversee daily operations of HVAC, electrical, plumbing, security, and life-safety systems.
• Support preventive maintenance schedules by performing assigned tasks and helping track completion.
• Contribute to small-scale facility improvement projects and assist with planning and logistics for larger projects.
• Help maintain inventories of tools, supplies, and equipment.
• Respond to minor facility issues such as leaks, clogged drains, or small electrical problems.
• Support emergency procedures and assist with hazard mitigation during building or vessel incidents.
• Participate in safety inspections and help implement corrective actions under the Director of Museum Operations’ guidance.
• Work closely with Exhibitions, Education, and Visitor Engagement teams to support installations, events, and programs requiring facility or vessel access.
• Assist with moving materials, setting up spaces, and ensuring operational readiness for museum activities.
• Provide input on operational needs and help identify opportunities for improvement.

Skills

Maintenance experience

Carpentry

Painting

Plumbing

Electrical

Safety at heights

Problem solving

Collaboration

Computer literacy

Job description

National Museum of the Great Lakes seeks a Facilities & Operations Specialist to maintain the museum's building, grounds, and vessels—the Schoonmaker and Tug Ohio. You will perform routine repairs, conduct daily readiness checks, and support preservation efforts while coordinating contractors.

Reporting to the Director of Museum Operations, you will help ensure safety, compliance, and smooth operations during events, with occasional evening or weekend duties and lifting 50+ lbs.