Facilities Maintenance Technician (Farnsworth House)

First conceived by world-renowned architect Mies van der Rohe in 1945 and completed in 1951 the Farnsworth House is an icon of modern architecture and continues to inspire artists and designers around the world. Built as a country retreat for Dr. Edith Farnsworth the house is a building of white-painted steel and glass which stands in striking contrast to its naturalistic setting. Located in a floodplain landscape along the Fox River the setting is integral to Mies van der Rohes aesthetic conception and continues to be managed and developed as the house and site are restored and interpreted.

JOB SUMMARY

Performs routine basic maintenance of buildings grounds and vehicles and schedules work of maintenance contractors/outsources. Assists other members of the administrative team with exhibits programs and events. Drives van when required both on- and off-site. As time permits recruits schedules trains and coordinates the work of Green Team landscape maintenance volunteers.

This is a regular part time hourly position that is benefits eligible working 20 hours per week at $21.00-22.15.

DUTIES

Building Grounds & Equipment Maintenance

• Maintain the buildings grounds vehicles and related equipment in a manner that is safe and appropriate for employees and visitors.
• Perform routine interior maintenance tasks including occasional cleaning moving and hauling carpentry and painting and basic electrical and plumbing repairs.
• Perform routine exterior maintenance tasks including occasional roof inspections as well as mowing and weeding raking leaf blowing brush and branch clearing.
• Perform routine vehicular maintenance including car washes oil changes tire rotation tune-ups etc.
• Schedule work of building and grounds maintenance outsources i.e. housekeeping window-washing mowing snow removal and trash pick-up.
• Oversee work of contractors performing work such as landscaping construction painting utilities etc.
• Ensure ongoing maintenance of all building systems including but not limited to: HVAC MEP AV.
• Assist in monitoring site security (buildings objects grounds) and visitor safety responding calmly and professionally to emergencies and promptly notifying Operations Manager of incidents or unsafe conditions.
• Assist in preparation for and response to extreme weather conditions.
• As needed and directed assist contractors vendors photographers et al to perform their duties.
• As needed interface with and assist visiting public.
• Assist Marketing & Events Coordinator providing event support including set-up and take-down for programs and special events such as specialty tours site rentals and fundraising events.
• Assist with a variety of special projects as requested.

Volunteer Supervisor

• Recruit schedule train and coordinate the work of Green Team volunteers.
• Ensure that all volunteers have signed release waivers prior to performing any grounds maintenance work.
• Ensure that all volunteers have the proper attire tools and safety training prior to performing work.
• Keep Operations Manager informed where and when Green Team volunteers will be working.
• Discuss general nature of work and locations with Executive Director prior to beginning Green Team projects.
• Ensure that all appropriate protocols are followed when interacting with interns.

General Site Maintenance

• Track and communicate priorities and progress; report time using ADP.
• Answer visitor questions or collect contact information when needed to follow-up.
• Deal skillfully with a diverse variety of groups under a wide array of circumstances.
• Continually broaden personal knowledge of Mies van der Rohe and Modernism to better serve our visitors.
• Use savingplaces work email for work-related communications; check email regularly.
• Answer telephones and take messages in a timely effective manner as required.
• Assist visitors and volunteers with transportation (14-passenger van and golf carts).
• Run errands for material supplies equipment maintenance etc. (occasional use of personal vehicle: mileage reimbursed).
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 3 years trades experience including working in maintenance or construction-related trades and/or in landscape/golf course maintenance. Experience working with historic buildings and landscapes a plus.
• Some experience helping to monitor budgets and expenses. Experience operating and maintaining landscape equipment including tractors commercial mowers and other powered equipment with knowledge of related safety procedures and guidelines.
• Basic problem-solving skills including issue identification and prioritization.
• Ability to understand instructions and deadlines in English and execute tasks as assigned with ability to learn and handle routine tasks without close supervision.
• Strong communicator who enjoys interacting with a wide variety of people and is comfortable speaking in front of groups. Ability to work with a diverse group of staff committee members and volunteers ensuring cooperation as a site team member.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment.
• Personable outgoing polite courteous reliable and responsible. Ability to work with a diverse group of staff and volunteers ensuring cooperation as a site team member.
• Ability to adapt and be flexible in a dynamic work environment.
• Minimum physical requirements include but are not limited to: ability to lift and carry up to 50 lbs on a frequent basis and occasionally more; ability to push or pull up to 50 lbs on a frequent basis and occasionally more; ability to bend squat kneel twist/turn climb and reach above the shoulder frequently; able to walk the site including several walks of mile per day and stand for long periods of time; able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to drive 15-passenger van (CDL not required) golf carts lawn mower; ability to operate power tools and landscape maintenance tools. Valid drivers license with clean driving record.
• Ability to work occasional weekends holidays and evenings in addition to regular workday hours.
• High School diploma or equivalent; related trade certifications a plus.
• Regular and reliable attendance required.