Facilities Assistant

RAM’s Charles A. Wustum Museum of Fine Arts, 2519 Northwestern Avenue, Racine 53404

Status: Full-time, Exempt

Salary Range: $35,000 – $40,000 annually

Reports To: Facilities Manager

General Summary of Position

This role is responsible for supporting the Facilities Manager with the maintenance, safety, and security of the Racine Art Museum (RAM), Wustum Museum, museum grounds, off-site storage areas, and vehicles. Responsibilities include facility maintenance, event setup, supply procurement, painting, and general custodial tasks. While this position will work across all museum sites, the primary workspace is at Wustum.

Principal Job Functions

Assist the Facilities Manager in ensuring the maintenance, security, and overall functionality of RAM, Wustum, outdoor areas, and off-site storage facilities (50%):

• Assist in the procurement and upkeep of supplies, equipment, and materials to ensure the department is properly equipped and operational.
• Communicate with General Museum Assistants and/or contract workers to maintain cleaning schedules and task completion.
• Work with vendors and service providers for maintenance and building systems, including fire, HVAC, landscaping, elevators, and related services.
• Monitor and report facility and storage issues—on-site and off-site—to the Facilities Manager, collaborating with the Registrar and Collections team as needed.
• Assist in implementing sustainable maintenance practices and ensuring all building systems (HVAC, MEP, fire/life-safety, and controls) are functional, compliant, and properly maintained.
• Paint and maintain building spaces—including offices, galleries, and outdoor areas—for exhibitions, events, and general upkeep.
• Assist in maintaining and communicating facilities-related policies and procedures, including emergency preparedness and disaster management.
• Support Exhibitions and Collections staff with art security, storage, and shipment logistics, and contribute to emergency preparedness planning as it relates to the collection.

Project Management Support (20%):

• Assist the Facilities Manager in planning and executing large-scale projects, such as renovations, construction, landscaping, and signage.
• Attend meetings with stakeholders and Board committees as assigned.

Custodial and Maintenance (20%):

• Work collaboratively with staff and contractors to perform routine cleaning, maintenance, and repair tasks across all museum sites.
  • Follow assigned cleaning and maintenance schedules to ensure a safe, efficient, and well-maintained environment.

Additional Duties (10%):

• Assist with event set-up across campuses and support special activities.
• Contribute to and support the museum’s accreditation process.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift and carry up to 50 pounds.
• Requires frequent standing, walking, and repetitive motions like pushing, pulling, stooping, and kneeling.
• Must also have good dexterity, climbing and balancing abilities, and specific vision requirements such as close, distance, and peripheral vision.
• Must work in various environments, including indoors, outdoors, heights, and in close quarters, and exposure to noise, heat, fumes, and chemicals.

Other Requirements

• High school diploma and 3-5 years of work experience.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Must be available to work some evening and weekend hours.
• Basic knowledge in working with PC’s and email.
• Basic knowledge in electrical, plumbing, and/or carpentry skills a plus.

Benefits

Benefits include two weeks (10 days) paid vacation, group term life and disability insurance, eleven paid holidays, five personal/sick days, and compensatory time off immediately following the first full day of employment. Group health insurance, with employer paying 85% of the premium, is available following the first full month of employment. A retirement plan is available on the first enrollment date (January 1 or July 1) following 12 months of employment with a generous employer match/contribution. Employee discounts are available on studio art class fees and on purchases in the Museum Store.

Note:  The job description above is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of the exclusive standards, responsibilities, duties or skills required.  Incumbents will follow any other instructions, and perform other related duties, as may be required.

Email cover letter and resume to:
John Martinoff, Facilities Manager
jmartinoff@ramart.org

No phone calls, please