SUPERVISOR: Preservation & Facilities Manager
HOURS: 40/wk with occasional morning or evening needs; full-time with robust health insurance and work benefits
START DATE: Goal of September 2023 start date, interviews will be held on a rolling basis
SALARY: $40,000/year
The Facilities Assistant (FA) supports the Preservation & Facilities Manager in performing routine maintenance and upkeep of all properties under PMG’s care. PMG is currently responsible for two sites, both of which are fully-embellished art environments that require thoughtful, creative, and flexible approaches. The FA is responsible for completing all intermittent tasks delegated to them while also taking the initiative to complete ongoing routine tasks. While not an exhaustive list, examples of these responsibilities include:
- Keep facilities clean/tidy
- Communicate and/or being a point person with contractors
- Regularly perform maintenance jobs and light repairs
- Regularly perform various gardening tasks
- Perform lighting installation
- Cleaning/repair of artwork
- Organizing or picking up supplies
- Moving furniture
- Painting
- Repair equipment and various machines and appliances
- Identify, document and report maintenance and repair work
- Suggest additional repairs when identified and needed
While the position is heavily focused on facilities related tasks, there is regular work done as a member of the Preservation Team. The preservation team consists of two full-time staff members led by the Preservation & Facilities Manager, and includes the Executive Director and founding artist Isaiah Zagar. Daily preservation responsibilities include assessment and documentation of the main site at 1020 South Street, other Zagar buildings, and over 200 public Zagar murals in Philadelphia. Team members also clean the artwork, install new works, and make repairs to damaged or delaminated murals onsite and offsite. The FA is expected to participate in ongoing training in the Zagar mosaic method. They will also occasionally work with preservation interns and other staff members as needed.
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens requires all staff to be fully vaccinated from the COVID-19 virus with the ability to show proof of vaccination.
Facilities Assistant responsibilities include:
- General maintenance, repair, and upkeep of PMG properties
- Working with the Preservation Assistant in routine preservation related tasks
- Working as a member of the Preservation Team to preserve, maintain, and repair artworks related to PMG on and offsite
- Handling of various types of artworks on and offsite
- Artwork installation and de-installation on and offsite
Qualifications:
- Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills
- Ability to take initiative, work independently, and remain self motivated while also being a member of a larger team
- Excellent ability to adapt and problem solve, with emphasis on flexibility and being able to think outside the box
- Experience working with basic hand and power tools; i.e. drills, saws, etc
- Experience with basic skills in building maintenance and repairs
- Must be able to perform maintenance and repairs with a strong sensitivity and adherence towards the artist’s vision, artwork, and method.
- Ability to lift at least 50 lbs, and perform rigorous work regularly (both inside and outside in all weather)
- Up to date driver’s license (with confidence/experience to drive trucks or U-hauls a plus)
- Background in nontraditional arts, folk art, or art environments is a plus
- Fluency in Spanish is a plus
Equal Opportunity Employer
PMG believes in creating a safe space that embraces a diversity of culture, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religious affiliation, age and physical or mental ability. Our policies and programming encourage connecting to others with respect and dignity.
It is the policy of PMG to ensure equal employment opportunity without discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, veteran’s status, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.
About Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens
PMG is an immersive mixed media art environment that is completely covered with mosaics. The creator, Isaiah Zagar, used handmade tiles, bottles, bicycle wheels, mirror, and international folk art to chronicle his life and influences. This incredibly unique space is made up of two indoor galleries and a permanent bi-level outdoor sculpture garden.
As a nonprofit museum, PMG celebrates art in its many forms through community outreach, public programs, hands-on activities, exhibitions, and tours. We welcome everyone to explore the space and embrace the possibility of self-expression.
To Apply
Please send a brief cover letter, resume, and three professional references to jobs@phillymagicgardens.org, with a subject of: Facilities Assistant. No phone calls, please.
