Preservation & Facilities Assistant
SUPERVISOR: Preservation & Facilities Manager
HOURS: 24 hrs/wk with occasional morning or evening needs
SALARY: $22/hr
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is currently responsible for three sites, all of which are fully-embellished art environments that require thoughtful, creative, and flexible approaches. The Preservation & Facilities Assistant (PFA) will support the Preservation & Facilities Manager in routine maintenance, preservation, and upkeep of all three properties. Additionally, the PFA will assistant in repairs to over 200 public Zagar mosaics on a case-by-case basis, and install new mosaics in the Zagar method under the guidance of the Preservation & Facilities Manager and/or founding artist, Isaiah Zagar. This position requires heavy lifting, physical labor, and the ability to work in all types of weather conditions. The PFA must be able to perform
maintenance and repairs with strong sensitivity and adherence towards Isaiah Zagar’s vision and PMG’s preservation plan.
Preservation Assistant responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Performing routine inspections, preventative work and repairs as needed on artwork as directed, with both on-site and public works
- Performing facility maintenance jobs and site repairs with sensitivity to the artwork and preservation methods
- Provide support to Preservation & Facilities Manager as needed, reporting all preservation & facilities related concerns and incidents to Preservation & Facilities Manager
- Maintain all spaces used by and for preservation staff, including the maintenance, construction, and organization of storage and work spaces
- Assistant in new mosaic installation in adherence with the Zagar method
- Routinely working with Isaiah Zagar
- Regularly perform gardening tasks on site greenery
- Light construction and general contracting as needed
- Handling various type of artworks on and offsite
- Any and other preservation projects or mosaic installation as needed
Requirements include:
- Expert knowledge of Isaiah Zagar’s history, artwork, and methodology
- Five year working experience in the Zagar Mosaic Method
- In-depth knowledge of art environments and folk art, particularly Mexican folk art
- 3 year experience working with tools and construction materials, general contracting experience a plus
- Excellent detail orientation and 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 with basic skills in building maintenance and repairs
- Ability to lift at least 50 lbs, and perform rigorous work regularly (both inside and outside in all weather)
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens is responsible for continuing the Zagar legacy and will take great care in following the preservation plan. The Preservation Assistant will lead through example and be willing to educate the next generation of preservationists as needed.
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
Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens (PMG) is a nonprofit organization that preserves and interprets the artwork of Isaiah Zagar and furthers the legacy of Isaiah and his wife Julia. PMG celebrates art in its many forms through community outreach, public programs, hands-on activities, exhibitions, and tours.
To Apply
Please send a brief cover letter and resume to jobs@phillymagicgardens.org with a subject of: Preservation & Facilities Assistant. No phone calls, please.
