The Noguchi Museum—chartered as Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum—was founded and designed by acclaimed artist Isamu Noguchi (1904–1988) for the display of his life’s work. Opened in 1985 and located in Long Island City, Queens, in a converted industrial building with a serene outdoor sculpture garden, the Museum is considered to be one of Noguchi’s greatest achievements. Today, the mission of the Museum is to advance the understanding and appreciation of Noguchi’s art and legacy. It manages the world’s most extensive collection of Noguchi’s artworks in addition to his complete archives and Catalogue Raisonné. Through its rich collection, exhibitions, and programming, the Museum facilitates scholarship and learning for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
The Noguchi Museum is an equal opportunity employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, citizenship status, veteran status, disability or any other criterion specified by federal, state or local laws, in the administration of its employment policy. The Museum considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants of all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, ages, genders, and physical abilities to apply.
Benefits
Full-time employees are eligible for benefits including a generous health insurance program including medical, dental, and vision, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with company match, paid time off, and other benefits.
Part-time employees receive pre-tax commuter benefits, as well as paid time off based on tenure, starting with three days per year.
The Isamu Noguchi Foundation and Garden Museum seeks a full-time Facilities Assistant. Reporting to the Manager of Building Operations, this position involves performing regular heavy cleaning, light maintenance, event and program setup, and other related duties for all public and non-public areas of the Museum and nearby warehouse space. The ideal candidate should be able to work carefully in a museum environment and have an ability to perform a variety of tasks in a timely and efficient manner. The position requires a person capable of working comfortably as part of a facilities/custodial team and in tandem with others at the Museum, as well as working responsibly on their own. They must be able to work conscientiously, be self-motivated, and be able to reliably complete numerous tasks with minimum oversight. This position requires an attention to detail, and proactive communication. The ideal candidate is energetic, focused, and responsive to the needs of the Museum’s activities and other employees.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Perform hands-on janitorial and basic maintenance tasks, including daily cleaning of both public and non-public, indoor and outdoor museum spaces, e.g., bathrooms, galleries, kitchen, shop, classroom, offices, meeting spaces, garden walks, sidewalks, and nearby warehouse space. The physical demands can be heavy at times, consisting of trash pickup, sweeping, dusting, mopping, vacuuming, glass cleaning, bathroom cleaning, changing light bulbs, testing emergency lights, moving furniture, etc.
• Perform garden maintenance, and use outdoor power equipment such as leaf blower, weed whacker, and snow blower.
• Proactively monitor and maintain cleanliness of the building throughout the day, routinely checking all areas for dust, debris, etc. Checking for and removing graffiti and litter from the building’s exterior. Shovel snow and spread salt on sidewalks in winter.
• Setup and clean classroom for education workshops and meetings.
• Organize and maintain tools and cleaning supplies in a small shop and maintenance room. Keep inventory of and notify supervisor of any items that need to be replenished or replaced.
• Respond promptly to emergency cleanups.
• Provide assistance with Museum events and programs.
• Work with the Facilities Department to identify, plan, and accomplish long-term building maintenance projects.
• Work independently and with other Facilities Department employees on a day-to-day basis performing regular museum upkeep.
• Other tasks as assigned.
Requirements
• Three to five years of janitorial/maintenance experience.
• High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
• Valid driver’s license and ability and comfort driving a commercial cargo van.
• Basic electrical, plumbing, carpentry, or painting skills, a plus.
• Ability to lift up to 100 pounds, and lift 40 pounds regularly and repeatedly.
• Ability to bend, stoop, stand, walk, reach, and climb for extended periods of time.
• Demonstrated understanding of the care, caution, and vigilance that must be exercised around delicate artworks and artifacts.
The Facilities Assistant position is full-time and located in The Noguchi Museum in Long Island City, Queens, and its nearby warehouses. Hours are five days per week, Tuesday through Saturday, 9 am–5 pm, and includes a paid lunch hour. The annual salary is $55,000, and benefits include a generous health insurance program, including medical, dental, and vision, pre-tax commuter benefits, a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer contribution and match after a year of employment, and paid time off (starting with 30 PTO days, plus 11 holidays per year), as well as other benefits.
Hours outside of the scheduled times are an occasional requirement of the position, and are paid at an overtime rate. Work is performed throughout the Museum building and properties and offsite warehouse with prolonged periods of standing and walking.
The health and safety of our community is our first priority. As such, The Noguchi Museum strongly encourages all staff members to be fully vaccinated with an FDA authorized and/or approved COVID-19 vaccine.
To Apply
Please send cover letter and résumé by email to jobs@noguchi.org with subject line “Facilities Assistant Position,” or mail to:
Facilities Assistant Position
The Noguchi Museum
32-37 Vernon Boulevard
Long Island City, NY 11106