Facilities Assistant- Part Time in Culver City, California at The Wende Museum of the Cold War

The Facilities Assistant Full-Time supports the daily maintenance, upkeep, safety, inventory management, and operational needs of the Wende Museum Campus. The position performs routine preventive and corrective maintenance, building inspections, repairs, Facilities inventory and parts management, work order documentation, event support, room setups, exterior maintenance, and other Facilities assignments across the Museum, the Garden, the Wende Museum Community Center, the Stevie House and Garden, the Wagner House, and other assigned Wende Museum facilities.

The Facilities Assistant full-time reports directly to the Head of Facilities and may receive day-to-day assignments, direction, and coordination from the Facilities Manager or Facilities Lead. The position assists the Facilities Manager or Facilities Lead with daily Facilities operations while remaining under the overall supervision of the Head of Facilities. The Facilities Assistant follows established Facilities procedures, work orders, safety requirements, preventive maintenance schedules, inventory procedures, and special instructions.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Support the Facilities Manager or Facilities Lead with daily operations, building inspections, maintenance, and assigned projects.
• Perform preventive maintenance and minor repairs involving plumbing, electrical components, carpentry, painting, fixtures, doors, and furniture within the scope of the position.
• Inspect buildings and grounds, troubleshoot routine issues, and promptly report safety hazards, security concerns, equipment failures, and conditions requiring specialized service.
• Maintain accurate work orders and records of inspections, repairs, materials used, and outstanding follow-up needs.
• Maintain inventory of parts, supplies, tools, and equipment, including tracking usage, identifying reorder needs, and keeping storage areas organized and secure.
• Assist with grounds and exterior maintenance, including upkeep of entrances, walkways, patios, gardens, and service areas.
• Support exhibition preparation, installations, and gallery maintenance while following Museum and Curatorial requirements and protecting artwork and sensitive materials.
• Assist with setup, breakdown, and facilities support for Museum programs, meetings, rentals, and special events.
• Operate tools and equipment safely, maintain them in good condition, and report damage or replacement needs.
• Communicate work progress and operational concerns to Facilities leadership, escalating urgent issues promptly to the Head of Facilities.
• Perform other duties consistent with the nature and level of the position.

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of five years of relevant work experience in facilities maintenance, building maintenance, general maintenance, construction, or a related field, including at least two years of hands-on experience performing maintenance, carpentry, electrical work, and general repairs. The two years of hands-on experience may be included within the five-year minimum.
• High school diploma or an equivalent combination of education and experience. The five-year experience minimum applies regardless of educational background.
• Experience managing maintenance supplies, tools, equipment, or parts inventory, including tracking usage, maintaining accurate records, and identifying reorder needs.
• Ability to safely operate hand tools, power tools, ladders, and maintenance equipment.
• Ability to identify and troubleshoot routine maintenance issues and recognize when specialized repairs or vendor support are needed.
• Ability to complete preventive maintenance, repairs, inspections, and work orders accurately and on schedule.
• Basic computer and mobile device skills to update work orders and inventory, document completed work, upload photographs, and communicate with staff.
• Ability to understand and follow work orders, equipment instructions, maintenance schedules, and safety procedures.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and coordinate with staff, vendors, and contractors.
• Ability to work carefully around artwork, exhibitions, and sensitive materials while maintaining a respectful, professional approach with visitors and staff.
• Ability to respond appropriately to urgent maintenance issues and promptly communicate significant concerns to Facilities leadership.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality for scheduled shifts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a museum, gallery, cultural institution, event venue, commercial property, or other public facility.
• Experience with preventive maintenance programs and computerized maintenance or work order systems.
• Experience performing routine plumbing, electrical, carpentry, painting, patching, and general building repairs.
• Experience supporting events, exhibitions, installations, or public programs.
• Experience coordinating with contractors and service vendors.
• Bilingual communication skills in English and Spanish.

Physical Requirements

The position requires the ability to perform the following activities, with or without reasonable accommodation:

• Stand and walk for extended periods and move between facilities throughout the Wende Museum Campus.
• Frequently bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, reach, twist, push, pull, and perform repetitive movements.
• Climb stairs and use ladders for maintenance work.
• Lift, carry, push, and pull tools, supplies, equipment, furniture, and materials weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Safely operate maintenance tools and equipment and perform indoor and outdoor physical work.

Work Environment

Work takes place throughout the Wende Museum Campus, including Museum, Community Center, residential, garden, and other assigned facilities. Assignments may involve galleries, offices, event spaces, restrooms, storage and mechanical areas, rooftops, and exterior spaces.

The role involves working around visitors, staff, vendors, contractors, artwork, and exhibitions, with potential exposure to dust, dirt, wet surfaces, maintenance materials, varying noise levels, and outdoor weather conditions.

Schedule

Part-time. Shifts may include weekdays, weekends, daytime and evening hours, and occasional holidays based on campus operations, maintenance, cleaning, programs, and events.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Wende Museum is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to fostering a workplace that values diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, and belonging. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

The Wende Museum participates in E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of newly hired employees.