About Our Organization

Founded in 1968, the Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally and for work that has been inspired and influenced by Black culture. It is a site for the dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society.

Job Summary

The Environmental Service Worker is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of the museum building and main offices and storage spaces and their surrounding grounds. Their duties include vacuuming floors, sanitizing restrooms and facilities, and collecting trash to ensure the building occupants have a clean space and environment. Applicants should have experience doing maintenance work and a sound knowledge of general cleaning methodologies of a museum and office spaces. 

As a member of the Building Operations department, the Environmental Service Worker cleans and maintains assigned areas to meet customers and client satisfaction. Essential functions and responsibilities of the position may vary by requirements and business needs. This is a full-time position reporting to the Associate Director of Building Operations. This role also requires the ability to work independently, and on some weekends and during evening events as assigned as assigned, while unsupervised, and working alone when necessary. 

The work schedule will be 8 hours daily five days per week between the days of Mondays through Sundays, with a total of thirty-five (35) hours plus one hour of lunch. Approved OT is paid after working 40-hours straight within a week and as approved by direct supervisor or their next-up supervisor. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

An Environmental Service Worker’s main responsibility is to clean the workspace and all areas of the museum building as assigned. These tasks are broken down into several duties performed throughout the day or at regular intervals, such as:  

• Emptying trash cans and replacing liners  

• Dusting all surfaces  

• Using equipment, commercial vacuums, floor buffers, and carpets  

• Cleaning galleries and art spaces as needed. 

• Polish terrazzo floors and scrub concrete floors as needed 

• Cleaning and disinfecting restrooms, offices, stairs, elevators, handrails, countertops, and furniture 

• Cleaning wood, linoleum, ceramic tile, and other types of floors  

• Collecting and taking out trash and recycling  

• Sweep and mop  

• Perform seasonal snow removal and hose down sidewalks plus water garden 

• Courier between nearby sites 

• Change bulbs  

• Organizing inventory  

• Polish hardware  

• Empty shredder machine  

• Escort vendors as necessary throughout the museum building and main offices 

• Sanitize all surfaces to include phones, wall switches, door handles, and desks 

• Wipe and disinfect partitions, walls, doorknobs  

• Wipe and clean desks, chairs, lounge furniture, PC monitors, and phones 

• Clean windows and glass as needed 

• Wipe mirrors and restrooms stalls 

• Assist with completing task requests and in working together with Engineering 

• Assemble furniture 

• Keep all kitchen appliances clean (i.e., fridge, microwave, coffee maker, ice machine, chilled water machine, etc.)  

• Assist with events requests and set-up plus breakdown 

• Install floor protection throughout museum floors during installation/de-installation of artwork projects, and during work inside galleries and project spaced by outside vendors 

• Perform moves using U-Haul trucks as necessary (only authorized/licensed drivers are to manage any vehicle) 

• Respond to after-hours calls for service 

• Travel via MTA to other facilities to perform cleaning, delivery of stock items, etc. 

• Participate in fire drills and as a fire brigade member evacuate museum goers and office staff/visitors  

• Able to lift fifty pounds or more 

Percent travel required: > 25% 

Skills and Qualifications  

• Prior knowledge of working in a museum institution a plus but not necessary 

• Available to work weekends and flexible 

• Responsible for carrying a work phone, keycards, and access fobs 

• Work autonomously and within a team 

• Assist in cleaning projects as required 

• Assist in small office moves using rented trucks 

• Able to use local mass transportation to work at other sites within the Harlem, NY area (bus/train traveling is less than three miles apart). Reimbursement provided. 

• A valid NY State driver’s license a plus but not necessary. 

Education and Experience 

• A high school diploma or a GED is required for this position 

• Able to read and write and understand policy manuals 

• Basic computer skills are a plus 

Physical Demands 

Carry office supplies such as copier paper, office furniture, five-gallon water bottles, and other items weighing up to 50 lbs. This position will require walking up and down flight of stairs on a regular basis. Working outdoors on a terrace or rooftop during wintry weather months in removing snow, debris, cleaning roof gutters, etc. 

Work Environment 

This position is considered a non-exempt position for purposes of federal wage and hour law, which means that you will be eligible for overtime pay for hours in excess of 40 in a given workweek.

• Fast-paced environment with varying levels of guests and employees present. 

• Building Accessibility – office locations are wheelchair accessible, with elevators in the building. Other accessibility accommodations can be further discussed. 

Compensation

$22 an hour

Salary is commensurate with experience within the guidelines of a small not-for-profit. A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.

Application Instructions

Please upload your resume and a cover letter to your application. No phone calls or emails, please.  

Please note that while careful consideration will be given to each submission, only a select number of applicants will be contacted due to the volume of interest.

The Studio Museum in Harlem is an equal opportunity employer and considers all candidates for employment regardless of race, color, sex, age, gender identification, national origin, creed, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or political affiliation. We celebrate our inclusive work environment and encourage folks of all backgrounds and perspectives to apply. At the Studio Museum, we are committed to having an inclusive and transparent environment where every voice is heard and acknowledged. We embrace our differences, and know that our diverse team is a strength that drives our success.  

Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.