Housekeeping Associate

Creative Discovery Museum
321 Chestnut Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

Creative Discovery Museum
321 Chestnut Street
Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA

Creative Discovery Museum (CDM) is a nationally recognized nonprofit children’s museum, serving as the gateway to downtown Chattanooga, Tennessee. Since 1995, CDM has been a leader in hands‑on, play‑based learning experiences that inspire exploration, innovation, creativity, and play through the arts, sciences, and cultural understanding.

CDM is committed to accessibility, inclusion, and creating a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for every visitor. Team members contribute to a mission‑driven workplace rooted in our values of belonging, potential, relationships, respect, and exceptional service.

Occupational Summary

The Housekeeper supports the Museum’s standard of excellence for cleanliness and presentation across all public, staff, and back‑of‑house spaces. This role performs daily cleaning and sanitation tasks, supports safe and welcoming guest experiences, and responds promptly to cleaning needs throughout the building.

Housekeepers work under the direction of the Facilities and Maintenance Director and train with the Housekeeping Technician. They follow established procedures, and contribute as team players in a highly public, family‑centered environment. Because weekends are peak guest days at the Museum, this role requires regular weekend availability.

Compensation & Schedule

• Pay Rate: $14.50 per hour
• Weekend availability is required; select holidays may be required based on Museum operations

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Clean and maintain assigned areas including exhibit galleries, restrooms, offices, break rooms, and back‑of‑house spaces.
• Clean, polish, and maintain stainless steel surfaces, glass, acrylic, mirrors, walls, doors, and floors as assigned.
• Sweep, vacuum, dust, and damp mop floors daily; perform scheduled deep cleaning tasks as directed.
• Remove trash, compost, and recycling daily; maintain cleanliness of loading dock and waste areas.
• Clean, sanitize, disinfect, and restock public and employee restrooms according to established standards.
• Safely clean up spills, vomit, and other body waste following OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens guidelines.
• Support laundry duties as assigned (e.g., towels, cleaning cloths).
• Use cleaning equipment and chemicals safely and appropriately following training and posted procedures.
• Respond quickly and professionally to guest needs and internal service requests.
• Maintain a professional, welcoming presence with appropriate body language and communication.
• Follow schedules, instructions, and safety procedures consistently.
• Report supply needs, maintenance concerns, or safety issues to the Housekeeping Technician or Facilities and Maintenance Director.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

• Basic knowledge of cleaning methods, tools, and supplies
• Ability to follow written and verbal instructions
• Strong attention to detail and pride in quality work
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Reliable attendance and punctuality
• Professional communication and customer-service mindset

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Preferred

• Experience with commercial or institutional cleaning
• Willingness to learn new equipment and procedures
• Ability to adapt in a fast‑paced, public environment

Education and Experience Requirements

• High school diploma or GED preferred
• Prior cleaning or custodial experience preferred but not required

Working Conditions

• Work occurs in public, office, and exhibit environments
• Frequent exposure to wet or slippery surfaces
• Occasional exposure to fumes, odors, or cleaning chemicals
• Variable temperatures depending on work area
• Schedule includes regular weekend and occasional holiday shifts.

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds unassisted
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and reaching
• Occasional ladder use

Full‑time, hourly ($14.50/hour).

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.

For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.