Carpenter, Trades ​/ Skilled Labor

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.

The Department of Facilities and Logistics is responsible for the repair and maintenance of the museum facilities and for non-art related operations and logistics. Functions in the department include Buildings and Grounds, Carpentry, Painting, Engineering, Mail Center, and Warehouse Logistics and Fulfillment.

The Carpenter constructs, installs, repairs, and renovates structures and fixtures made of wood and other materials throughout the museum. The role completes work ranging from custom cases and platforms to doors, walls, floors, ceilings, and building frameworks. The Carpenter reads plans, determines required materials, and performs assigned work in accordance with established safety standards.

• Installs walls, floors, and ceilings using wood, steel, metal, concrete, plastics, composite materials, and other appropriate materials.
• Fits, constructs, and installs doors, door frames, door hardware, and interior and exterior trim using carpenter's levels, plumb bobs, laser levels, and related tools.
• Builds and repairs custom casework, cabinets, doors, frameworks, floors, and other wooden fixtures using woodworking machines, hand tools, and power tools.
• Reads and interprets construction drawings, sketches, and building plans and determines the dimensions and materials required to complete assigned work.
• Measures, shapes, and cuts materials to specified dimensions using hand tools, machines, and power saws.
• Assembles, joins, and fastens materials to create frameworks, fixtures, or props using screws, nails, dowel pins, glue, and other appropriate fasteners.
• Inspects ceiling and floor tile, wall coverings, siding, glass, woodwork, and related structures to identify damaged or defective areas.
• Removes damaged or defective parts or sections of structures and independently completes routine repairs or replacements within the scope of assigned work.
• Erects and uses scaffolding and ladders to assemble, install, inspect, or repair structures above ground level.
• Moves tools and materials around the jobsite as assigned and maintains orderly access to work areas.
• Follows established safety rules and regulations, uses required personal protective equipment, and maintains a safe and clean work environment.
• Participates in and successfully completes required safety training, virtually or in person, including but not limited to Asbestos Awareness, Hazard Communication, Fire Safety and Extinguisher Use, Personal Protective Equipment, Machine Guarding, Ladder and Aerial Lift Safety, Lockout Tagout, Back Injury Prevention, Hearing Conservation, Hand and Power Tool Safety, and Driver Safety.
• Removes worksite debris and performs other related duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 2 years of hands-on carpentry experience required; formal training acquired through a carpenter apprenticeship program is highly preferred .
• General knowledge of carpentry methods, materials, tools, machinery, and equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, sketches, building plans, measurements, and detailed instructions.
• Skill in measuring, cutting, shaping, joining, installing, and repairing wood and other construction materials.
• Ability to safely operate woodworking machines, hand tools, power tools, ladders, scaffolding, and related equipment
• Ability to communicate clearly, verbally and in writing.
• Ability to organize assigned work, determine appropriate materials, and complete routine tasks with limited supervision while seeking direction when circumstances fall outside the assignment or established procedure.
• Ability to follow safety requirements and maintain a clean, orderly worksite.
• Ability to work effectively in a diverse and inclusive environment.

• Performs work fully in-person across museum facilities, carpentry shops, and active jobsites with potential exposure to dust, noise, construction materials, and moving equipment.
• Regularly handles, positions, and cuts large construction materials independently, including 4' x 8' x 3/4  hardwood plywood sheets weighing up to 80 pounds. Frequently pushes, pulls, and maneuvers loads exceeding 80 pounds…