Maintenance Utility - Engineering (full-time Union)

Maintenance Utility Engineering

The Henry Ford is a nonprofit organization, an internationally recognized cultural destination, and a one-of-a-kind workplace. The Henry Ford provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America's traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness and innovation. Our purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future. Our team is inspired daily by one another as well as the authentic stories of innovation that we share across our four venues. We want you to be part of this legacy and take it forward and that aligns with our core values of being Welcoming, Curious, Authentic, and Passionate.

This role supports the overall maintenance, operation, safety, and appearance of The Henry Ford facilities, grounds, and infrastructure. This position performs preventative maintenance, operates heavy equipment and aerial lifts, assists skilled trades personnel, supports special events, and responds to facility and grounds maintenance needs. The position requires the ability to safely operate machinery, troubleshoot maintenance issues, and provide hands-on labor support for a variety of projects and daily operations.

Essential Responsibilities

• Maintain lighting systems throughout the museum, satellite buildings, offices, and grounds, including installation, replacement, and inventory management of specialty lamps and bulbs
• Schedule and perform preventative maintenance on heating and cooling motors, including lubrication, filter replacement, and belt inspections
• Operate heavy machinery and aerial lifts such as skid steers, tractors, front-end loaders, boom lifts, scissor lifts, and snowplows to support grounds maintenance, snow removal, and facility projects
• Perform safe setup, operation, and shutdown procedures for heavy equipment and aerial lift machinery in accordance with safety standards
• Provide skilled trades support for electrical, plumbing, and HVAC maintenance by assisting with diagnostics, troubleshooting, repairs, and general maintenance tasks
• Serve as a first-response resource for identifying and reporting facility maintenance and operational issues
• Support special events by assisting with setup, breakdown, logistics, and facility preparation across The Henry Ford campus
• Assist with irrigation system operations, including routine system inspections, troubleshooting, repairs, and seasonal/program adjustments
• Set up and dismantle equipment and materials for daily programs, outdoor activities, and special events
• Follow all workplace safety procedures and properly utilize required personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Perform additional maintenance, operational, and facility support duties as assigned
• Safely operate heavy equipment and aerial lifts including skid steers, tractors, front-end loaders, boom lifts, scissor lifts, snowplows, and grounds maintenance equipment

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older
• Valid driver's license
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience with electrical, plumbing, HVAC, or general skilled trades maintenance
• Experience in facility maintenance, grounds maintenance, building operations, or heavy equipment operations

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Certification in aerial lift operation (e.g. boom or scissor lift)
• Heavy equipment operator certification or documented training
• Pesticide Applicator license
• CPR/First Aid certification

Special Skills

• Knowledge of safe heavy equipment and aerial lift operation
• Basic mechanical skills and troubleshooting ability for equipment maintenance and repair
• Strong work ethic and reliability
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
• Attention to detail and commitment to safety standards
• Ability to follow instructions and work independently or as part of a team
• Good communication skills and strong safety awareness
• Eagerness and willingness to learn
• Proven ability to build positive working relationships with employees, vendors, and internal departments
• Commitment to and enthusiasm for the mission, vision, values, and service standards of The Henry Ford

Physical/Mental/Environmental

Physical: Standing, Walking: Typical. Lifting, carrying, and pushing: Occasional, up to 100 lbs. Tolerance for hot and cold temperatures preferred. Unless noted here, other physical requirements are minimal or not applicable. Ability to safely operate heavy machinery and aerial lifts. Ability to operate and maintain light grounds equipment and tools

Vision: Normal

Mental: Observation, analysis, interpretation, decision making, and multi-tasking. Ability to read guest needs and interests and respond appropriately. Should be able to work under pressure and around large crowds. Willingness to discuss sensitive historical topics and challenging themes with a diverse range of guests.

Environment: Must be able to work outdoors in all seasons (including sunny and inclement weather) as necessary. Non-air-conditioned interiors. Flexibility with on-call scheduling and availability as needed during evenings, weekends, and short-notice situations.