Painter

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, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

Benefits Eligible Standard Hiring Range Role

Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Hiring Range
• Benefits
• PTO Overview
• Job Classification: Full-Time Hourly Staff
• Grade Level: 7
  
  

About The Department

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.

About The Position

This role involves painting, taping, and staining a variety of surfaces to achieve a high-quality, professional finish. Key responsibilities include sealing joints between wood, plasterboard, and other wallboard materials to prepare surfaces for painting or wallpapering.

This position requires a commercially trained professional painter, not an artist. This role requires the ability to tape and finish plywood surfaces to drywall standards, ensuring flexibility for art installations. Additionally, the role includes building and finishing artwork cases and platforms on-site, making advanced patching and taping skills essential.

RESPONSIBILITES

• Great attention to detail of the finished products.
• Mix, match and apply paints, stains, varnishes & faux finish glazes to various surfaces.
• Scrape, sand, prime and or seal surfaces prior to painting.
• Maintain surface appearances by washing them when needed (walls, doors etc.)
• Reasonably calculate amounts of required materials for projects.
• Fill cracks, holes, and joints with caulk, putty, plaster, or other fillers, using caulking guns, putty knives and or taping tools.
• Erect ladders, scaffolding and or scissor lifts to gain access to difficult areas.
• Move furniture and equipment as necessary.
• Remove fixtures such as pictures, doorknobs, lamps, and electric switch covers prior to painting.
• Mask off areas and or cover with plastic, paper or drop cloths when needed.
• Remove paint splatters where needed.
• Properly clean up and maintain all equipment including brushes, rollers and spray guns.
• Utilize spray guns such as airless and HVLP.
• Keep updated on required online training referred to as “Bridge training”
• Adhere to all safety protocols.
• Perform a yearly half mask respirator fit test that requires clean shaven skin where the respirator meets the face in order to provide an airtight seal for proper protection.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
  
  

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in commercial painting required.
• Experience in institutional settings (museums, hospitals, universities, property management) highly desired.
• Completed commercial painter’s apprenticeship program strongly preferred.
• Experience using height equipment such as scissor lifts, scaffolding, and ladders required; willingness to train in internal best practices required.
• Knowledge of commercial painting methods, materials, tools, and equipment, including airless sprayers, expert taping skills, and expert brush skills.
• Ability to mix and match colors and types of paint.
• Ability to follow procedures, instructions, and communicate verbally and in writing.
• Must work well in a diverse and inclusive team environment with a positive disposition toward teamwork and safety.
• Successful completion of safety training (virtual or in-person) preferred, including:
• Asbestos Awareness
• Hazard Communications
• Fire Safety/Extinguisher Use
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Machine Guarding
• Ladder and Aerial Lift
• Lock Out-Tag Out
• Back Injury Prevention
• Hearing Conservation
• Hand and Power Tool Safety
• Driver Safety (ongoing online training required)
  

Physical Requirements

• Periodic lifting and moving of 50 lbs without assistance.
• Frequent walking, squatting, and kneeling.
• Stretching and reaching overhead and below the waist.
• Elevated work on ladders and scissor lifts to reach high ceilings or walls.
• Climbing stairs, scaffolding, and extension ladders.
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as respirators, protective footwear, and eyewear.
  
  

UNION INFO

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.