Carousel Figure Painter:Contract Work

Hours: Part-time up to 40.0 hrs/wk. as needed M-F between the hours of 8 AM - 4:30 PM

Compensation: $16.00 - $20.00 per hour, paid every two weeks

The Spillman Carousel has been housed at the Grand Rapids Public Museum in the Cook Carousel Pavilion overlooking the Grand River, as an iconic piece of downtown Grand Rapids and a family favorite, welcoming hundreds of thousands of children over the last 25 years.

SUMMARY:

The Grand Rapids Public Museum is working with contractors to facilitate the restoration of the carousel figures. The restoration painter's responsibilities are to complete the basepaint, underpaint, finish painting and clear coat. Light sanding may be required to get a smooth finish in between coats. It takes approximately 200 hours to complete a figure and each step is necessary. During each phase of the process, it is the painter's responsibility to log in detail the steps taken to accomplish the finish as well as take photographic documentation of each step. GRPM will provide all supplies needed for painting and documentation as well as the required color chart per figure. The Carousel Figure Painter position reports directly to the Exhibits Manager and all work must meet with their approval.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES include the following:

• Work independently and within a team to paint carousel figures and meet deadlines.
• Use water-based paint straight from the tube creating shading with glazes using various brushes and sponges, applying decorative and faux finishes as the project requires plus taping off areas as required.
• The painter must use techniques approved by GRPM to paint figures to keep a consistent style.
• It is required that all painting steps and sample boards created per figure are retained for record-keeping to support the maintenance of carousel figures.
• All figures must be painted following approved color charts, color maps & modeling guidelines approved by the Exhibits Manager.
• Document all work performed through logs, timesheets and photographs adding them to the digital files.
• Clean up supplies at the end of the day and communicate when supplies need to be reordered.
• Is punctual, dependable and shows up ready to work.
• Follow safety protocols consistently without fail and ensure compliance with OSHA/MIOSHA standards are adhered to.
• Present regular progress reports to the Exhibits Manager.

WORKSKILLS:

• Strong people skills; work and communicate diplomatically and courteously with staff, other team members, volunteers, guests, departments, and key stakeholders.
• Must be organized, dependable, punctual, and possess a strong work ethic.
• Must have strong interpersonal and conflict-resolution skills.
• Maintain a professional appearance and demeanor.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace software systems.

EXPERIENCE:

• Experience using hand tools and power tools.

• Experience understanding color theory.
• Experience using water-based paint.
• Experience with different painting techniques.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to read and work from detailed plans.
• Ability to demonstrate critical thinking, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Must possess strong ability with attention to detail.
• Proficient in managing time, work assignments, processes and resources to produce desired outcomes.
• Demonstrate strong written and organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Proven ability to function effectively in a team environment and work independently.
• Ability to work tactfully, and effectively and follow oral and written instructions.
• Ability to resolve conflicts and work well with others.
• Ability to be flexible and maintain a positive attitude.

EDUCATION:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Post-secondary training, certificate, degree in a related field, or equivalent experience.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to move, bend, stoop, reach, climb, balance, and lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to carry/ move carousel figures with assistance

• Work from ladders at a height of 4 feet.
• The ability to stand for long periods of time and sit on the ground.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• Professional, creative, and business setting with friendly, public interaction.
• Multiple settings include worksite construction environments (indoor/outdoor), standard business office

settings, storage areas, and public exhibition gallery locations.

• May have exposure to various chemicals.

Please apply by sending a letter of interest to Stevie Hornyak at shornyak@grpm.org.

To be considered, letters of interest must be submitted by March 4, 2025.

This is a contracted position and employment is NOT through GRPM.