Facilities Senior Assistant

The Jamaica Center for Arts and Learning (JCAL) is recruiting a Facilities Senior Assistant. Reporting to the Manager of Facilities, the Facilities Senior Assistant will play a crucial role in ensuring the efficient and safe management of JCAL properties, in compliance with State, City, and JCAL policies and standards. The Facilities Senior Assistant will be a positive, resourceful individual who respects our mission, shares our institutional values, and is committed to upholding the highest standards of work, in service of our BIIPOC (Black, Immigrant, Indigenous, People of Color) community. Resourceful problem-solving, close attention to detail, and the ability to work independently are critical for this role.

The Facilities Senior Assistant is a hands-on role with a mix of physical work and light administrative tasks. You will serve as second point of contact and leadership for the Facilities team when the Manager of Facilities is off-site to maintain the cleanliness and functionality of our two properties: Jamaica Arts Center (161-04 Jamaica Avenue) and Jamaica Performing Arts Center (153-10 Jamaica Avenue).

Tasks and Responsibilities:

Primary Functions

• Assist with general maintenance and cleaning tasks across the buildings;
• Assist set-up and breakdown for events in all spaces, including assembling or moving furniture;
• Monitor and maintain supply inventory (cleaning materials, equipment, etc.);
• Perform minor repairs (changing light bulbs, basic plumbing fixes, etc.);
• Keep exterior areas clean and presentable, particularly on the grounds of JPAC.

Admin & Leadership Support

• Assist with project management, tracking project statuses, and identifying any challenges or delays;
• Assist with creating daily task lists and schedules for Facilities team;
• Maintain simple inventory records and work orders;
• Communicate with vendors and contractors for basic service needs;
• Serve as team leader when Manager of Facilities is off-duty (non-emergency basis);
• Perform safety checks and report Facility issues on an as-needed basis.

Required Skills:

• Hands-on experience in custodial, maintenance, or facilities work;
• Comfortable doing physical labor (lifting to 50 lbs., using tools, working outdoors);
• Basic knowledge of standard software (Outlook, Word, Excel, etc.);
• Effective communication and teamwork skills;
• Organized, reliable, and able to follow through on tasks;
• Willing to work flexible hours, including evenings/weekends as needed.

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in building maintenance or supervising small teams;
• Comfortable helping with simple paperwork or tracking supplies;
• Basic carpentry and painting experience.

It is not necessary for a candidate to meet 100% of the qualifications for this role to be seriously considered. If you believe that you could excel in this position, we strongly encourage you to apply.

About JCAL

Founded in 1972, JCAL is a multidisciplinary urban arts center based in Southeast Queens. Our mission is to offer quality visual and performing arts programs, and to provide accessible education programs to encourage participation in the arts. We operate out of two landmark buildings: the Jamaica Arts Center, with five floors of galleries, artist studios, rehearsal spaces, flexible spaces, a studio theater and office space; and the Jamaica Performing Arts Center, a 400-seat, flexible proscenium theater with offices and other spaces.

In June 2024, JCAL adopted a new five-year Strategic Plan that establishes the following core goals:

• Activate JCAL as a creative home for Queens and a singular cultural anchor for New York City;
• Deliver a balanced continuum of programs that “super-serves” artists, learners, and audiences;
• Build brand and reach via simple, memorable, consistent messaging amplified through deep community partnerships;
• Engage, empower, resource, and equip the whole of the organization for the purpose of revenue generation;
• Promote shared responsibility and leadership at every level of the organization.

JCAL, an Equal Opportunity Employer, honors the values of its board-approved Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility Plan, with the goal of building and nurturing a culturally diverse, community responsive team. We warmly welcome all eligible applicants; candidates who identify as BIIPOC (Black, Immigrant, Indigenous, People of Color) are encouraged to apply.