Shop Manager /

Location: Chicago, IL
Annual Salary: $60,000 (Based on experience)
Position Type: Full-Time Staff

Position Overview:
Floating Museum is seeking an experienced Shop Manager/Lead Fabricator to join our team. The Shop Manager/Lead Fabricator will oversee the day-to-day operations of the Floating Museum studio and will support the work of the Floating Museum’s creative art fabrication projects working closely with the team’s co-executive directors and studio assistants. The permanent location of the Floating Museum studio facility will be under renovation starting in June of 2024; the Shop Manager will lead the setup and organization of the temporary facilities in partnership with the Floating Museum co-directors as well as help design and organize the permanent studio facility in anticipation of the completion of the renovation project in summer/fall of 2025.

An ideal candidate will have relevant experience working on large-scale artwork fabrication projects, be a team player, be comfortable taking a lead role and training studio assistants on tool and studio operation protocols, and communicating with various team members and collaborators in person and via email.


Key Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute a wide range of sculptural art projects in close communication with the co-executive directors and collaborating artists.
• Train, manage, and mentor studio assistants in wood and metal fabrication skill-building.
• Routine tool maintenance and purchasing
  
• Regular organization of shop facilities layout.
  
• Research prices and procure material resources, locally or online.
  
• Workforce training
  
• Shop planning
  
• Developing safety procedures
  
• Budgeting
  
• Maintaining an organized, clean, and tidy workspace
  

Preferred Experience/Qualifications:

• Experience with art fabrication
• Experience with fine art crating/crate fabrication
  
• Experience working as a manager/mentor
  
• Wood and metal shop fabrication skills
  
• Digital fabrication skills
  
• 3D modeling and CAD
  
• Proven track record of leading and managing large-scale fabrication projects
  

How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, a cover letter outlining their relevant experience and qualifications, and references to Bianca Marks (bianca@floatingmuseum.org). Please include “Shop Manager Application - [Your Name]” in the subject line.

Floating Museum is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences.