Maintenance Utility - Mechanic (full-time Union)

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.

The Maintenance Utility Mechanic is a full-time Union position. This role performs a wide variety of skilled maintenance, mechanical, fabrication, and facility support tasks to maintain the cleanliness, safety, functionality, and appearance of The Henry Ford facilities and grounds. This position operates heavy equipment and aerial lifts, supports special projects and events, performs preventive maintenance, and provides technical and mechanical expertise across multiple systems and equipment types.

Essential Responsibilities

Equipment Operations:

• Safely operate heavy equipment and aerial lifts including skid steers, tractors, front-end loaders, boom lifts, scissor lifts, snowplows, and grounds maintenance equipment
• Perform equipment setup, inspections, operation, and shutdown procedures in accordance with safety standards
• Support facility maintenance operations while following all workplace safety procedures and PPE requirements
• Manage inventory and ordering of fuel, batteries, lubricants, replacement parts, and maintenance supplies
• Maintain organization, cleanliness, and safety standards within the Modern Garage and storage area
• Coordinate preventive maintenance schedules and monitor equipment condition and service needs
• Organize training, certifications, and recertifications with vendors and internal departments while maintaining compliance records
• Serve as liaison for departments utilizing fleet vehicles, heavy equipment, and motorized machinery
• Support equipment scheduling, maintenance coordination, and operational readiness across departments
• Assist with additional operational and maintenance duties as assigned

Mechanical Repair & Fabrication:

• Perform MIG/TIG welding, fabrication, brazing, soldering, and copper pipe soldering
• Operate machining equipment including milling machines, drill presses, and other shop tools
• Troubleshoot, repair, fabricate, and maintain facility systems, vehicles, small engines, custodial equipment, trailers, and groundskeeping machinery
• Perform preventive maintenance and mechanical diagnostics to ensure equipment reliability and operational readiness
• Inspect, maintain, and service aerial lifts and access equipment to ensure safe and compliant operation 
• Maintains the grounds of Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield Village on a year-round daily basis
• Assists all teams/units with daily operations and/or special projects as directed by facilities management
• Leads and assists with removal and recycling of all trash and debris
• Mows, prepares, seeds, and trims all turf areas
• Plant, transplant, prune, weeding and all other maintenance required for care of trees, shrubs, and other plants
• Grades and cleans roads, parking areas and sidewalks (including snow and ice removal)
• Excavates for water lines, leaks, sewers, etc. as required
• Works with part-time staff for timely completion of projects and assignments as directed by facilities management
• Contributes to effective team management of all tasks, projects, and troubleshoots problems, issues and opportunities
• Acts as a team player and provides expertise within the team and guidance for other teams as appropriate
• Maintain irrigation systems throughout campus
• Maintains certification as directed for application of fertilizer/pesticides/herbicides as needed
• Responsible for all aspects of garden maintenance including preparation, compost, planting, weeding, and removal of all landscape areas
• Responsible for support of all village programming as needed
• Responsible for support and integration of sustainable practice in grounds activities as guided

Qualifications

• 18 years of age or older
• Valid driver's license
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Experience in welding and machinist operations and/or equipment operations

Preferred Qualifications & Special Skills

• Certification in aerial lift operation (e.g. boom or scissor lift)
• Heavy equipment operator certification or documented training
• 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.

Please note that this job description is subject to modifications at any time to meet the evolving requirements of our institution.
Respect, inclusion, and opportunity for people of all backgrounds will attract the best ideas to THF and help us shape a more vibrant future. By honoring and celebrating people's diversity, THF can bring new creativity, effectiveness, and leadership to our work and community. Achieving diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility is a continuous process, which, we believe, will contribute to a sustainable and inclusive world. Therefore, we strongly encourage applications from individuals who identify with or belong to marginalized communities.
It is the policy of The Henry Ford to prohibit discrimination in any employment, donor or volunteering opportunity including but not limited to based on race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, age, physical/mental disability or any other such characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. This Policy applies to all of our employees, donors and volunteers to ensure that they are treated without discrimination.