Carpenter

Join a World Class Institution

The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum (ALPLM) is hiring a Carpenter. This position will work side-by-side with the Carpenter Foreman to build exhibits and support other agency carpentry projects. The ideal candidate is highly organized, creative, and attentive to details. We invite qualified applicants to apply for the position of Carpenter and help ALPLM continue to chronicle the life of one of our nation's greatest Presidents and the history of Illinois.

Job Responsibilities

1. Performs general carpentry work in the repair, maintenance, construction, installation or alteration of ALPLM exhibitions, frames, trim, wooden floors, walls, roofs, stairs, benches, doors, windows, screens, signs, barricades and similar wooden articles or other structures on the campus:

• Shape or cut materials to specified measurements, using hand tools, machines, or power saws.
• Measure and mark cutting lines on materials, using a ruler, pencil, chalk and marking gauge or other industry standard tools and methods.
• Verify trueness of structure, using plumb bob and level or other industry standard tools and methods.
• Remove damaged or defective parts or sections of structures and repair or replace.
• Follow established safety rules and regulations and maintain a safe and clean environment.

2. Performs detailed and intricate skilled carpentry work in the construction, installation, repair and maintenance of permanent, temporary and traveling exhibits, displays, environments, signage, cases, stands, accessories, props, reproductions, and educational devices:

• Uses such materials as: wood, acrylic fiberglass, glass, Styrofoam, plaster, concrete, steel, aluminum or other materials necessary to prepare and display musuem exhibits.
• Performs incidental pattern making or cabinetwork, including assembling and fastening materials to make frameworks or props, using hand tools and wood screws, nails, dowel pins, or glue.

3. Works in a carpenter shop:

• Operates saws, jointers, planners, mortising machines, sanders, drill presses and lathes on millwork.
• Select and order lumber or other required materials.
• Sharpens hand tools and performs maintenance or other used equipment.

4. Builds or repairs cabinets, doors, frameworks, floors, or other wooden fixtures used in the ALPLM historic buildings, using woodworking machines, carpenters hand tools, or power tools. 

5. Operates equipment for exhibit artwork including 60" printer.

6. Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of the duties enumerated above.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Requires high school diploma or equivalent; supplemented with college coursework preferred.
2. Requires experience necessary to qualify as a skilled carpenter.
3. Requires working knowledge of the current tools, materials, methods and standard practices of the trade.
4. Requires the skill in the use of present-day tools and machines of the trade.
5. Requires the ability to read, interpret, builds and work from plans, simple drawings or sketches to prepare project layout and determine dimensions and materials.
6. Requires the ability to make simple arithmetical computations and bulk estimates of materials needed.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Prefers completion of a four-year carpentry apprenticeship program.
2. Prefers four (4) years of experience in the cabinetry and fine woodworking carpentry field.
3. Prefers two (2) years working in a museum or other cultural institution.
4. Prefers two (2) years of experience using Microsoft 365 and Adobe Suite.
5. Prefers ability to lift and move heavy objects, up to 100 pounds, using an aid to assist.
6. Prefers ability to work off of ladders and aerial lift up to heights of 40 feet.
7. Prefers ability to perform repeated heavy lifting, climbing, strenuous physical activity.
8. Prefers ability to follow written and oral instruction.
9. Prefers ability to build and maintain cooperative and collaborative relationships with coworkers and the public.
 

Conditions of Employment

1. Requires ability to pass a background check.
2. Requires ability to occasionally work holidays, evenings and weekends in all weather conditions.
3. Requires ability to occasionally work overtime to meet deadlines.
 

About the Agency

The ALPLM is passionate in our mission to inspire civic engagement through the diverse lens of Illinois history and sharing with the world the life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln. We consider it an honor to share what we learn, the processes and collateral with which we learn it, and innovative approaches to creating a positive impact for the future inspired by the past. As preservationists of Illinois' diverse history, we strive to build, maintain, and make accessible a growing record of history for today's inquisitive explorers as well as those who shall, in the future, rely on our efforts. The ALPLM bosts pristine facilities, a creative environment, and a professional staff with a variety of backgrounds and talents.