Maintenance Assistant

Foundation Summary 

The Robert R. McCormick Foundation is a leading philanthropic institution investing more than $75 million annually in Chicagoland, with a focus on improving economic opportunity on Chicago’s South and West Sides. The Foundation is named for its donor, Colonel Robert R. McCormick. The Foundation’s Board of Directors also oversees Cantigny, Col. McCormick’s estate, which today provides educational and recreational opportunities in Chicago’s western suburbs.  

The 500-acre Cantigny estate includes McCormick’s Home and Gardens, which host dozens of programs and events annually for nearly half a million visitors; the First Division Museum, a military history museum that tells the story of the U.S. Army’s 1st Infantry Division, beginning in World War I, in which Col. McCormick served, to present; and Cantigny Golf, a 27-hole public golf course and a 9-hole short course, perfect for children and families. 

Position Summary 

We are seeking a Maintenance Assistant to support the planning, execution, and completion of facility improvement, renovation, and maintenance projects across the organization. This hands-on role assists with general construction, repairs, and building maintenance while helping ensure facilities, equipment, and work areas are safe, organized, and operating efficiently. The ideal candidate is dependable, safety-conscious, mechanically inclined, and enjoys working on a variety of projects in a collaborative team environment. 

Essential Functions 

• Assist in the completion of building improvement and alteration projects and repair to building systems using experience in carpentry, painting and other general labor tasks  
• Perform other duties as assigned which could include, but are not limited to, wall construction and finishing, digging, cleaning, operating tools and equipment, moving items, and picking up parts  
• Keep all assigned hand and power tools in good condition without any loss  
• Ensure that all facilities and equipment are kept organized, clean and operating properly and notify the Director of Capital Projects if they are not  
• Follow all purchasing procedures  
• Provides for personal safety in the workplace by attending and completing all required safety training (safety procedures, AED, First Aid, Youth Interactions), knowing and following existing safety rules including the applicable use of personal protection equipment, the proper operation of tools/machinery and proper handling of hazardous materials, and reporting any unsafe conditions to respective supervisor 

Minimum Qualifications: 

Education: Education: High School Diploma 

Experience: 1 year of experience in facilities maintenance preferred  

Skills:   

• Basic knowledge of building systems and maintenance  
• Basic knowledge of hand and power tools  
• Ability to lift and maneuver 75 lbs. and work from ladders and lifts  
• Must be willing to work   
• Team player, with the ability to work and make decisions independently when needed  
• Demonstrated passion for the Foundation’s values with commitment to deliver results measured against the Foundation’s mission  
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and experience building relationships with multiple stakeholders by listening to new ideas, encouraging dialogue, and inspiring people to work towards common goals  
• Valid IL driver’s license  
• Must attend Cantigny Park’s Child Safety Training   

Working Conditions 

Work is performed in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments, including but not limited to offices, utility spaces, public facilities, and park grounds. The position requires working in varying weather conditions and may involve exposure to, dust, dirt, noise, and mechanical equipment. The role is physically demanding and requires frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, climbing, reaching, and lifting throughout the workday. 

Equal Opportunity Employer 

Cantigny and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation provide equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, individuals with disabilities, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital and housing status.