SuccessFactors Recruiting: Piano Technician (Piano Technology)

Johns Hopkins University•Peabody, MA

23h

About The Position

The Piano Technician is a full-time, 12-month member of the Piano Technology team at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University, supporting both the Conservatory and the Preparatory. Reporting to the Manager of Piano Technology, the technician maintains instruments used for practice and performances, including concert-level tuning, voicing, repair, action regulation, cleaning, restringing, action rebuilding, and general maintenance. The role may also involve moving pianos with the assistance of a piano lift and other equipment. The technician provides instructional training to student workers and graduate assistants as needed. The position also uses computer-based tools to help maintain an inventory of more than 250 pianos, send digital contracts for piano rentals, and participate in an online request management system; training on these systems is provided. Evening and weekend availability is required when requested, according to the concert and performance schedule. The Peabody Institute advances performing arts training through its Conservatory and Preparatory, empowering musicians and dancers from diverse backgrounds to create and perform at a high level. Work is normally performed in a typical interior or office environment and involves moderate physical activity, fine hand dexterity, heavy lifting, pushing or pulling objects up to 40 pounds, and working in confined spaces. Occasional use of hazardous solvents such as acetone and lacquer requires basic safety precautions and safety equipment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least three years of experience, including concert-level tuning; knowledge of grand and upright piano repair and maintenance; installation of action parts; action regulation; and voicing to professional musician standards.
Additional education may substitute for required experience to the extent permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills for working with students, faculty, dealers, donors, and guest performers.
Ability to participate in moving pianos with the assistance of equipment.
Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and solve problems.
Ability to interact positively with others and function as a team member.
Ability to perform heavy lifting, pushing, or pulling of objects up to 40 pounds, work in confined spaces, and perform tasks requiring fine finger or hand dexterity.
Ability to follow basic safety precautions and wear safety equipment when using hazardous solvents.

Nice To Haves

Five years of experience with concert tuning strongly preferred.
Bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
RPT certification from the Piano Technicians Guild (PTG).
Knowledge of acceptable work standards in piano and related-instrument rebuilding and maintenance.
Knowledge of the effects of humidity and seasonal changes on pianos.

Responsibilities

Perform tunings and general maintenance of pianos for the Peabody Institute.
Monitor the serviceability of Peabody Institute pianos and assist in developing schedules for tuning and general maintenance as requested.
Assist with servicing, regulating, repairing, rebuilding, stringing, and cleaning pianos as needed.
Attend concerts for pre-concert and intermission tunings as requested.
Work with faculty on piano-related needs as requested.
Tune and maintain non-Conservatory University pianos as needed or as requested by Peabody leadership.
Provide instructional training to student workers and graduate assistants as needed.
Help maintain the inventory of more than 250 pianos, send digital contracts for piano rentals, and participate in the online request management system.
Move pianos with the assistance of a piano lift and other equipment.
Perform miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.