Assistant Piano Technician (Piano Operations)

About the role

The Assistant Piano Technician will report to the Manager of Piano Technology and function as a key member of the Piano Technology team. This position supports both the Conservatory and the Preparatory at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, maintaining over 250 pianos used for practice and teaching. The role is casual and on-call, requiring availability for evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Performs tunings and general maintenance of pianos for the Peabody Institute.
• Assists in developing schedules for tuning and general maintenance as requested.
• Aids in servicing, regulating, repairing, rebuilding, stringing, and cleaning of pianos.
• Works with faculty on piano-related needs as requested.
• Tunes and maintains non-Conservatory University pianos as needed.
• Assists in moving pianos using equipment like the piano lift.
• Participates in the online request management system for piano maintenance.
• Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Must be able to tune aurally with accuracy and stability.
• Knowledge of grand and upright piano repair and maintenance, including installation of action parts, basic repairs, and regulation.
• Understanding of acceptable work standards in piano maintenance.
• Knowledge of the effects of humidity and seasonal changes on pianos.
• Ability to move pianos with the assistance of equipment.
• Ability to work with computers for inventory management.
• Ability to multi-task, meet deadlines, and problem-solve.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills for working with students, faculty, dealers, donors, and guest performers.
• Ability to work in confined spaces and perform tasks requiring fine finger or hand dexterity.
• Moderate physical activity, including heavy lifting (up to 40 pounds), pushing, or pulling objects.
• Occasional use of hazardous solvents (e.g., acetone, lacquer) requiring basic safety precautions and protective equipment.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Two years of experience including basic tuning, knowledge of grand and upright piano repair, and maintenance.
• Additional education may substitute for required experience as permitted by the JHU equivalency formula.

Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree strongly preferred.

Pay

Starting hourly salary range: $23.30 - $41.50 (targeted rate: $30.00 per hour, commensurate with experience).

Schedule

Casual/on-call position with a variable schedule, up to 19 hours per week or 987 hours per year. Availability for evenings and weekends is required.