Restoration Shop Machinist/Sheetmetal Technician

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s mission is to steward America’s World War II aviation battlefield – sharing the artifacts, personal stories, and the impact and response to the attack on December 7, 1941, and the Pacific region battles that followed – and to honor those who defended our freedom so we might educate and inspire future generations. Beyond our reputation as TripAdvisor’s “Hawaii’s #1 Historical Spot Worth Traveling For,” Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum aims to be a community and educational resource for our local schools and families. Our culture is built on collaboration, trust, mutual respect, hard work, and a passion for history, museums, and airplanes. We embrace change and the opportunity it brings, and are committed to continuing to grow our world-class staff.

About the role

The Restoration Shop Machinist / Sheetmetal Technician reports to the Restoration Shop Manager and the Director of Restoration & Large Artifact Collections. This role performs and supervises volunteers working on the restoration of aircraft new to the Museum’s collection, as well as high-level maintenance and physical care of the Museum’s aircraft. The technician collaborates with Restoration Shop staff and skilled volunteers dedicated to the structural and cosmetic restoration, refurbishment, and display maintenance of all Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum aircraft and other large artifacts.

Responsibilities

• Assists the Restoration Shop Manager in maintaining the Museum’s aircraft collection, including but not limited to:
  • Aircraft structural repair, painting, tire and wheel replacement and repair
  • Loading and unloading of aircraft from trucks
  • Assembly and disassembly of aircraft
  • Aircraft towing and parking
  • General cleaning and maintenance of aircraft on display both indoors and outdoors
• Supports the work schedule for the Restoration Shop
• Attends and participates in weekly Restoration & Large Artifact meetings
• Assists the Restoration Manager in maintaining compliance with ADOSH, OSHA, ADEQ, PDEQ, and other applicable regulations by completing regularly scheduled inspections and maintaining required regulatory documentation
• Ensures daily compliance with OSHA, EPA, ADEQ, and other safety and waste handling regulations
• Performs safe and proper maintenance of shop equipment and tools
• Ensures equipment and tools are returned to appropriate storage areas upon task completion or by end of shift
• Assists in the appropriate removal, handling, and disposal of items per MSDS and safety protocols
• Records all maintenance timetables and records
• Assists other departments as assigned by the Director of Restoration & Large Artifact Collections
• Handles special projects and other duties as requested or assigned
• Ensures the safety of Restoration Staff and Volunteers
• Maintains the shop schedule
• Stays abreast of all ADOSH, OSHA, ADEQ, PDEQ, and other applicable regulatory compliance
• Reports safety concerns and violations in a timely manner
• Pays close attention to assigned tasks and completes them as directed
• Familiarizes self with all areas of the Museum to enable quick safety response and assistance in emergencies or personal injuries
• Follows safety protocols, including familiarity with MSDS usage and locations
• Interacts with museum guests, employees, and volunteers in a friendly and professional manner
• Advises the Restoration Shop Manager on ordering supplies (paint, metal, general shop supplies) as needed

Authority & Supervision

• Supervises Restoration Shop volunteers as directed by the Restoration Manager or Director of Restoration & Large Artifact Collections
• Resolves emergency and urgent situations within designated scope of work, notifying and deferring to higher authority as needed
• Safely utilizes the Museum’s resources for their intended purpose, including:
  • Power and hand tools
  • Motorized and electric vehicles
  • Chemicals, including paint, solvents, and oils
• Complies with and assists in active certification and/or training for equipment such as Man Lift, Forklift, scissor lift, fall safety protection, and others as required

Requirements

• Minimum High School Diploma or GED equivalent and at least 2 years’ experience in general light industrial fabrication, or paint and body shop experience with supervisory duties; or an equivalent combination of experience and/or education and training (determined by the Director of Restoration & Large Artifact Collections or CEO)
• Documented Machinist and/or Sheetmetal skills
• Proven attention to detail
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and to seek information from a variety of sources
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret documents
• Highly motivated and able to work independently
• Ability to work with chemicals, including paint and solvents
• Ability to read and interpret equipment manuals, material safety data sheets, and work orders written in English
• Ability to use a variety of hand and power tools
• Compliance with safety regulations and maintenance of clean and orderly work areas
• Ability to operate light equipment (e.g., Forklift, Man Lift)
• Ability to use sensory perceptions (sight, smell, touch) to determine cleanliness of facilities
• Valid driver’s license and ability to legally drive motorized vehicles, electric carts, and other Museum equipment
• Ability to use initiative, creativity, judgment, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to handle challenging people and situations calmly and effectively, while maintaining cooperative and productive work relationships
• Demonstrated high ethical standards related to organizational responsibilities and public accountability

Qualifications

• Previous experience restoring and/or maintaining vintage WWII aircraft (desired but not required)
• FAA A&P certificate and/or previous certification (desired but not required)

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

• Valid driver’s license
• Ability to obtain and maintain Department of Defense access to Ford Island

Physical Demands

• Ability to lift and carry at least 50 lbs. without assistance and up to 80 lbs. with assistance
• Moderate to heavy manual labor, including reaching, bending, crawling, stretching, climbing, and using hand and power tools
• Ability to walk on uneven terrain
• Ability to work year-round in non-air-conditioned areas
• Ability to operate motor vehicles and electric carts

Work Environment

• Work is performed indoors and outdoors year-round in both temperature- and non-temperature-controlled areas, including historic WWII hangars with minimal amenities
• Requires walking on uneven terrain and may involve moderate noise from aircraft and construction
• Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) may be required, including steel-toed footwear, respirators, face shields, gloves, goggles, and coveralls
• Reasonable accommodations may be made for individuals with disabilities

Benefits

• Free Parking
• 401k Safe Harbor Plan with Match
• Medical/Dental Benefits with low-cost employee contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Vacation and Sick Leave
• Paid Holidays based on position

Pay

$57,500 – $60,000 annually, based on experience, qualifications, and internal equity.

Position is on-site at Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Ford Island, Honolulu, HI 96818. Candidates must be locally based or willing to relocate independently prior to employment. No relocation assistance or sponsorship is available for this position.