Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance

Shop Manager

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site (ESPHS) is seeking a full-time Shop Manager to support our events, construction, and facilities teams through the management of on-site inventory, purchasing, and task-management software.

The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator with an interest in collaboratively developing new procedures and systems that improve efficiency, safety, and organization throughout ESPHS. They will have a strong administrative skillset, a familiarity with construction processes, and a readiness to actively engage in the organization of storage and workshop spaces.

Essential Functions

Shop Management: the Shop Manager is the primary point of contact for all inventory, storage, and purchasing tasks related to the events, construction, and facilities teams. As a new hire in a newly created position, the Shop Manager is responsible for developing the systems needed to fulfill the following duties:

  • Maintain and organize an inventory of tools, equipment, building materials, and artifacts.
  • Order materials and equipment needed to complete all projects according to approved budgets.
  • Manage vendor relationships and accounts.
  • Maintain OSHA-required documentation such as material and safety data sheets.
  • Keep accurate logs of staff trainings and recertification schedules as required or recommended by OSHA and third-party consultants.
  • Keep accurate records of construction and maintenance activities related to modern equipment and historic items, in coordination with the Associate Director of Historic Preservation, Facilities & Trade Programs and the Facilities Maintenance Manager
  • Employ sustainable strategies to encourage reuse of materials, environmentally responsible disposal of materials, and sourcing of new materials.

CMMS Administration: ESPHS uses a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) called FMX to manage site-related tasks. The Shop Manager will:

  • Manage and maintain the CMMS to ensure that it is current and up to date.
  • Develop and lead training sessions for all employees who use the CMMS.

Repair and Maintenance: the Shop Manager will engage in hands-on work to the extent needed to effectively maintain and organize the work and storage spaces.

You are a great fit for this job if you:

  • Have a working knowledge of warehousing and storage best-practices
  • Have a strong awareness and understanding of basic safety practices and protocols to ensure a safe workplace
  • Have a working knowledge of CMMS software (FMX experience a plus), Microsoft Office Suite and Outlook
  • Are a self-starter and highly organized
  • Can work successfully with multiple departments and staff members of a variety of backgrounds
  • Have strong communication skills, both written and oral
  • Can prioritize multiple tasks and ensure work is completed on time
  • Are able to lift up to 50lbs
  • Skills preferred but not required include: experience in the construction industry, working knowledge of hand tools, budgetary experience, OSHA and hazardous materials training

About Employment at ESPHS: This position will typically work daytime hours, Monday through Friday. Note that Eastern State is preserved as a stabilized ruin and working conditions are not always ideal.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement:

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, creed, color, religion, alienage or national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, disability or handicap, sex, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, arrest record or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

Our management team is dedicated to this policy with respect to recruitment, hiring, placement, promotion, transfer, training, compensation, benefits, employee activities and general treatment during employment.

ESPHS strongly believes in second chances and, as such, is committed to providing appropriate employment opportunities to those who have been incarcerated. As a condition of employment, all individuals who accept an employment offer must complete a criminal background check. Eastern State.

About ESPHS:

Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site interprets the legacy of American criminal justice reform, from the nation’s founding through to the present day, within the long-abandoned cellblocks of the nation’s most historic prison. When Eastern State opened in 1829, it changed the world. The first prison of its kind, it was designed with the stated goal of inspiring "penitence" or true regret in the hearts of prisoners. The building itself was an architectural wonder; it had running water and central heat before the White House and attracted visitors from around the globe.

Although the prison now stands in ruin, its story remains relevant today. When Eastern State Penitentiary opened as a historic site in 1994, it attracted just over 10,000 daytime visitors – in 2019 it was visited by 300,000 people. The site continues to grow by inviting the public into new spaces, mounting original artist installations, and engaging visitors in conversations about the history and legacy of the building and criminal justice reform.