Technical Specialist II (Piano Technician)

Apply now Job no:522375
Work type:Staff Full Time
Location:UMass Amherst
Department: Music & Dance
Union: USA/MTA
Categories:Technical, Theater/Performing Arts, College of Humanities & Fine Arts

About UMass Amherst

UMass Amherst, the Commonwealth's flagship campus, is a nationally ranked public research university offering a full range of undergraduate, graduate and professional degrees. The University sits on nearly 1,450-acres in the scenic Pioneer Valley of Western Massachusetts, and offers a rich cultural environment in a bucolic setting close to major urban centers. In addition, the University is part of the Five Colleges (including Amherst College, Hampshire College, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College), which adds to the intellectual energy of the region.

Job Summary

The Piano Technician is responsible for tuning, maintaining, and repairing the (approximately 80) pianos owned by the Department of Music and Dance at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Essential Functions

• Tunes, regulates, and voices two Steinway D concert grand pianos in the Bezanson Recital Hall that are used for performances and frequent recording.
• Maintains the approximately 80 pianos owned by the Department to all practice and performance standards to meet the requirements of faculty, students, and guest artists.
• Creates, implements, and maintains an individualized service rotation schedule based upon the needs of the instruments, the faculty, and the students. 
• Maintains a database of maintenance records for each piano.
• Communicates with Departmental, College, and University leadership about the Department’s long-term piano maintenance needs and to resolve any problems with the instruments’ needs and utilization. Makes recommendations to leadership about the acquisition of new pianos or other related equipment.
• Schedules and oversees piano work done by outside contractors for the purposes of repair, rebuilding, refinishing, and supplemental tuning. Inspects completed work to ensure compliance with established industry standards. Oversees and schedules the moving of pianos.
• Engages in continual professional training and education to maintain and develop skills.

Other Functions

• Performs related duties as assigned or required to meet Department, Executive Area/Division, and University goals and objectives.
• Fulfills specialized requests as needed.
• Occasional harpsichord tuning and maintenance (or oversees and inspects work done by outside contractor).

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Associate’s Degree and a minimum of three (3) years’ experience in concert quality tuning. Two (2) years' of experience can be substituted for the degree.
• Documentation of specialized training in piano maintenance, preferably from a recognized school of piano maintenance.
• Demonstrated skills in repairing keyboard problems, ranging from the common to the complex, including voicing, regulation, and rebuilding required.
• Ability to support the unique technical demands of students, faculty, and guest artists.
• Ability to communicate effectively.
• Massachusetts class D driver’s license or equivalent.

Preferred Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, Education, Experience, Certifications, Licensure)

• Bachelor’s Degree in Piano Technology or related field.
• Membership in the Piano Technicians Guild.

Physical Demands/Working Conditions

• Must be able to lift and carry a minimum of fifty (50) pounds.
• Must be able to physically perform work which requires lowering and raising self to/from a sitting or lying position.
• Must be able to position self to work under a piano.

Work Schedule

Position is 37.5 hours per week. This position requires evening and weekend work as required by the concerts and event schedules.

S alary Information

Grade 17

Special Instructions to Applicants

Along with the application, please submit a resume. References will be checked at the finalist stage. Please be prepared to provide contact information for three (3) professional references.

UMass Amherst is committed to a policy of equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, caste, creed, sex, age, marital status, national origin, disability, political belief or affiliation, pregnancy and pregnancy-related condition(s), veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, natural and protective hairstyle and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination in employment, admission to and participation in academic programs, activities, and services, and the selection of vendors who provide services or products to the University.  To fulfill that policy, UMass Amherst is further committed to a program of affirmative action to eliminate or mitigate artificial barriers and to increase opportunities for the recruitment and advancement of qualified minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and covered veterans.  It is the policy of UMass Amherst to comply with the applicable federal and state statutes, rules, and regulations concerning equal opportunity and affirmative action.

Advertised:Feb 22 2024 Eastern Standard Time
Applications close:May 24 2024 Eastern Daylight Time