Art Handler

Studio Museum in Harlem • New York, NY

173d • $36

About The Position

The Art Handler is a key member of the growing Collections and Exhibitions team at The Studio Museum in Harlem. Reporting to the Head Preparator, this position is responsible for the safe handling, installation, and deinstallation of artworks to support exhibitions, collection viewings, photography sessions, and other museum initiatives. The Art Handler also assists with packing, unpacking, condition reporting, and maintaining organized storage spaces. This role requires close collaboration with the Registrar, Curatorial, and Preparator teams, as well as freelance installers.

Requirements

• Proven experience in safe handling of valuable artworks and objects.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced setting.
• Highly organized with strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency with hand tools and power tools, and adherence to safety protocols and best practices for art handling and installation.
• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience in museum, gallery, or related art handling work.
• Ability to lift 50–100 lbs safely.
• Comfortable working on ladders, reaching overhead or low to the ground.
• Prolonged periods of standing and working in climate-controlled environments.

Responsibilities

• Safely install and deinstall artworks for exhibitions, viewings, photography, and conservation review.
• Prepare galleries for exhibition display, including cleaning, painting, spackling, and staging.
• Coordinate daily tasks with the Head Preparator, Registrar, and Curatorial teams, ensuring clear communication and timely completion of projects.
• Conduct routine exhibition maintenance, including daily gallery checks, lighting checks, etc
• Maintain organized, clean, and safe art storage areas. Conduct and maintain regular pest prevention plan. Assist with annual inventory of art storage.
• Assist with packing and unpacking, incoming and outgoing artworks.
• Fabricate soft archival housing (e.g., boxes, portfolios) and prepare backing boards or installation hardware for framed works.
• Support rigging operations (e.g., hoists, gantry, forklifts) for the safe movement of large or heavy works.
• Track artwork locations and maintain accurate inventory in the museum database.
• Oversee loading dock activity related to artwork movement, at museum and art storage.
• Move and handle boxes, crates, framed works, and large-scale paintings as required.
• Perform additional tasks and special projects as assigned.
• Point person for freelancers when Head Preparator is away from space.

Benefits

• A competitive benefits package is provided, including medical, dental, life and long-term disability insurance, a retirement account, and substantial vacation time.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees