Occasional Art Handler, Carnegie Museum of Art

Carnegie Museums•Pittsburgh, PA

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Occasional Art Handler assists the Chief Preparator and Associate Preparator with handling permanent collection and loaned works of art. Work includes moving, installing and de-installing, packing and unpacking, and storing objects, as well as maintaining gallery spaces and storage areas. The role is responsible for safely handling and moving works of art in a variety of media and conditions. This is a union position. The handler supports exhibition installation and removal, object transport and location tracking, art packing, fabrication and finishing of installation materials, gallery upkeep, and the safe and orderly maintenance of work and storage areas. The role follows conservation, preservation, security, safety, and collections-management protocols and works cooperatively with installation personnel and other employees, contractors, artists, and couriers. Overtime may be required, with as much advance notice as possible. Required Pennsylvania Act 153 clearances, or proof of application, are required at the start of employment and as a condition of continued employment: Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check. Clearances are obtained as part of the new-hire process.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
At least one year of experience in exhibit installation and preparations.
Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license.
Familiarity with museum standards for conservation, preservation, and object handling.
Knowledge of art-handling techniques and safety procedures, and ability to take on progressive responsibilities handling high-value museum objects in a variety of media.
Basic woodworking skills and knowledge of hand and power tools.
Availability to work some evenings and weekend hours.
Good dexterity and hand-eye coordination; ability to climb and work on ladders for extended periods, reach and work with hands above shoulder level, lift objects weighing 50 pounds, and stand or walk for an eight-hour workday.
Obtain or provide proof of application for the Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance, Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check, and FBI Fingerprint Criminal Background Check at the beginning of employment and maintain these clearances as a condition of continued employment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in studio art or architecture.

Responsibilities

Assist with installation and de-installation of permanent collection-based and temporary loan-based exhibitions.
Move, hang, and position exhibition casework and works of art of varying sizes, media, and fragility, ensuring security and safety.
Assist with fabricating or finishing installation items, including plinths, cleats, hanging brackets, risers, and cable hangers.
Promptly inform the supervisor and registrar about object condition concerns or damage, and follow collections-management documentation procedures.
Move objects in galleries, storage, and preparation areas as directed for exhibitions, acquisitions, loans, photography, and conservation, using proper carts and supplies.
Stow objects efficiently and support, stabilize, and cover artworks on carts, tables, shelves, and pallets.
Ensure location changes are recorded and provided to the registrar.
Wrap and pad artworks with appropriate materials to protect against vibration, moisture, or impact, and shape internal packing to provide proper support during movement.
Place artworks in boxes, containers, or crates manually or using a hoist; secure containers and move them to the receiving dock.
Perform routine gallery and exhibition-area maintenance, including cleaning glass, dusting, removing smudges and fingerprints, spackling holes, and applying touch-up paint while protecting artwork and building finishes.
Mount and attach hanging hardware and install exhibition signage and labels inside the museum.
Operate equipment and tools safely and properly, make minor repairs as directed, and report damaged equipment or service needs to the supervisor.
Help maintain safe, clean, and orderly work and storage areas.
Work professionally and cooperatively with installation personnel, employees, contractors, artists, and couriers.
Follow art-handling protocols and procedures as instructed by the conservator and registrar.
Adhere to Carnegie Museum of Art and Carnegie Museums security rules and guidelines, and applicable regulations stipulated by agencies such as OSHA, TSA, and DHS.
Work overtime as necessary, with as much advance notice as possible from the supervisor.
Perform other duties as necessary or requested by the supervisor.