Technician, Art Handling

Art Institute of Chicago•Chicago, IL

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Art Handling Technician supports the safe movement, installation, and care of artworks throughout the museum. The position works closely with curators, registrars, conservators, and fellow art handlers to prepare objects for gallery rotations, reinstallations, exhibitions, and special viewings.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Minimum of two years of experience handling works of art or equivalent experience working with objects required.
Valid driver's license and ability to operate work vehicles.
Knowledge of current best practices for safe art handling.
Exceptional manual dexterity.
Experience using a wide variety of hand and power tools safely and effectively.
Understanding of rigging methods, AV, or mount installation.
Experience preparing display case work, support structures, and housing for artworks.
Effective communication and interpersonal skills.
Basic computer proficiency, including Google Workspace, and the ability to learn museum-specific collection database systems.

Nice To Haves

Comfort working at elevated heights using ladders, scaffolding, or aerial lifts.
Ability to perform work requiring close visual attention, adjust focus as needed, and maintain visual concentration for extended periods.

Responsibilities

Safely handle works of art during installations, deinstallations (including temporary exhibitions), gallery rotations, Board of Trustees and committee meeting displays, and other assigned projects while coordinating with museum partners as needed.
Pack and unpack artworks using appropriate materials and equipment, documenting packing notes in the museum database for future reference.
Collaborate with curators, curatorial art handlers, registrars, and conservators to ensure artworks are cared for, installed, and presented according to established specifications.
Support incoming and outgoing shipments by assisting with packing, unpacking, and the movement of artworks to storage areas, vaults, or exhibition spaces.
Assist with transporting objects and crates between the museum campus and off-site storage facilities.
Under the supervision of the Manager, Collections, conduct weekly gallery audits to identify and report collection discrepancies.
Maintain knowledge of the safe operation, maintenance, and proper use of material handling equipment used throughout the museum campus and off-site storage facilities.
Participate in ongoing training related to art handling techniques, museum best practices, and safe handling procedures.
Stay informed about developments in the field and recommend improvements related to art handling, packing materials, installation methods, and workplace safety.
Learn and apply new equipment, tools, hardware, and techniques while contributing practical and thoughtful solutions to art handling and display challenges.
Maintain required certifications for forklifts, scissor lifts, and other equipment as assigned.