Experienced Art Handler

The Conservation Center in Chicago seeks an experienced Art Handler to join our Shipping and Transportation Department. This department provides professional art handling and installation, collection management and storage, packing, and shipping. You'll work hands-on with museum-quality artwork, antiques, and collections while providing white-glove service to corporations, institutions, and private collectors.

This is a full-time non-exempt position. Regular work hours are Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm, with evenings, weekends, and occasional travel with overnights as needed. Compensation is $24-30 per hour, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental, vision, 401K, paid leave and sick leave, and paid holidays.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responsible for art handling, crating, and storage within a warehouse environment.
• Handle, crate, pack, and install artwork at client locations Drive box trucks to transport artwork throughout the Chicago area
• Work closely with registrars, conservators, and sales team during the scheduling, intake, and return of artwork.
• Interact regularly with clients, providing white-glove customer service
• Respond to art disaster situations at sites that have suffered fires, floods, and other natural disasters. (The resulting environments, while controlled, may have varying degrees of standing water, mold, soot, etc.)
• Apply new techniques and materials to improve safety for works of art and to carry out specialized tasks more effectively
• Adapt to project-specific needs on a case-by-case basis Other duties and projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of 4-5 years of previous art handling and art installation experience in a museum, gallery, or similar setting is required.
• Educational background in an art-related field preferred.
• Experience in driving a box truck in congested city areas and heavy traffic is strongly preferred.
• Willingness to learn about art conservation processes and work collaboratively with conservation staff to meet project deadlines
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs and work comfortably in a fast-paced warehouse environment
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to travel on short notice for disaster response, including weekends and overnight hours
• Flexibility and adaptability to project-specific needs on a case-by-case basis
• Valid driver's license and clean driving record required (no CDL necessary). Driving history will be verified.

Interested candidates should send a resume with three professional references to recruiting@theconservationcenter.com. No phone calls.

The Conservation Center is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.