Technician, Art Handling

The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

Please click on the links below to view our competitive, comprehensive benefits package: 

• Hiring Range 
• Benefits 
• PTO Overview 
• Job Classification: Full Time Hourly Staff 
• Grade Level: 6

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The department of collections and loans (C L) oversees the management of the collection and loaned objects, defining the processes that ensure compliance with the museum’s collection and loan policies as well as legal obligations to borrowers, lenders, donors, and/or sellers. In four distinct areas, C L implements policies that govern the day to day application of museum best practices regarding documentation and record keeping; collection database and metadata management; logistics and shipping; art handling and packing; storage; insurance; and, risk management.

ABOUT THE POSITION

Following museum best practices, the technician, art handling, assists with art movement and preparation for gallery rotations, reinstallations, and exhibitions; the technician collaborates with curators, collection managers, curatorial art handlers, registrars, conservators, facilities, and security colleagues.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Art handling and installation

• Performs safe art handling in installations, deinstallations (including for temporary exhibitions), collection rotations, Board of Trustees and committee meetings displays, and as assigned. Coordinates with other departments as necessary.
• Packs and unpacks objects using appropriate materials and equipment. Enters packing notes in the database for future reference.
• Works closely with curators, curatorial art handlers, registrars, and conservators to ensure the art is properly cared for and presented according to specifications.

Packing and logistics

• Assists with incoming and outgoing shipments, including packing/unpacking and transfer to departmental storages/vaults or exhibition spaces.
• Supports the transport and movement of objects and crates from museum campus to off site storage.

Collections in care

• Under supervision of the manager, collections, in Collections and Loans, executes weekly gallery audits, identifying and reporting discrepancies.

Safety and equipment

• Keeps abreast of the proper operation, safety protocols, and maintenance requirements for all material and handling equipment utilized within the museum campus and off site storage facilities.

Training and new applications

• Adheres to training and guidelines in art handling as provided by museum colleagues; participates in periodic training to learn new techniques; and keeps abreast of and offers recommendations based upon best practices in the field related to safe and secure art handling, materials, and installation.
• Maintains a valid certification for forklift , scissor lift , and any other heavy operation equipment as required.
• Learns and uses new applications of equipment and hardware, and provides aesthetic and logical solutions to challenges in the areas of art handling/packing and display of works of art to improve and practice safe handling.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

• Frequently lifts, carries, and moves objects, including art, weighing up to 50 pounds
• Exceptional manual dexterity as it pertains to the prolonged use of hand and power tools and working with small and fragile or intricate pieces of art.
• Wears PPE as required
• Prolonged periods walking and standing as well as sitting in front of a computer
• Comfort working at elevated heights, such as on ladders, scaffolding, or aerial lift s
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, ability to adjust focus, and the ability to sustain prolonged visual concentration

QUALIFICATIONS

• Minimum 2 years experience handling works of art, artifacts or equivalent experience installing, de-installing, packing and unpacking precious objects required
• Demonstrated knowledge of safe and current best practices for art handling
• Demonstrated competence using a wide variety of hand and power tools
• Understanding and experience of rigging methods, AV, or mount installation is a plus
• Expertise preparing display case work, support structures, and housing for artworks
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• High school diploma or GED required.

CLOSING STATEMENT

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.

UNION INFO

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31.