Lead Art Handler

Job Description

Reports To: Director of Collections

Supervises: N/A

General Purpose:
The Lead Art Handler is responsible for all aspects of museum exhibition preparation, installation, transportation and oversight of safe handling of the storage. This includes, but is not limited to the housing, movement, and exhibition logistics of artworks at all 21c Museums and the associated storage facility. The position requires a broad variety of experience, flexibility, and demonstrable hands-on abilities with a range of tasks. Exhibition-related tasks include proper art handling, installation and de-installation.  In collaboration with the entire museum team, the Lead Art Handler acts as a custodian for collection and loaned objects. Under the directive of the Director of Collections, the Lead Art Handler assists with collection work including art packing and unpacking, assembly and disassembly of artworks, preparing works for exhibition, shipping and receiving, and other collection-related projects.  Must be willing to travel to install and deinstall exhibitions for duration ranging from 1-2 days to 2 weeks, multiple times a year.  Position also requires driving heavy-duty trucks over long distances and occasional work on weekends and evenings, as necessary.

Responsibilities

• Onboards and advises permanent and temporary art handlers/contractors, and works alongside them, in the preparation, packing, installation and de-installation of artworks.
• Reinforces proper art handling procedures for two- and three-dimensional art objects in a variety of materials, sizes, and weights.
• Prepare for upcoming changeouts by pulling and organizing outgoing crates/packs, creating and reviewing truck lists, putting away empty packs/crates upon return, and assist with lighting and vinyl installation.
• Works with the Director of Collections to assist with the development of the departmental budget, and assist in the development of art storage layout and housing project budgets.
• Works with the Chief Curator, Senior Director of Museum Operations, and Director of Collections on planning, installation, and maintenance of temporary and permanent art projects.
• Assess and source project needs as required, including manpower and materials.
• Construction of packs/crates based on needs of individual works. Work with Director of Collections and Design Preparator to determine proper packing materials and requirements.
• Assist in the retrofitting of previously constructed crates and the construction of new slat crates.  
• Assess condition and test artworks prior to exhibitions.
• Provide technical support for artworks with time-based media components.
• Working under the guidance of the Director of Collections, update, format, and maintain object locations within art storage, including creation and application of crate labels and bar-coding system.
• Communicate efficiently and effectively with museum team.
• Maintain and keep inventory of the museum’s tools, hardware, and other equipment.
• Organize and maintain art storage.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of museum or gallery experience.
• Demonstration of organizational skills, attention to detail, ability to focus on tasks, and ability to communicate effectively.
• Maintain a positive and professional demeanor, as well as ability to follow instructions and to quickly and safely accomplish tasks.
• Experience using and maintaining collections databases/software (Collector Systems).

• Experience with construction of museum exhibits; mount making principles; lighting concepts and systems; safety regulations, practices, and procedures; and ADA requirements.
• Embody strong initiative and work ethic, as well as work well as part of a team. 

• Knowledge of art handling procedures for two- and three-dimensional art objects in a variety of materials, sizes, and weights, including digital media works.
• Experience conducting inventory, housing, and re-housing projects.
• Knowledge of the principles of supervision as well as training practices and procedures.
• Knowledge in using the standard tools, practices and methods used in painting, rough and finish carpentry as well as cabinet work.
• Ability to plan, prioritize, schedule, implement, and simultaneously oversee a variety of projects.
• Prepare cost estimates and made sound purchasing decisions.
• Experience with the use and application of different materials such as various kinds of lumber, fabrics, plastics, mechanical fasteners, and adhesives.
• Must be able to lift up to 75+ lbs.   
• Interpret working drawings.
• Participate effectively as a member of a cross-functional team.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with museum, hotel, and restaurant staff, the general public, and representatives from other museums.
• Explain and carry out methods and procedures relating to the handling of irreplaceable art objects.
• Must be able to pass DOT required physical examinations necessary to acquire a medical examiner’s  certificate from a certified medical examiner listed on the National Registry.
• Preferred experience driving a 26’ truck, forklift, and use of pallet jack.
• Other duties as needed and required.

Additional Information

21c Museum Hotels is an equal-opportunity employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, veteran status, and other legally protected characteristic. The EEO is the Law poster is available here: http://www1.eeoc.gov/employers/poster.cfm