Firearms Describer

Firearms Describer
Rock Island Auction Company (RIAC), the #1 firearms auction house in the world, is searching for full-time Describer at Rock Island, Illinois! With passion and enthusiasm for firearms and history, help describe beautiful, rare, unusual, historic, and mint condition world-class collectibles. With an eye for detail and focus on historical research, Describers work intimately with pieces of art and history from all over the world while writing descriptions of these pieces for RIAC world-class catalogs.

Pay days are every Thursday! RIAC standard hours of operations are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. CST with overtime and weekend hours, as needed.

Click here to check out RIAC's hiring video!

What does a typical day for Describer look like?

• Perform research and collect information to determine historical significance, evaluate condition, verify fair market value, and write concise and accurate description of world-class collectibles;
• Specialize in a specific firearm genre and serve as subject matter expert for descriptions;
• Collaborate with digital marketing department to narrate description or explain historical significance of certain collectibles; and
• Handle collectibles with the highest level of safety and respectfulness possible.

Qualified candidates meet the following requirements:

• Deep understanding of firearms with specialty for specific firearm genre;
• Effective research, writing, and editing skills and ability to efficiently navigate and search database systems while meeting internal quality standards and expectations;
• Ability to use discretion and maintain confidentiality and working with sensitive information and data;
• Bachelor's degree in history, journalism, communications, or related field required;
• Ability to obtain and maintain a FOID card (Illinois residents only).

Why work for RIAC?

• Weekly pay!
• Paid time off and holidays!
• A la carte insurance benefits package, including FSA or HSA, company-paid life insurance and AD&D!
• 401(k) with company match!
• See some of the most rare and unusual firearms, military and historic collectibles!
• Complimentary fountain soda, fruit, oatmeal and treats!
• Monthly employee engagement events!
• Opportunities for upward mobility!

Rock Island Auction Company has been the #1 firearms auction house in the world every year since 2003. Today, RIAC employs a growing team of about 150 people and continues to set industry standards and expectations year over year.   Between our six public auctions and eight+ online auctions each year, we sell tens of thousands of firearms, bladed weapons, military artifacts, and firearms accessories annually.  We have a habit of excellence, regularly breaking and re-breaking our own records and redefining success in our industry, as more and more customers admire our results and trust our reputation.  

The employer and its subsidiaries are Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employers. To learn more about EEO, please review "EEO is the Law" poster in English (including a screen-readable electronic version), Spanish, Arabic, and Chinese.