Technician, Art Handling

About the Art Institute of Chicago

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. We are a place of gathering and learning, committed to fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity.

About the Department

The Collections and Loans (C+L) department oversees the management of the museum's collection and loaned objects, ensuring compliance with museum policies and legal obligations to borrowers, lenders, donors, and sellers. Across four specialized areas, the department manages documentation and records, collection database and metadata management, logistics and shipping, art handling and packing, storage, insurance, and risk management to support the care and stewardship of the museum's collection.

Position Summary

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.

Responsibilities

Art Handling and Installation:

• 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.

Packing and Logistics:

• 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.

Collections Care:

• Under the supervision of the Manager, Collections, conduct weekly gallery audits to identify and report collection discrepancies.

Safety and Equipment:

• Maintain knowledge of the safe operation, maintenance, and proper use of material handling equipment used throughout the museum campus and off-site storage facilities.

Training and Continuous Learning:

• 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.

Qualifications

• 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

Physical Requirements

• Regularly lift, carry, and move artworks and related materials weighing up to 50 pounds.


• Safely operate material handling equipment, including forklifts and stackers, following training and guidance.


• Wear required personal protective equipment (PPE).


• Extended periods walking, standing, and working at a computer.


• 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.

Compensation & Benefits

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

• Hiring Range

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications and other job-related reasons. 

• Benefits        


• PTO Overview


• Job Classification: Non-exempt


• Employment Category: Full time staff


• Grade Level: 6

If you are accessing this listing from a third party, not all links to salary and benefits information may work. Please visit our career page at saic/artic.edu/employment for complete information

Application Instructions

Please submit your resume and cover letter to be considered for this position.

Union

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

Accessibility

If you are a job seeker with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply for one of our jobs, you will find the contact information to request the appropriate accommodation by visiting the following page:

Accessibility Accommodation for Applicants

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals compliant with federal and state laws. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at  [email protected].