Storage and Retrieval Assistant

Description

Four positions available 

Part-time up to 28 hours. Compensation: $22.50 per hour

Background

Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, the Frick is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts.

The collection originated with Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919), who bequeathed his home, paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts to the public for their enjoyment. The institution’s holdings—which encompass masterworks from the Renaissance through the nineteenth century—have grown over the decades, more than doubling in size since the opening of the museum in 1935. A critical component of the institution is the Frick Art Research Library, founded in 1920 by Helen Clay Frick, daughter of the museum’s founder. Recognized as one of the world’s top art history research centers, it has served students, scholars, and members of the public free of charge for generations.

The Frick has undergone a comprehensive renovation and was open in a temporary home, Frick Madison, from 2020 through early 2024, while renovations were underway at the mansion on 70th Street. Construction has progressed rapidly and, in addition to special exhibition galleries and education spaces, we have added enhanced visitor amenities and accessible spaces. The Museum and Art Research Library reopened to the public in April. 

Workplace culture

At the Frick Collection, we pride ourselves on promoting an open and welcoming workplace culture that supports diversity and work-life balance. The Frick strives to provide our employees with competitive salaries and exceptional benefits in a beautiful and pleasant work setting, while offering an excellent opportunity to appreciate some of the world’s finest works of art.

Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at The Frick Collection, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, alienage or citizenship status, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, military status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status or any other protected characteristic as established by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

Position Summary

• Retrieve and re-shelve requested items in the book stacks
• Process incoming and outgoing off-site requested items
• Move book trucks, lift books and boxes (up to 25 lbs.), and adjust book stack shelves 
• Clean and shift book stacks
• Check the order of call and inventory numbers for items in the book stacks
• Barcode and label items, and update their records in the library management system
• Maintain the request, return, and reserve shelves in the reading room
• Assist with library activities, special projects, programs, and events

Requirements

The candidate must be able to perform the essential functions of the position and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

• Highschool diploma or equivalent
• Able to work independently and collaboratively
• Can prioritize tasks and projects
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent time management skills
• Has an attention to detail

Preferred

• Experience in libraries
• Experience with the ExLibris Alma/Primo library management system
• Knowledge of art history
• Knowledge of one or more languages in addition to English

Physical Requirements

The candidate must be able to perform the essential functions of the position and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Physical requirements are comparable to most office roles: the ability to interact in-person with colleagues and use common office tools and machines (computer, phone); and the ability to traverse throughout the offices and building(s) both inside and outside of the museum, and visit different levels of the building. Move and transport book trucks, books and boxes (up to 25 lbs.), and adjust book stack shelves 

Employment Status, Work Hours and Compensation

This is a part-time nonexempt role. Compensation: $22.50/ hour.

Storage and Retrieval Assistants are generally scheduled to work up to 28 hours per week; 4–7 hour shifts are usually scheduled between the hours of 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM 3-4 days/week, including an unpaid lunch break if working 6 hours or longer.

The Frick Art Research Library opening hours are 11:00 - 6:00 PM, Monday through Friday. 

The Museum and Library are closed on all Federal Holidays, as described below. 

The Museum and Library occasionally provide services to readers and researchers for special events and symposia and support activities for public programs in the evenings and on weekends, Storage and Retrieval Assistants may very occasionally be relied upon to work to support these evening and weekend events. 

Benefits in Employment with the Frick Collection

Sick time: part-time employees and interns accrue sick leave up to 56 hours/year in accordance with the New York City Earned Sick Time Act. 

Paid Holidays: part-time employees receive paid time-off when they would normally be scheduled to work on holidays the museum is closed to the public. These include New Year's Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Martin Luther King Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Retirement: The Frick supports all employees and interns in planning for retirement by offering participation in a Tax Deferred Savings Plan – 403(b).

Wellness Programs at the Frick include an Employee Assistance Plan, a discount on Citi Bike memberships and a discount on bike helmets. 

Meal and Museum Shop discount: When employees are working onsite, they may access a discount on food pickup or delivery through Seamless/Grubhub. All employees are eligible to receive a discount on Frick Museum Shop purchases.

Application Process 

Apply here or send cover letter and resume to: 

Storage and Retrieval Lead, Frick Art Research Library

The Frick Collection

1 East 70th Street

New York, NY 10021