Art Handler

Gcl; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO package

Medical/Dental/Vision plans

401(k) match

Parental leave

Event tickets for clients

Education reimbursement

Charitable donation matching

Culture & team events

Supplemental insurance options

Discounts on insurance

Job summary

Rock-It Company in Chicago, IL seeks an Art Handler to support a dynamic, global logistics operation for live events and luxury art shipments. You will safely handle, pack, move, install, and store artworks, using archival materials and proper techniques to protect precious objects.

You will collaborate with the Transportation Manager and warehouse team, perform condition reporting, maintain documentation, and ensure exceptional client service to galleries, museums, and private collectors.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of packing, installation and art transportation techniques.
• Knowledge of archival and protective packing materials.
• Experience with installation methods and hanging systems.
• Understanding of different art materials (paint, sculpture, works on paper, mixed media).
• Awareness of art handling risks to prevent damage.
• Ability to follow direction and work in teams.
• Discretion when handling high-value artworks.

Responsibilities

• Safely handle, pack, unpack, move, load, unload, install, and store fine art and cultural objects.
• Prepare artwork for movement using archival packing materials and best practices.
• Assist with exhibition installations and deinstallations per client specs.
• Operate dollies, pallet jacks, lifts and hand tools to transport artwork.
• Inspect artwork for condition; report damage and assist with condition reports.
• Maintain project documentation (bills of lading, condition reports, usage records).
• Support inventory management by cataloging and labeling artwork.
• Maintain environmental, safety, and security standards during handling and storage.
• Collaborate with Transportation Manager and warehouse team to ensure safe, efficient projects.
• Provide exceptional customer service with galleries, museums, and private collectors.

Skills

Art handling

Packing

Installation

Teamwork

Discretion

Communication

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Art Handler

Regular Full-Time Chicago, IL, US

Salary Range: $22.00 To $23.00 Hourly

Ready to turn your passion into a career? Do you dream of working in a dynamic and fast-paced logistics environment, supporting major events in sports, music, automotive, fine art, and film? Want the chance to collaborate with some of the biggest names in entertainment, media and luxury? Look no further! We’re looking for talented and passionate individuals like you to join our logistics team.

The Rock-It Company is a market leader in two expansive logistics and project management sectors across the globe: live events, encompassing live music, sports and broadcasting, film and TV, and experiential events and exhibitions; and luxury goods, focused on fine art, automotive, and fashion. Rock-It, which began in 1978 serving Led Zeppelin, includes Rock-it Cargo, ICON, Rock-It Sports, Rock-It Productions, Rock-It Experiential, Dietl, CARS, Dynamic International and more. Rock-It’s premier team manages bespoke global logistics through end-to-end services including multimodal freight, event logistics planning, and custom storage and distribution solutions. This service delivery leverages an unparalleled global network with over 10,000 missions a year. Rock-It is the chosen provider for reliability and efficiency where failure is not an option for a customer’s most prized events and possessions.

At our company, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. As the Art Handler, you will play a crucial role in an environment where our employees excel and feel valued. Join us in creating unforgettable experiences and driving success in a fast-paced, exciting industry.

The Art Handler reports directly to the Transportation Manager and serves as a key member of the art handling team, providing services for clients at a variety of locations, including galleries, museums, private residences, corporate offices, and other cultural institutions. This position is responsible for the safe handling, installation, packing, unpacking, movement, and storage of artwork and cultural objects while delivering exceptional customer service. The Art Handler works closely with the Transportation Manager and warehouse team to ensure the efficient execution of projects and the highest standards of care for client property.

Work Schedule:Schedule fluctuates based on workloads during weekdays with afterhours / weekend work as needed

Key Responsibilities:

• Safely handle, pack, unpack, move, load, unload, install, and store fine art and cultural objects, including paintings, sculptures, and other fragile items
• Prepare artwork for movement using archival-quality packing materials and industry best practices to ensure its protection and preservation
• Assist with exhibition installations, deinstallations, artwork placement, and object movement in accordance with client specifications and project requirements
• Operate equipment such as dollies, pallet jacks, lifts, and hand tools to safely transport and install artwork
• Inspect artwork before, during, and after handling, documenting and reporting any condition concerns or damage, and assist with condition reporting as required
• Maintain accurate project documentation, including bills of lading, condition reports, material usage records, and other assignment-related documentation
• Support inventory management activities by cataloging, labeling, tracking, and organizing artwork within warehouse and storage facilities
• Maintain proper environmental, safety, and security standards during the handling, installation, movement, and storage of artwork
• Collaborate with the Transportation Manager, warehouse team, and other internal staff to ensure projects are completed safely, efficiently, and with the highest level of care.
• Provide exceptional customer service while working with galleries, museums, private collectors, corporate clients, and other cultural institutions, and support warehouse operations as business needs require

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of packing, installation and art transportation techniques
• Knowledge of archival and protective packing materials
• Experience with installation methods and hanging systems
• Understanding of different art materials (different paint mediums, sculpture materials, works on paper, mixed media)
• Awareness of art handling risks to prevent damage
• Ability to follow direction and work in teams
• Discretion, especially when working with high-value artworks in private, museum or gallery collections.
• Comfortable working on ladders or in tight spaces,
• Ability to lift and move heavy or awkwardly shaped objects (often 50+ lbs)
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills
• Professional communication and customer service skills

Don't meet every single requirement? We are dedicated to building an inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

What Rock-It Company Will Offer You:

A growing logistics platform within the entertainment and luxury import/export logistics industry providing unrivaled experience and expertise for live events, touring, sports, luxury auto and art freight forwarding. Our teams serve as the premier freight forwarders handling some of the world’s biggest concerts, festivals, and sporting events for many high-profile clients across the music & sports industries to make the greatest shows and events possible across the world.

Work with some of the most well-known and successful companies in the world. Your work will make an impact and be appreciated by others.

Benefits & Perks That Rock!

• Recharge & Reset: Enjoy a generous PTO package with 18 vacation days, 2 floating holidays, 7 sick days, and 11 paid holidays annually. We know work-life balance is key.
• Your Health, Our Priority: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans are just the start. Get employer contributions to your HSA if you choose a high-deductible health plan, plus access to convenient telemedicine through MDLive and mental health support through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Financially Fit: Secure your future with our 401(k) match and comprehensive employer-funded insurance (Basic Life, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, and Long-Term Disability).
• Family Matters: Welcoming a new addition? We offer generous paid parental leave for all parents.
• Perks with a Purpose: Grow professionally with Continuing Education Reimbursement, give back with Charitable Donation Matching, and even snag free tickets to client events (when available)!
• Culture Club: We love to celebrate! Join us for regular company events like birthday lunches, sports outings, volunteer opportunities, and more.
• Optional Add-Ons: Customize your benefits with supplemental insurance (accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity) and pet insurance through MetLife.
• Sweet Savings: Score potential discounts on home and auto insurance through Farmers Insurance.

The Rock-It Company is committed to the inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, Rock-It will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided with reasonable accommodation for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact [e-mail]. Rock-It provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics under applicable federal, state or local law pertaining to the employee’s state of employment.