Art Handler & Driver

Eastern Art Services; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 25,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Monthly Health Stipend

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Job summary

Eastern Art Services, a fine art services and logistics company in Maine, seeks an Art Handler to drive, install, and pack art for museums, galleries, and estates. You'll travel regionally, with NYC trips a few times monthly, and work between driving, installation, and packing tasks.

The role emphasizes safe handling, flexibility, and reliability, with compensation and benefits noted in the company materials. Training is provided for the right candidate.

Qualifications

• Experience handling fine art or cultural objects is appreciated.
• Ability to lift up to 75–100 lbs and stand for long periods.
• Comfort with travel including NYC trips and overnight stays.

Responsibilities

• Operate box/straight trucks and cargo vans for regional and long-distance transport.
• Support installation projects at client homes and other sites.
• Pack, wrap, and crate objects with care in warehouse and on site.
• Represent the Company professionally in client environments.

Skills

Safe handling

Flexible schedule

Driving trucks

Attention to detail

Tools

Forklifts

Telehandlers

Job description

We're a fine art services and logistics company serving museums, galleries, auction houses, educational institutions, businesses, private collectors, estates, and foundations across Northern New England. Our services include transportation, fine art storage, residential and commercial installation, packing and crating, domestic and international shipping, collections management, and fine art photography.

Craft matters here. Care matters. Whatever the job, our standard doesn't shift. We handle everything with the same discipline and attention to detail.

The Role

The Art Handler is a hands-on, field-first role built around installation, packing support, and transport. You'll spend your time on the road and on-site as much as in the warehouse—collecting and delivering artwork, installing work at client homes, and supporting our warehouse team with packing and crating. Driving is a big part of this job. You should be comfortable behind the wheel of a box/straight truck (16'–20', non-CDL) and a cargo van.

This role is flexible and versatile by nature. Some days are regional runs around Maine and New England; some are installs at a client's home; some are shifts alongside the warehouse crew packing and prepping objects. A handful of times a month, the work takes you further afield to New York City. We're looking for someone who can move easily between all of it.

What You'll Do

Transportation & Driving

• Operate Company vehicles—box/straight trucks (16'–20') and cargo vans—for regional and long-distance transport
• Collect and deliver artwork throughout Maine, the Northeast, and New England
• Complete NYC shuttle trips as scheduled (roughly 1–2 per month); NYC days run long, and overnight stays happen
• On overnight trips, lodging is covered by the Company; long transport days come with a per diem to cover food
• Complete required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and keep vehicles clean, fueled, and organized
• Exercise sound judgment operating vehicles in varied weather and traffic conditions

Installation & Field Work

• Support and execute installation projects at client homes and other sites
• Follow Company standards for mounting, leveling, layout, and hardware installation
• Handle artwork in accordance with Company handling standards and museum-standard practices
• Obtain Bills of Lading signatures at pickup and delivery, and document condition or site-specific concerns as needed
• Represent the Company professionally in client homes and other client environments

Packing Support

• Support warehouse staff with packing, wrapping, and crate fitting
• Execute soft-packing methods: slipcasing, shadow boxing, poly wrapping, and other object-specific protective packing
• Assist with object intake, staging, and labeling ahead of shipment or installation
• Help keep the warehouse and staging areas clean, organized, and ready for the next job

Skills & Experience

• Comfort driving a box/straight truck (16'–20', Non-CDL) and a cargo van; we'll train the right person
• Safe handling technique for heavy or fragile loads
• Comfortable with a flexible schedule, including occasional overnight and multi‑day trips

Appreciated (but not mandatory)

• Experience handling valuable art or cultural objects
• Familiarity with packing methods: slipcasing, shadow boxing, poly wrapping
• Experience with installation or rigging work
• Experience operating telehandlers, forklifts, or aerial lifts

Who You Are

The person in this role:

• Understands the sentimental and financial value of the objects we handle, and treats them accordingly
• Is detail-oriented and curious—notices the small thing before it becomes a problem, asks questions, and wants to get better at the craft
• Takes feedback well and is careful, organized, punctual, and communicative
• Is genuinely versatile—comfortable moving between driving, installs, and packing work depending on what the week calls for

We're genuinely open to people from outside the fine arts world. Real care, curiosity, and reliability matter more than a background in art—we're happy to train the right person with a genuine interest in art and craft.

Schedule & Physical Requirements

Full‑time schedule with flexibility built in—travel, overnight trips, and occasional weekend work are part of the job. NYC shuttle days in particular can run long.

This role requires the ability to lift up to and occasionally more than 75–100 lbs and stand for extended periods. Regular lifting includes crates, packing materials, and art objects of varying size and weight.

Compensation & Classification

Hourly - Depending on experience. PTO accrual + paid holidays. Monthly Health Stipend.