Art Handler & Preparator — Installations & Gallery Prep

Seattle Art Museum; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 36,000 - 44,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Onsite fitness facilities

Museum library access

Employee Assistance Program

SAM Museum Shop discounts

SAM’s MARKET cafe discounts

2 guest passes per quarter worked

Home Free Guarantee cab rides

Paid sick leave accrual

Job summary

The Seattle Art Museum seeks an Art Handler/Preparator to join the Installation and Design team on a temporary, on-call basis. The role focuses on handling and installing exhibitions, preparing galleries, and supporting deinstallation of artwork.

Responsibilities include assisting with installations, supporting safety and handling techniques, and performing related tasks such as painting, carpentry, and on-site construction under supervision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, art history, studio art, design, museum studies, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year exhibition installation experience.
• Knowledge of basic art handling, conservation, registration, and art security requirements.
• Proficiency in the areas of art handling, carpentry, and use of power and hand tools and heavy equipment.
• Ability to work with close attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with colleagues.
• Exercise discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information.
• Basic computer literacy.
• Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance.

Responsibilities

• Assists with art installations of temporary and permanent installations.
• Assists Lead Art Handler with the installation and deinstallation of artwork utilizing established art handling, hanging, installation, and movement techniques to assure safety.
• Performs necessary tasks with Design & Installation team such as gallery preparation, painting, and limited on-site construction.

Skills

Art handling

Carpentry

Power tools

Heavy equipment

Attention to detail

Colleague relationships

Discretion / confidentiality

Computer literacy

Security background check

Education

Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, art history, studio art, design, museum studies, or equivalent

Job description

The Seattle Art Museum seeks an Art Handler/Preparator to join the Installation and Design team on a temporary, on-call basis. The role focuses on handling and installing exhibitions, preparing galleries, and supporting deinstallation of artwork.

Responsibilities include assisting with installations, supporting safety and handling techniques, and performing related tasks such as painting, carpentry, and on-site construction under supervision.