Art Handler/Preparator – On Call

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

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Art Handler/Preparator works on a temporary basis with the Installation and Design team in art handling and gallery preparation of temporary and permanent installations and gallery maintenance.

ABOUT SAM

As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job—it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.

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

WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Required 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

Preferred Qualifications

• Three years exhibition installation experience
• Experience in a fine arts museum

FLSA Status:On-Call, Non-Exempt

Reports To: Head Preparator

Work Schedule: The schedule for this is role is variable. Shifts are typically scheduled during business hours Monday - Friday. However, the needs of the role and support of the department or organization may require evening and weekend work.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Work areas are primarily inside, in a climate-controlled environment with moderate background noise, in galleries, warehouses, and workshops. Workspaces may include outdoor areas. Noise levels range from light to excessive and there is exposure to varying air-quality standards. Objects in the collection may contain pesticide residues or other toxic materials, either inherently, or from previous treatments and there may be exposure to potentially toxic material. There may be risk from exposure to these materials and wearing appropriate personal protective equipment such as gloves and a respirator is required. Training and PPE will be provided.
• Approximately 5% of time is spent stationary while working at a desk. Balance of time (approximately 95%) is spent moving around the work area. Occasional extended periods of standing may be required.
• Clear and effective verbal and written communication in English with artists and co-workers is necessary.
• Ability to effectively use a computer screen and interpret printed materials, memos and other appropriate paperwork.
• Ability to effectively and regularly operate a computer, keyboard, telephone, and other office productivity machinery, such as copy machines and printers, and ability to inspect, prepare and use paperwork, files, equipment, and supplies is necessary.
• Ability to transport up to fifty (50) pounds of equipment and supplies.
• The ability to work safely at heights is required, ability to work on ladders and scaffolding is required. Safe operation of multiple types of personnel and scissor lifts is required.

BENEFITS

On-CallSAM Staffhaveaccess toan onsitefitness facilityand SAM’s museum library,can access a no-cost Employee Assistance Program resource, enjoya 20% discount at theSAM Museum Shop anda 15% discount at SAM’sMARKET cafe,receive2 SAM guest passes per quarter worked,can access 8 Home Free Guarantee cab rides homeperyear,andaccrue paid sick leave at a rate of .0385 per hour worked.

ACCOMODATION

The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please [e-mail]. For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.

SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers. Guided by our mission to connect art to life and engage diverse communities, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic

$30 - $30 an hour