Art Packing Specialist

School of the Art Institute of Chicago; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The Art Institute of Chicago seeks a skilled Art Packing Technician within the Collections and Loans department to prepare shipments, fabricate packing systems, and ensure safe transit of artworks.

You will assist with receiving and releasing incoming and outgoing shipments, operate forklifts as needed, and maintain spaces with attention to TSA and safety standards. This role requires hands-on craftsmanship and strong teamwork.

Qualifications

• Crate fabrication and packing experience in a museum, gallery or art-handling setting.
• Proven expertise preparing crates and housings for artworks with various materials.
• Safe art-handling practices; able to use a wide range of hand/power tools.
• Excellent communication, organization and ability to follow instructions.
• Able to operate forklift or other heavy equipment after on-site training.

Responsibilities

• Pack and fabricate packing systems for shipment, safe handling, and storage of artworks.
• Prepare crates and pack/unpack artworks for shipments and exhibitions.
• Schedule packing/unpacking and coordinate with departments to meet deadlines.
• Operate heavy equipment to move artworks within galleries and docks.
• Maintain storage spaces, labeling, and TSA-compliant documentation.

Skills

Crate fabrication

Packing

Forklift operation

Rigging methods

Manual dexterity

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma or GED

Tools

Google Suite

Collection database systems

Job description

The Art Institute of Chicago seeks a skilled Art Packing Technician within the Collections and Loans department to prepare shipments, fabricate packing systems, and ensure safe transit of artworks.

You will assist with receiving and releasing incoming and outgoing shipments, operate forklifts as needed, and maintain spaces with attention to TSA and safety standards. This role requires hands-on craftsmanship and strong teamwork.