Auction Gallery Associate

Blue Box Auction; Norfolk (VA); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Box Auction in Norfolk, VA is seeking an Auction Catalog Associate to join our fast-paced team. You will research, catalog, and write descriptions for fine art, antiques, militaria, jewelry, coins, furniture, and collectibles, while building cohesive auction lots.

You’ll maintain consignor inventories, unpack incoming collections, and help stage previews and live events. Photography experience with DSLR and studio lighting is preferred, and the role requires lifting 40–60 lbs and excellent

Qualifications

• Experience cataloging, researching, or working in an auction, gallery, museum setting.
• Strong writing, research, and organizational skills.
• Broad interest or knowledge in art, antiques, militaria, or material culture.
• Able to lift 40–60 lbs and handle objects.
• Photography experience encouraged (DSLR or studio lighting).

Responsibilities

• Research, catalog, and write descriptions for fine art, antiques, militaria, jewelry, coins, furniture, and collectibles.
• Maintain organized consignor inventories that are clearly separated, labeled, and easy to locate.
• Unpack incoming collections and identify high-value vs. everyday pieces.
• Build cohesive, compelling auction lots with strong market appeal.
• Photograph objects with sharp, detailed images (DSLR/studio experience preferred).
• Assist in staging and merchandising auctions for gallery previews and live events.
• Operate live online bidding platforms as needed during auctions.
• Provide customer support to consignors and bidders as assigned.

Tools

DSLR photography

Studio lighting

Job description

About the role

Join a fast-paced, globally reaching auction house where every week brings rare discoveries, diverse consignments, and the excitement of preparing objects for a worldwide audience of collectors and enthusiasts.

We are seeking a knowledgeable, organized, and energetic Auction Catalog Associate preferably with prior experience in cataloging, research, gallery work, still object photography and/or auction environments. This role combines hands‑on work with intellectual curiosity — blending catalog research, photography, inventory management, display setup, and customer service.

You will be trusted with identifying, describing, staging, and presenting items ranging from fine art and antiques to militaria, jewelry, furniture, and general estate goods.

If you love learning, working with objects of cultural and historical value, and thrive under deadlines — this role is for you.

We are specifically looking for an associate who is familiar with collectibles such as sports cards, comic books, coins, fine art, decor, antiques, etc. Ideally you'll have a general working knowledge of these different areas but depth in one or more of them.

What you will do

• Research, catalog, and write descriptions for fine art, antiques, militaria, jewelry, coins, furniture, and collectibles, fine art, etc.
• Maintain organized consignor inventories that are clearly separated, labeled, and easy to locate
• Unpack incoming collections and identify high-value vs. everyday pieces
• Build cohesive, compelling auction lots with strong market appeal
• Photograph objects with sharp, detailed images (DSLR/studio experience preferred, training provided)
• Assist in staging and merchandising auctions for gallery previews and live events
• Operate live online bidding platforms as needed during auctions
• Provide customer support to consignors, bidders, and other duties as assigned.
• Prepare purchases for timely pickup and assist with payments or phone support
• Maintain organization and momentum during cataloging deadlines
• Identify key items for marketing and promotional use

What we are looking for

• Prior experience cataloging, researching, or working in an auction, gallery, museum, or related setting
• Strong writing, research, and organizational skills
• Broad interest or knowledge in art, antiques, militaria, or material culture
• Comfortable handling, lifting, and moving objects and furniture (up to 40–60 lbs)
• Photography experience (DSLR or studio lighting) strongly preferred
• Ability to multitask and work efficiently in a deadline-driven environment
• Creative eye for display and presentation
• Curious, hands‑on, adaptable, and eager to learn more

Work Culture and Growth

We’re a tight‑knit, growing team with a culture that values individual strengths, shared support, and serving our consignors with excellence. Every day brings something new with rare objects, fascinating stories, and the reward of presenting them to the world.

As our business expands, this position offers room to develop into leadership roles, specialty expertise, or deeper cataloging authority within specific domains.