EXPERIENCED ART HANDLER

The Chicago Conservation Center Inc; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 36,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401K

Paid leave and sick leave

Paid holidays

Job summary

The Conservation Center in Chicago seeks an experienced Art Handler to join our Shipping and Transportation Department, handling museum‑quality artwork, packing and installation for clients including institutions and private collectors. This full-time non-exempt role requires travel and offers $26-31 per hour with benefits.

You will work hands‑on with artwork, crating, transportation, and storage in a warehouse setting while collaborating with registrars, conservators, and the sales team to

Qualifications

• 4-5 years of art handling and installation experience in museums, galleries, or similar.
• Background in art, art history, museum studies, or related field preferred.
• Experience driving box trucks in congested urban areas preferred.
• Willingness to learn conservation processes and collaborate with conservation staff.
• Ability to lift 50+ pounds and work in a fast-paced warehouse.

Responsibilities

• Handle artwork, crating, packing, and storage within a warehouse.
• Pack, crate, transport, handle, and install artwork at client locations.
• Drive box trucks to transport artwork throughout the Chicago area.
• Collaborate with registrars, conservators, and sales during scheduling, intake, and return.
• Interact with clients while providing white-glove customer service.
• Respond to disaster recovery situations at sites affected by fires, floods, etc.
• Apply new techniques to enhance safety and preservation of artwork.
• Adapt to project-specific requirements and changing priorities.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Job description

The Conservation Center in Chicago seeks an experienced Art Handler to join our Shipping and Transportation Department. This department provides professional art handling and installation, collection management and storage, packing, and shipping. You’ll work hands‑on with museum‑quality artwork, antiques, and collections while providing white‑glove service to corporations, institutions, and private collectors.

This is a full‑time non‑exempt position. Regular work hours are Monday through Friday, 8am-4:30pm, with evenings, weekends, and occasional travel with overnights as needed. Compensation is $26-31 per hour, commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental, vision, 401K, paid leave and sick leave, and paid holidays.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Handle artwork, crating, packing, and storage within a warehouse environment.
• Pack, crate, transport, handle, and install artwork at client locations.
• Drive box trucks to transport artwork throughout the Chicago area.
• Collaborate closely with registrars, conservators, and the sales team during the scheduling, intake, and return of artwork.
• Interact regularly with clients while providing exceptional white‑glove customer service.
• Respond to art disaster recovery situations at sites affected by fires, floods, and other natural disasters. These environments may contain varying levels of standing water, mold, soot, and other environmental hazards.
• Apply new techniques and materials to enhance the safety and preservation of artwork and improve the efficiency of specialized tasks.
• Adapt to project‑specific requirements and changing priorities as needed.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 4-5 years of art handling and installation experience in a museum, gallery, auction house, or similar environment required.
• Educational background in art, art history, museum studies, or a related field preferred.
• Experience driving box trucks in congested urban areas and heavy traffic strongly preferred.
• Willingness to learn art conservation processes and collaborate with conservation staff to meet project deadlines.
• Ability to lift and move 50+ pounds and work comfortably in a fast‑paced warehouse environment.
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• Ability to travel on short notice for disaster response assignments, including weekends, evenings, and overnight hours.
• Flexibility and adaptability to meet project‑specific needs and changing work environments.
• Valid driver’s license and clean driving record required. CDL not required. Driving history will be verified.

The Conservation Center is an equal opportunity employer. Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.