Part-Time Art Handler II

American University; Washington (Washington County); On-site; USD 34,000 - 41,000; Part time

Job summary

American University in Washington, DC is seeking an Art Handler II to assist with delivery, installation, and maintenance of artworks while supporting specialized tasks in museum display, conservation, and lighting.

The role involves constructing crates, packing, organizing tools, coordinating with the Registrar and Museum Preparator, and helping prepare gallery spaces and A/V installations across exhibition cycles; strong physical stamina required.

Qualifications

• 4-7 years experience with hands-on installation and de-installation of complex and preferably contemporary art installations.
• Superior knowledge of and experience with museum best practices for object care and handling, packing and moving of artworks, and appropriate display techniques.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.
• 1-3 years prior experience working with and coordinating exhibitions crews.
• Demonstrated organization and time management skills.
• Ability to work in physically demanding situations, including heavy lifting up to 50 pounds and working at heights.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Art Handler 1 preparation and organization of tools and equipment required for installation and de-installation, and provide additional support in woodshop.
• Perform regular maintenance and upkeep of museum tools and hardware, as well as the upkeep and cleaning of museum objects, pedestals and vitrines, and storage and collections spaces.
• Assist Registrar with coordinating incoming and outgoing art and equipment shipments.
• Prepare gallery spaces for exhibition, including: wall repair and painting.
• Facilitate the construction and preparation of art installations, exhibition furniture, crates and packaging, from design to product.
• Handle, move, place and prepare art objects.
• Coordinate with the Museum Preparator the installation and layout requests of artists and curators who are on-site for installation/de-installation.
• Work with Museum Preparator to ensure the proper installation of A/V equipment, including speakers, monitors, and projectors.
• Assist with lighting and lighting design of gallery spaces.
• Install labels, signage and other didactic materials.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Art installation

Museum handling

Team coordination

Job description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

College of Arts & Sciences

Time Type:

Part time

Job Type:

Casual

FLSA Status:

Non-Exempt

Work Modality:

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

The Art Handler II assists with delivery/receiving and installation/de-installation of artworks and preparation and maintenance of exhibition spaces, while also taking on responsibilities of specialized tasks and projects with a greater level of experience in museum and gallery installation, fabrication, framing, conservation, visual displays, graphics, and lighting.

Responsibilities may also include: the construction of exhibition furniture and crates; packing and fitting crates, and assistance with inventory control and maintenance of tools and equipment; as well as woodshop maintenance and the planning and fabrication of pedestals, displays, and museum furniture; framing, mounting, and mat cutting for exhibition and conservation purposes; A/V and technical installation; designing and installing graphic and didactic display elements; lighting and lighting inventory.

The Art Handler II works during the 3 - 5 week installation and de-installation period between the AU Museum’s various exhibition cycles, and assists the Museum Preparator with specialized roles, tasks and additional intermittent projects. Art Hander II works under the supervision of the AU Museum’s Preparator and works closely with, and provides support and assistance, to the Registrar.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee Art Handler 1 preparation and organization of tools and equipment required for installation and de-installation, and provide additional support in woodshop.

• Perform regular maintenance and upkeep of museum tools and hardware, as well as the upkeep and cleaning of museum objects, pedestals and vitrines, and storage and collections spaces.

• Assist Registrar with coordinating incoming and outgoing art and equipment shipments.

• Prepare gallery spaces for exhibition, including: wall repair and painting.

• Facilitate the construction and preparation of art installations, exhibition furniture, crates and packaging, from design to product.

• Handle, move, place and prepare art objects.

• Coordinate with the Museum Preparator the installation and layout requests of artists and curators who are on-site for installation/de-installation.

• Work with Museum Preparator to ensure the proper installation of A/V equipment, including speakers, monitors, and projectors.

• Assist with lighting and lighting design of gallery spaces.

• Install labels, signage and other didactic materials.

• Other duties as assigned.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Part-Time.

• Up to 20 scheduled hours per week.

Salary Range:

• $25.00 - $30.00 per hour.

Required Education and Experience:

• 4 - 7 years experience with hands‑on installation and de‑installation of complex and preferably contemporary Art installations.

• Superior knowledge of and experience with museum best practices for object care and handling, packing and moving of artworks, and appropriate display techniques.

• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills.

• 1 - 3 years prior experience working with and coordinating exhibitions crews.

• Demonstrated organization and time management skills.

• Ability to work in physically demanding situations, including heavy lifting up to 50 pounds and working at heights.

Preferred Education and Experience:

• Valid driver’s license.

• Specialized experience in carpentry, fabrication, design and museum display production.

• Demonstrated experience in woodshop management and workshop skills and safety, including using hand and power tools.

• Demonstrated experience with/licensure and use of: forklifts, scissor lifts, scaffolding, and rigging.

• Experienced in industry standard A/V design, installation and troubleshooting.

• Knowledge of OSHA safety and compliance qualifications.

Benefits

Click here to learn about American University’s unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on‑site at the university.

• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• American University is an E-Verify employer.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively “Protected Bases”) in its programs and activities.