The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The department of collections and loans (C+L) oversees the management of the collection and loaned objects, defining the processes that ensure compliance with the museum’s collection and loan policies as well as legal obligations to borrowers, lenders, donors, and/or sellers.

In four distinct areas, C+L implements policies that govern the day to day application of museum best practices regarding documentation and record keeping; collection database and metadata management; logistics and shipping; art handling and packing; storage; insurance; and, risk management.

ABOUT THE POSITION

This role provides art handling expertise for exhibitions and collection displays following museum best practices

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Art handling throughout the museum galleries, storage vaults and packing facilities.
• Responsible for safe handling in all installs, deinstalls, transport, packing and unpacking artwork as assigned.
• Performs installation/de-installation and packing/unpacking works of art.
• Coordinates with other departments as necessary.
• Assists with incoming and outgoing shipments including packing/unpacking, transfer to departmental storages/vaults or exhibition spaces.
• Learns and uses new applications of equipment, hardware, and provides aesthetic and logical solutions to challenges in the areas of art handling/packing and display of works of art to improve and practice safe handling.
• Maintain tools, equipment and supplies required to perform specialized tasks.
• Participates in art handling training programs conducted by Collections and Loans and Conservation departments. Learns and implements skills and experience to daily activity.

• 2-3 years of art handling experience in a museum or gallery required.
• Knowledge of safe and best art handling practices as well as exceptional manual dexterity.
• Understanding and experience of rigging methods, AV or mount installation.
• Expertise preparing display case work, support structures and housing for artworks
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent competence using a wide variety of hand and power tools
• Ability to lift 60 lbs. comfortably; willing to wear PPE as required.
• Ability to operate heavy equipment safely, including Forklift, Stacker with training/guidance.
• Computer skills; strong knowledge of Google Suite.
• High school diploma or GED required.

We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:

• Generous paid time off
• Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
• Competitive retirement plan (up to 9% matching contribution)
• Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
• Great employee discounts
• Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions

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The Art Institute of Chicago requires all applicants to complete an online application to be considered for employment. 60 minutes are allotted for applicants to complete the employment application. The application will automatically time out after 60 minutes. If you are unable to submit the completed application at this time, please choose the "Save for Later" option to avoid losing the information you have entered so far.

Vaccination Expectation

Becoming vaccinated against COVID-19 is the most important contribution we as individuals can make to ensure our own safety and the safety of our museum and school community. All employees must complete an attestation and provide proof of their vaccination status, or request a medical or religious exemption within the first week of employment.

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by AFSCME Council 31