Overview:

As a Packing Specialist, you will be responsible for applying your knowledge of the industry practices of safe packing, handling, and transportation of all manner of fine art and antiques. The Packing Specialist will be called on to pack delicate and sensitive objects of all types and sizes and should have experience with a wide variety of materials, mediums, and techniques. This role is responsible for completing projects, large and small, both in the field and in-house, from initial site visit and estimation to completion.

The Packing Specialist will be the on-site lead for many packing-intensive projects or may focus on challenging items as part of a larger crew. The Packing Specialist will also build crates, prepare crate interiors, and support the handling team on a variety of projects, including installation and transportation.

In addition to packing artwork, the Packing Specialist role also includes internal and client-facing communication, vendor and subcontractor communication, materials and practices research, and estimate creation and follow-up. The Packing Specialist reports to the Operations Manager and works closely with the Crating and Special Projects Manager. A positive attitude, strong work ethic, proactive nature, and professional demeanor are necessary.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Plan and execute the packing of complex and fragile artwork safely and efficiently.
• Explain packing plans and techniques to others, verbally, with drawings, or demonstrations.
• Lead crews on large packing projects and/or perform as a specialist as part of a larger crew.
• Complete site visits to assess artwork at private homes, museums, and businesses with a high degree of accuracy to formulate packing/crating plans.
• Communicate internally (with co-workers) and externally (with clients, vendors, and subcontractors) to support projects.
• Prepare crate interiors to the desired specifications, including but not limited to insulation, cushioning, support, strapping, blocking, bracing, etc.
• Prepare instructions for complex crates so that they can be safely unpacked and/or reused at the destination.
• Ensure all needed documentation and paperwork are properly completed for each project.
• Operate box trucks and cargo vans. Clean driving record required.

Secondary Responsibilities:

• Safely operate power tools and shop equipment, including miter saw, table saw, band saw, drill press, air-powered nailers and staplers, etc.
• Fabricate custom-designed wood crates for the packing, storage, and shipping of fine art, antiques, and artifacts.
• Ability to read and process crate designs to given specifications.
• Complete tool maintenance as necessary and maintain a clean shop.
• Assist with moving items in and out of storage, tracking and stocking supplies, and completing condition notes as needed.
• Assist in training and mentoring new and junior art handlers in best practices and industry standards.
• Other tasks as assigned.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of art handling experience in a museum, gallery, FAS, or equivalent environment.
• 4+ years of experience packing a wide variety of mediums according to industry standards is required.
• Minimum of 1 year leading projects and crew.
• High level of familiarity with standard museum practices, industry standards, and terminology. An understanding of archival and other packing materials to uphold best practices.
• High school diploma/GED required. A bachelor’s Degree in studio art, museum studies, or a related art field is preferred.
• Precision and care are required in every fabrication. Take pride in your work and consistently complete quality packing of objects that travel around the world.
• Excellent communication skills (internally and externally) via phone, email, in person, and onsite. Maintain Art Work’s high expectations for customer service.
• Must be able to lift 50# minimum and safely carry large, heavy sheet materials.
• Basic MS Office suite skills required. Demonstrate understanding and use of both paper and electronic forms, proprietary and operational software.
• Travel to clients’ homes and businesses to assist the road team on an as-needed basis. Drive locally and complete electronic logging as required. A clean driving record is required.
• After hours, weekend work, and some overnight/travel may be required.
• Must complete and pass the background check. Adhere to proprietary agreements: confidentiality, non-disclosure, privacy, security, non-solicitation, and other employment provisions, as required to maintain the utmost in security. Must be able to complete TSA CCSF training and obtain an STA (Security Threat Assessment) number.
• Must be coachable. Candidates must value collaboration and input from team members. We have a diverse set of skills and value the perspectives of each member of the team. Be prepared to receive instruction and work collaboratively to refine packing procedures and solutions.

Preferred Experience:

• Forklift certification
• DOT medical card
• Rigging experience
• Awareness and understanding of mounts, supports and structures. Mount-making or framing experience a plus.

Estimate Time in General Activities

• 40% Shop/warehouse
• 35% Field and site visits
• 25% Office

Benefits:

Art Work Fine Art Services offers a competitive benefits package that includes Medical, Dental, Vision, LTD, AD&D, Company-paid and Voluntary Life Insurance, Vacation Time Off, 401(k) Plan and College Tuition Pan.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

Your gender, your sex, your faith, your age and your skin color don’t matter here. Art Work Fine Art Services seeks diverse backgrounds and perspectives and strives to offer equal opportunity to all smart, hard-working, dedicated people. Come as you are.

Pay Range:

$25 - $32/hr

How to Apply:

Email [email protected]