Fine Art Crater/Art Handler
Overview:
As a Fine Art Crater/ Art Handler, you will be responsible for applying your knowledge of the industry practices of crate fabrication. Experience in fine art crating is preferred, but training is available for candidates with woodworking/carpentry/construction skills. You will build a variety of crates – from travel frames to museum crates. The ideal candidate understands that the safety and security of artworks, and of fellow team members, is critical to both individual and company success. You will report to the Operations Manager, and work directly with the Crating Manager on task assignments. The crater position does require a proactive individual as you will largely be working in the shop without direct supervision. Fine Art Craters will be required to follow company standards in crate fabrication and may have deadlines for fabrication. A positive attitude, strong work ethic and professional demeanor are necessary, as our Craters are often required to meet with clients and/or pack items on site.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Safely operate power tools and shop equipment
- 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
- Prepare crate interiors to the desired specifications, including but not limited to insulation, cushioning, support, strapping
- Pack artwork into crates at AWFAS’s facility and in the field
- Prepare instructions for complex crates, so that they can be reused at destination
- Complete tool maintenance as necessary and maintain a clean shop
- Stock supplies and keep track of shop inventory (screws, glue, lumber, etc)
- Participate in training in the areas of shop safety and production
- Take pride in your work and the quality of crates that travel around the world
- Must be coachable. 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 identify ideal methods for custom crates.
Secondary Responsibilities:
- Load and unload artwork, crates and supplies at facility
- Travel to clients’ homes and businesses to assist field team on as-needed basis. Clean driving record required
- Other tasks as assigned
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma/GED required. Bachelor's degree in studio art, museum studies, or related art field is preferred
- Proficiency with hand and power tools
- Precision and care are required on every fabrication
- Must pass complete background check
- Ability to carry out work required in lifting and transporting artworks
- Forklift skills a plus, but not required
- Must be able to lift 75# minimum and safely carry large, heavy sheet materials
- Candidate must be able to take appropriate care in shop and warehouse
Preferred Experience:
- 2+ years of art handling experience in a museum, gallery, artist studio, private collection or similar environment
- Familiarity with standard museum practices, terminology, and art history
- Forklift certification
- Rigging experience
- Awareness and understanding of mounts, supports and structures. Mount-making or framing experience a plus
This position is an hourly, non-exempt role. Nonexempt employees are workers who are entitled to earn the federal minimum wage and qualify for overtime pay, which is calculated as one-and-a-half times their hourly rate for every hour they work above and beyond a standard 40-hour workweek.
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 Plan.
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.
How to Apply:
Email [email protected]