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Studio Museum in Harlem · 9 hours ago

Art Handler

New York, NY

Full-time

Onsite

Mid Level

$36/hr - $36/hr

3+ years exp

The Studio Museum in Harlem is a prominent institution for artists of African descent and aims to foster a dynamic exchange of ideas about art and society. The Art Handler will play a crucial role in the Collections and Exhibitions team by safely handling and installing artworks for various museum initiatives, while collaborating closely with other teams to ensure smooth operations.

Museums and Historical SitesRecreation

Responsibilities

Safely install and deinstall artworks for exhibitions, viewings, photography, and conservation review

Prepare galleries for exhibition display, including cleaning, painting, spackling, and staging

Coordinate daily tasks with the Head Preparator, Registrar, and Curatorial teams, ensuring clear communication and timely completion of projects

Conduct routine exhibition maintenance, including daily gallery checks, lighting checks, etc

Maintain organized, clean, and safe art storage areas. Conduct and maintain regular pest prevention plan. Assist with annual inventory of art storage

Assist with packing and unpacking, incoming and outgoing artworks

Fabricate soft archival housing (e.g., boxes, portfolios) and prepare backing boards or installation hardware for framed works

Support rigging operations (e.g., hoists, gantry, forklifts) for the safe movement of large or heavy works

Track artwork locations and maintain accurate inventory in the museum database

Oversee loading dock activity related to artwork movement, at museum and art storage

Move and handle boxes, crates, framed works, and large-scale paintings as required

Perform additional tasks and special projects as assigned

Point person for freelancers when Head Preparator is away from space

Qualification

Art handling experienceProficiency with hand toolsProficiency with power toolsCommunication skillsTeam collaborationAttention to detailProblem-solving skillsFlexibilityAdaptability

Required

Proven experience in safe handling of valuable artworks and objects

Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment

Flexible, adaptable, and able to manage shifting priorities in a fast-paced setting

Highly organized with strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills

Proficiency with hand tools and power tools, and adherence to safety protocols and best practices for art handling and installation

High school diploma or equivalent required

Minimum of three (3) years of experience in museum, gallery, or related art handling work

Ability to lift 50–100 lbs safely

Comfortable working on ladders, reaching overhead or low to the ground

Prolonged periods of standing and working in climate-controlled environments

Benefits

Medical

Dental

Life and long-term disability insurance

A retirement account

Substantial vacation time

Company

Studio Museum in Harlem

The Studio Museum in Harlem is the nexus for artists of African descent locally, nationally, and internationally, and for work that has been inspired and influenced by black culture.

Founded in 1968

New York, New York, USA

51-200 employees