Technician, Art Packing

About the Role

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, fostering an inclusive understanding of human creativity. The Collections and Loans (C+L) department oversees the management of the collection and loaned objects, ensuring compliance with museum policies and legal obligations. This role supports the growth of the museum and modernization of collection care through strategic applications of data and new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Packing:
  • Pack and fabricate packing systems for the shipment, safe handling, and storage of artworks following museum specifications.
  • Prepare crates and pack/unpack art objects for shipments.
  • Monitor and execute TSA regulations requirements for packed objects.
• Scheduling and Logistics:
  • Plan and schedule packing/unpacking of objects entering and leaving the museum, as well as internal transfers.
  • Process receiving and releasing of incoming and outgoing art shipments, including tracking crates and objects, and recording documentation in the database.
  • Coordinate with other departments to ensure projects are completed safely and on time.
  • Act with autonomy when the manager of art packing is unavailable.
• Art Handling and Heavy Equipment Operation:
  • Operate heavy equipment to move artwork and shipments throughout the museum galleries and docks.
• Space Maintenance, Safety Protocols, and Training:
  • Maintain art vaults, storages, tools, equipment, and supplies in working order.
  • Manage temporary storage for artworks during transition, including physical labeling and documentation.
  • Participate in and contribute to art-handling training programs conducted by Collections and Loans and Conservation departments.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Minimum of three years of crate fabrication and packing experience in a museum, gallery, or commercial art-handling company.
• Proven expertise preparing crates, support structures, and housings for artworks in a variety of materials.
• Demonstrable safe and best art-handling practices; exceptional manual dexterity, including using a wide variety of hand and power tools and stationary equipment commonly found in a woodshop.
• Effective computer skills, knowledge of Google Suite, and ability to learn museum-specific collection database systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal competence; good judgment and initiative.
• Tested organizational and multitasking skills; highly detail-oriented with the ability to follow instructions precisely.
• Ability to operate a forklift or other heavy equipment with on-site training/certification.
• Strong understanding and experience of rigging methods as they relate to packing/unpacking art objects is a plus.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 60 lbs. comfortably.
• Sufficient color perception and physical coordination to perform TSA-related duties.
• Wears PPE as required.

Pay

The expected hiring range is an estimated amount for positions based on the grade. Final offers are based on various factors, including skill set, experience, qualifications, and other job-related reasons.

Benefits

This is a full-time, non-exempt position (Grade Level: 6) with a competitive, comprehensive benefits package. For more details, visit the museum’s career page.

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