"Alerted.org

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Art Handler supports exhibition installations, deinstallations, and gallery maintenance across SAM’s sites. This role assists in the safe handling, movement, and installation of artwork, as well as in preparing gallery spaces, performing construction tasks, and maintaining tools and workspaces.

Working closely with the Exhibition Designer, Lead Art Handler, and colleagues in installation, registration, conservation, and photography, this position plays an important role in ensuring the safe and effective presentation of SAM’s collection and exhibitions.

FLSA STATUS: Full Time, Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Exhibition Designer

COMPENSATION: $28.32 – $31.44 per hour

WORKPLACE TYPE: On-Site

WHAT YOU’LL DO

You’ll ensure the safe and professional installation of SAM’s exhibitions and collection by:

+ Assisting with case layouts and gallery preparation for temporary and permanent installations.

+ Installing and deinstalling artwork using proper art handling, hanging, and movement techniques.

+ Performing gallery preparation including painting and on-site construction.

+ Maintaining the workshop, tools, and materials, including inventory across exhibition and storage locations.

+ Supporting colleagues across installation, mountmaking, registration, and photography as needed.

+ Participating in special projects such as emergency procedures, building renovations, and long-range planning.

+ Contributing to SAM’s commitment to welcoming, inclusive, and exceptional service for visitors and colleagues.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Required Qualifications

+ Bachelor’s degree in liberal arts, art history, studio art, design, museum studies, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

+ Two years of exhibition installation experience.

+ Knowledge of basic art handling, conservation, registration, and art security requirements.

+ Carpentry skills and experience using hand tools, power tools, and heavy equipment.

+ Knowledge of database fundamentals.

+ Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

+ Professional verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to tailor communications to different audiences.

+ Strong time management, problem-solving, and organizational skills.

+ Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Asana, Slack, and internet-based research.

+ Experience with computer-aided design programs such as AutoCAD, VectorWorks, or Revit.

+ Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance.

Preferred Qualifications

+ Three years of exhibition installation experience.

+ Experience working in a fine arts museum.

+ Familiarity with modeling software (Rhino, SketchUp) and Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.).

+ Valid Washington State driver’s license.

APPROACH TO WORK

We come together to contribute our unique talents towards connecting art to life. We take our passion for the arts and personal connections to the mission and channel it into our employee, visitor, and partner experience. We hold with care our impact on the local community, the arts and culture sector, and beyond. We know we’re at our best when we create an inclusive and equitable workplace and museum that reflects our plurality.

The following guide how we work together:

+ Be Accountable – Deliver exceptional work with strong organization, time management, and communication.

+ Be Collaborative – Value diverse perspectives and prioritize collective success.

+ Cultivate Innovation – Stay open to change and explore creative solutions.

+ Bring a Learning Mindset – Remain curious, humble, and open to feedback.

+ Lift Each Other Up – Empower, support, and celebrate colleagues and teams.

WORK SCHEDULE

This role is typically scheduled for business hours, Monday–Friday, with occasional evening and weekend work required to support exhibition schedules and special projects.

WORK CONDITIONS

+ Exposure: Work primarily indoors in galleries, warehouses, and workshops, with occasional outdoor work. Noise levels range from light to excessive. Exposure to dust, fumes, or potentially toxic materials (e.g., pesticide residues); PPE and training provided.

+ Stationary Work: About 15% at a desk; 85% moving in gallery and storage spaces. Extended periods of standing may be required.

+ Communication: Clear and effective verbal and written communication in English with artists, staff, and colleagues required.

+ Vision: Ability to use computer screens and read printed materials.

+ Office Work: Regular use of computers, phones, and office equipment.

+ Lifting/Carrying/Pushing/Pulling: Ability to transport up to 50 pounds of equipment and supplies.

+ Working at Heights: Ability to work on ladders and scaffolding, and safely operate personnel and scissor lifts.

ACCOMMODATION If you need assistance applying for a role due to a disability or additional need, please let us know at [email protected]

The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. If you would like to request an accommodation, please contact [email protected]

------------------------------------------------

Celebrating difference. At Seattle Art Museum, our members, visitors, and local community come from all walks of life, and so do our employees, volunteers, and interns. The plurality of our identities and experiences strengthens our mission: connecting art to life. Our mission and vision call us to be responsive to a multitude of cultural contexts and lived experiences, and as such, our Strategic Plan directly addresses the role art plays in empowering and elevating social justice movements, and promoting structural change to further equity in our society. SAM is particularly dedicated to racial equity in the workplace, because we know that people of color are the most impacted when it comes to both historical and present inequities. We know that equity is not a single fixed destination, it’s ongoing reckoning. As SAM continually strives to be a more inclusive and equitable workplace, we are particularly interested in engaging with those who have been historically underrepresented in the museum field. We are dedicated to building a diverse workplace, and a sense of belonging for each and every employee, because we know our organization is at its best when we celebrate difference.

SAM is an equal opportunity employer. We are an equal opportunity employer, and consider qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), marital status, ancestry, sensory, physical, or mental disability, genetic information, military or veteran status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, citizenship or immigration status, or other applicable legally protected characteristic. If you need assistance applying for a role due to a disability or additional need, please let us know at [email protected]. The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of the role. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]. For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.

We encourage you to apply. We are dedicated to building a diverse workplace, and a sense of belonging for each and every employee, because we know our organization is at its best when we include, celebrate and embrace difference. We encourage you to submit an application, even if your experience doesn’t feel like a 100% match with the position. We know applying for a job can be intimidating, and research tells us that womxn and folks of color are less likely to apply if they don't see themselves meeting or exceeding every single qualification listed. We encourage you to apply, even if you feel unsure about whether you meet every requirement in this job post. You could very well be a great fit for this role or others.

Requirements for employment. In order to be employed by the Seattle Art Museum, you must reside in the state of Washington. Employment at SAM is contingent upon successful clearing and maintenance of clearance in both a federal and state criminal background check.

Want to learn more? If you haven't already, check out our Careers page for more on working at SAM.

Though we'd love to be able to reply to every question that crosses our desk, due to the high volume of applications we receive, our HR team is unfortunately unable to offer a response to inquiries requesting search status updates, inquiries about hiring timeline, or requests to be put in touch with directly with the Hiring Team. If your experiences and capabilities are well suited to an open role, our Recruiter or the Hiring Manager will reach out directly to schedule an interview. Thanks for your understanding!

Powered by JazzHR