Assistant Gallery Technician - Temp

Position is Job Grade 4 - Temporary

For more than 150 years, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) has been a leader in educating
the world’s most influential artists, designers and scholars. Located in downtown Chicago with a fine arts
graduate program consistently ranking among the top four graduate fine arts programs in the nation by
U.S. News and World Report, SAIC provides an interdisciplinary approach to art and design as well as
world-class resources, including the Art Institute of Chicago Museum, on-campus galleries and state-of-
the-art facilities. SAIC’s undergraduate, graduate and post-baccalaureate students have the freedom to
take risks and create the bold ideas that transform Chicago and the world—as seen through notable
alumni and faculty such as Michelle Grabner, David Sedaris, Elizabeth Murray, Richard Hunt, Georgia
O’Keeffe, Cynthia Rowley, Nick Cave, and LeRoy Neiman.

BASIC FUNCTION: Responsible for the preparation, installation, maintenance, and de-installation of the exhibitions at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago’s galleries.

Under general supervision, or following instructions, relocates artwork and production/display elements within the building and storage areas. Prepares artwork for shipping to other museums after exhibitions. Manages student worker crews.

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Handles works of art, under supervision.

2. Oversees, trains and assists work-study students hired to prepare, maintain, and de-install the exhibition site.

3. Assists in transporting and installing art in galleries, storage, etc.

4. Assists Gallery Technicians, Senior Exhibition Manager and Registrar with all gallery activities.

5. Lays out and implements gallery configurations.

6. Coordinates schedules and duties with the Senior Exhibition Manager.

7. Assists exhibiting artists with their installations, troubleshooting and problem-solving art hanging methods, electrical, and equipment issues.

8. Positions signage and lights in the exhibition space and office area.

9. Opens and closes the exhibition site.

10. Maintains and inventories tools and materials.

11. Assists at special receptions, performances, and other events scheduled during the run of the exhibitions.

QUALIFICATIONS: 2 years of Art handling and art installation experience in a Museum or gallery required; experience and interest in working with and mentoring students; knowledge and interest in works of art; ability to lift 60 lbs. comfortably and work with basic tools; mount making a plus; ability to operate equipment; follow instructions precisely, work well under pressure and meet deadlines; sensitivity to needs of curatorial staff.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in a staff culture that benefits from a wide range of experience, backgrounds, and career paths, and we encourage nontraditional candidates to apply.

Closing Statement

The Art Institute of Chicago is an Equal Opportunity Employer that recruits, hires and promotes qualified individuals without regard to race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, veteran status or citizenship. The Institute complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, please contact the Department of Human Resources at apply_help@artic.edu.