Art Handler/Preparator – On Call at Seattle Art Museum (Seattle, WA)

Seattle Art Museum· Seattle, WA· $30/hr·2d ago

Role details

Salary

$30/hr

Work type

Onsite

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Art Handler/Preparator works on a temporary basis with the Installation and Design team in art handling and gallery preparation of temporary and permanent installations and gallery maintenance.

ABOUT SAM

As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job—it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Assists with art installations of temporary and permanent installations Assists Lead Art Handler with the installation and deinstallation of artwork utilizing established art handling, hanging, installation, and movement techniques to assure safety Performs necessary tasks with Design & Installation team such as gallery preparation, painting, and limited on-site construction

WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Required Qualifications

Why work at Seattle Art Museum

Mission-Driven Work: Employees contribute directly to a mission that connects art to life and strengthens community through the transformative power of art.
Diverse Career Paths: Opportunities span a wide range of professional fields including art handling, conservation, curatorial, education, event planning, development, finance, legal, marketing, operations, security, technology, and visitor experience. seattleartmuseum.org
Commitment to Equity: SAM is "dedicated to building a diverse workplace, and a sense of belonging for each and every employee" and actively seeks candidates from historically underrepresented backgrounds. seattleartmuseum.org
Work Environment: Hybrid and on-site roles available in Seattle, WA. The culture emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and respect for diversity.
Compensation: Recent job postings show competitive nonprofit salaries (e.g., People & Culture Director: $128,000–$157,000/year; Assistant Conservator: $69,300–$84,700/year; Assistant Registrar: $63,500–$77,600/year). indeed.com
Employee Sentiment: Indeed work wellbeing score is "Average" (70). Work & Life Balance rated 3.9/5; Compensation & Benefits rated 3.0/5; Job Security & Advancement rated 2.8/5. indeed.com
Internships & Volunteering: Offers internships relevant to career goals and volunteer roles that support the museum's mission. seattleartmuseum.org

About Seattle Art Museum

Company Overview

One-liner: The Seattle Art Museum (SAM) is a leading visual arts institution in the Pacific Northwest, connecting art to life across three distinct locations in Seattle.
Entity Type: Nonprofit organization
Headquarters: Seattle, Washington, United States
Founded: 1933
Founders: Not publicly available (founded as a civic institution)

Core Business

Primary industry/industries: Museums, Historical Sites, and Zoos; Visual Arts; Arts & Culture
Target customers: B2C (general public, art enthusiasts, tourists, families, students, educators, local community members)
Mission or purpose statement: "SAM connects art to life. Through the transformative power of art, SAM ignites creativity, builds connections, and strengthens community. Across three unique locations, we share global collections, groundbreaking exhibitions, and dynamic programs that engage, educate, and inspire people of all ages and backgrounds." seattleartmuseum.org

Products & Services

Three Museum Locations: The Seattle Art Museum (downtown), the Seattle Asian Art Museum (Volunteer Park), and the Olympic Sculpture Park (Seattle waterfront) — each offering permanent collections, rotating exhibitions, and educational programming.
Permanent Collection: A collection of over 25,000 objects from more than 140 cultures, featuring art from around the world with a focus on building bridges between cultures and centuries.
Exhibitions & Programs: Groundbreaking temporary exhibitions, gallery tours, public programs, and educational initiatives for all ages.
Educational Programs: Internships, volunteer programs, docent training, teen and family programs, and community partnerships.
Retail & Visitor Services: Museum store, dining, and event spaces available at various locations.

Market Standing

Valuation/Market Cap: Not applicable (nonprofit organization). Publicly available audited financial statements (Form 990, Form 990-T) are available upon request.
Key Metric: Annual attendance figures are publicly reported in audited statements. The organization employs approximately 365 employees, 10 executive leaders, and over 200 volunteers. seattleartmuseum.org
Notable Investors/Partners: The museum is governed by a board of trustees. Key leadership includes Scott Stulen (Illsley Ball Nordstrom Director and CEO). seattleartmuseum.org
Growth Signals: The museum has a dedicated Equity Team and has integrated racial equity into its strategic plan since 2017. It has a strong commitment to sustainability, including Salmon-Safe standards at the Olympic Sculpture Park. LinkedIn follower count is 27,291 with a yearly growth of +21.7%. linkedin.com

Competitive Advantages

Unique Three-Location Model: SAM operates three distinct venues (downtown, historic park, waterfront), offering diverse experiences within one institution — a rare model in the museum world.
Deep Community Roots: Founded in 1933, SAM is the leading visual arts institution in the Pacific Northwest with a long history of cultural leadership.
Commitment to Equity & Inclusion: A formal equity statement and dedicated Equity Team, with a strategic plan addressing social justice and structural change, sets it apart from many peer institutions.
Sustainability Leadership: Operates the Olympic Sculpture Park to Salmon-Safe standards and integrates environmentally responsible practices across all operations.

Strategic Focus

Racial Equity & Inclusion: Continuing to embed equity into all operations, with a focus on reducing barriers and facilitating art experiences for all.
Community Engagement: Deepening connections with local communities through educational programming, partnerships, and volunteer opportunities.
Sustainability: Maintaining and expanding environmentally responsible practices across all three locations.
Financial Transparency: Publicly sharing audited financial statements to maintain trust and accountability.

Sources