What are the responsibilities and job description for the Art Handler & Driver position at Eastern Art Services?
About the Company
We're a fine art services and logistics company serving museums, galleries, auction houses, educational institutions, businesses, private collectors, estates, and foundations across Northern New England. Our services include transportation, fine art storage, residential and commercial installation, packing and crating, domestic and international shipping, collections management, and fine art photography.
Craft matters here. Care matters. Whatever the job, our standard doesn't shift. We handle everything with the same discipline and attention to detail.
The Role
The Art Handler is a hands-on, field-first role built around installation, packing support, and transport. You'll spend your time on the road and on-site as much as in the warehouse—collecting and delivering artwork, installing work at client homes, and supporting our warehouse team with packing and crating. Driving is a big part of this job. You should be comfortable behind the wheel of a box/straight truck (16'–20', non-CDL) and a cargo van.
This role is flexible and versatile by nature. Some days are regional runs around Maine and New England; some are installs at a client's home; some are shifts alongside the warehouse crew packing and prepping objects. A handful of times a month, the work takes you further afield to New York City. We're looking for someone who can move easily between all of it.
What You'll Do
Transportation & Driving
- Operate Company vehicles—box/straight trucks (16'–20') and cargo vans—for regional and long-distance transport
- Collect and deliver artwork throughout Maine, the Northeast, and New England
- Complete NYC shuttle trips as scheduled (roughly 1–2 per month); NYC days run long, and overnight stays happen
- On overnight trips, lodging is covered by the Company; long transport days come with a per diem to cover food
- Complete required pre-trip and post-trip vehicle inspections and keep vehicles clean, fueled, and organized
- Exercise sound judgment operating vehicles in varied weather and traffic conditions
Installation & Field Work
- Support and execute installation projects at client homes and other sites
- Follow Company standards for mounting, leveling, layout, and hardware installation
- Handle artwork in accordance with Company handling standards and museum-standard practices
- Obtain Bills of Lading signatures at pickup and delivery, and document condition or site-specific concerns as needed
- Represent the Company professionally in client homes and other client environments
Packing Support
- Support warehouse staff with packing, wrapping, and crate fitting
- Execute soft-packing methods: slipcasing, shadow boxing, poly wrapping, and other object-specific protective packing
- Assist with object intake, staging, and labeling ahead of shipment or installation
- Help keep the warehouse and staging areas clean, organized, and ready for the next job
Skills & Experience
Key Competencies
- Comfort driving a box/straight truck (16'–20', Non-CDL) and a cargo van; we'll train the right person
- Safe handling technique for heavy or fragile loads
- Valid, clean driver's license
- Comfortable with a flexible schedule, including occasional overnight and multi-day trips
- Google Suite (Gmail, Google Sheets, Google Calendar, etc.)
Appreciated (but not mandatory)
- Experience handling valuable art or cultural objects
- Familiarity with packing methods: slipcasing, shadow boxing, poly wrapping
- Experience with installation or rigging work
- Experience operating telehandlers, forklifts, or aerial lifts
Who You Are
The person in this role:
- Understands the sentimental and financial value of the objects we handle, and treats them accordingly
- Is detail-oriented and curious—notices the small thing before it becomes a problem, asks questions, and wants to get better at the craft
- Takes feedback well and is careful, organized, punctual, and communicative
- Is genuinely versatile—comfortable moving between driving, installs, and packing work depending on what the week calls for
We're genuinely open to people from outside the fine arts world. Real care, curiosity, and reliability matter more than a background in art—we're happy to train the right person with a genuine interest in art and craft.
Schedule & Physical Requirements
Full-time schedule with flexibility built in—travel, overnight trips, and occasional weekend work are part of the job. NYC shuttle days in particular can run long.
This role requires the ability to lift up to and occasionally more than 75–100 lbs and stand for extended periods. Regular lifting includes crates, packing materials, and art objects of varying size and weight.
Compensation & Classification
Hourly - Depending on experience. PTO accrual paid holidays. Monthly Health Stipend.
How to Apply
Send an email to admin@easternartservices.com introducing yourself, your work history, and why you'd be a good fit for the job. Please include your resume and three references.