Auction Cataloger / Fine Art

About Us

Operating from core principles of approachability, transparency, and honesty, John Moran Auctioneers brings together buyers and sellers of decorative and fine art, jewelry, and fine furnishings. We offer a customizable, boutique approach toward consignment, estate, and appraisal services. 

More than fifty years ago, John Moran Auctioneers was founded to provide the highest level of service and professional standards to collectors, connoisseurs, trustees, and executors. As a family-owned and operated company, a personalized approach is our trademark. 

Who We Are Looking For

John Moran Auctioneers is looking for a detail‑driven art enthusiast who thrives in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment surrounded by fine art. This person will take ownership of inventory control and cataloguing, carefully unpacking, identifying, labeling, weighing, measuring, and storing incoming consignments while keeping everything impeccably organized.

The ideal candidate is curious and proactive, excited to research and inspect artworks, translate their findings into clear, accurate catalogue entries, and complete precise data entry and proofed text on deadline. They enjoy being part of the action—supporting sale set‑up, previews, and auction‑day activities—while maintaining the calm focus needed to handle valuable property with care and professionalism.

Key responsibilities

• Receive, unpack, inspect, weigh, label, and enter incoming fine art property from consignments into the inventory system.
• Coordinate with appraisers to confirm property groupings and values, and prepare status reports on pending values, outstanding items, and reconciliation as assigned.
• Maintain organized, secure storage and regular inventory control of the art room, including general tidiness and supply levels.
• Perform detailed cataloging: inspect property, conduct research, ensure each item has a complete and accurate database entry, and organize provenance and supporting documents.
• Edit and proof catalog text, assist with catalog layout and ordering of sales, perform press checks, and prepare condition reports.
• Assist with coordination of authentications and restorations, catalog production tasks, and locating property for photography and photo appraisals.
• Support previews and auctions by assisting clients with images and information, helping with private viewings, answering basic client questions, and operating bidding consoles or telephone bids as needed.
• Travel off-site as necessary to help receive property, prepare contracts, and digitally enter property into the system.

Qualifications

• 1–2 years of experience cataloguing and/or researching fine art; direct experience handling art objects is strongly preferred.
• Exceptional organization, communication, and problem‑solving skills with strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Proven ability to work under pressure, manage multiple deadlines, and collaborate effectively with a variety of personalities while also working independently.
• Proficiency with PC-based software, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook, and comfort learning new internal systems.
• Ability to safely lift and move up to 40 lbs and work on-site in Monrovia, CA