Art Preparator

Paul Thiebaud Gallery

www.paulthiebaudgallery.com

Paul Thiebaud Gallery is seeking a self-motivated, highly organized, and experienced Art Preparator / Art Handler to join our team in a permanent part-time capacity. The ideal candidate will have experience in art handling, packing, storage, transportation, and exhibition installation within a commercial gallery, museum, or similar professional environment.

This role requires exceptional attention to detail, sound judgment, a strong understanding of art handling best practices, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Position Details

Employment Type: Permanent, part-time
Schedule: 24 hours per week, three 8-hour fixed workdays. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays preferred but negotiable. Saturdays are required during opening receptions scheduled every 8 to 10 weeks.
Hourly Rate: $30.00
Regular Business Hours: Tuesday–Saturday, 10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m.
Benefits: Paid sick leave compliant with California law.

Occasional work outside regular gallery hours may be required for art fairs, client appointments, and special events.

Responsibilities

Art Handling, Installation, and Exhibition Preparation

Safely handle, move, install, and deinstall works of art and art objects, adhering to established professional standards and best practices.
Execute exhibition rotations, including preparing gallery spaces, installing signage, and adjusting lighting.
Apply appropriate installation techniques and hardware for paintings, works on paper, sculpture, ceramics, and other art objects.

Packing, Shipping, and Transportation

Professionally pack artworks for shipment/delivery using appropriate soft-packing, boxing, and crating methods for safe transportation.
Coordinate and execute incoming and outgoing shipments, ensuring the careful handling and timely movement of artworks.
Complete local and intrastate deliveries and pickups driving a 12-foot box truck.
Maintain the gallery box truck in good working condition and ensure its cleanliness and professional appearance.

Art Storage and Facilities Maintenance

Maintain organize, secure, and properly manage art storage areas, including racks, flat files, crates, and pedestals.
Keep gallery and warehouse spaces clean, orderly, and well maintained.
Perform routine maintenance and minor repairs, including lighting maintenance, wall patching, and painting on drywall and masonry surfaces.

Requirements

Experienced in art handling, packing, storage, transportation, and exhibition installation within a commercial gallery, museum, or similar professional environment
Experienced in the safe handling, wrapping, packing, and transportation of artworks, including works on paper, prints, sculpture and ceramics.
Working knowledge of exhibition installation and deinstallation methods, appropriate hardware, tools, and handling techniques for paintings, sculpture, ceramics, and other art objects.
Basic framing, carpentry, and painting skills, with knowledge of constructing exhibition materials such as plinths, pedestals, and shelving.
Ability to safely operate power tools and lift up to 50 pounds without mechanical aid, and up to 150 pounds with mechanical assistance.
Valid California driver’s license, clean driving record, and experience operating a 12-foot box truck are required.
Excellent organizational, communication, and time-management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and take initiative.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
Professional, courteous demeanor when interacting with clients, artists, collectors, and colleagues.
Familiarity with macOS, ArtCloud, FileMaker Pro, and Adobe Photoshop is preferred.

How to Apply

Send a cover letter, resume and professional references to colleen@paulthiebaudgallery.com with the subject line Art Preparator Job Application.
Please submit your application by November 3, 2026.
Position opening is immediate (or after appropriate notice given to another employer).

We look forward to hearing from qualified candidates who bring a high level of care, professionalism, and attention to detail to the handling and presentation of works of art.

Contact