Art Handler

**Company Information**

Come join a fun team with the ability to work flexible hours between Monday and Friday.

Off Piste Fine Arts is dedicated to the promotion of distinctive Canadian and international contemporary art, sourcing work from top international art fairs such as the Art Expo New York, Toronto International Art Fair, and Art-Miami. They represent emerging, mid-career and established artists, encompassing a diversity of styles including figurative, abstract and landscape painting as well as exceptional multi-media work, glass, and sculpture.

Off Piste Fine Arts has been in the art business since 1992 and works with first time and experienced buyers to build their collections.

We are dedicated to serving our clients as well as our artists. We are passionate about art and are committed to bringing quality pieces to our collectors.

The gallery has three locations in the Fairmont hotel, Hilton Resort and Spa and the Four Seasons Whistler Resort. The resort itself attracts over two million visitors each year and is often rated as #1 ski resort in North America.

**PRIMARY PURPOSE**

Under the guidance and direction of the general manager and consultants, the Art Handler/Carpenter will be responsible for the safe, efficient and professional operation of our Company truck while delivering and installing artwork to our customers.

The gallery art handler's duties include hands-on, physical work. The handler must be able to pack up artworks such as rolling paintings, crating paintings and sculptures and pack up art installations and then load them onto the truck. The handler must be able to drive a box truck. Building crates and other packing materials require basic carpentry skills. The handler needs to write condition reports and consignment notes (waybills).

The employee must carry out carpentry work within the galleries, keeping the galleries looking clean and professional and ongoing renovations.

**JOB DESCRIPTION**

**Primary Duties & Responsibilities**

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required.
- Understands all aspects of art handling, packing, framing and installation of artwork in a safe and efficient manner
- Provides friendly, quality professional service to customers always and develops close working relationships
- Knowledge of art transport, handling, packing and storage options
- Reviews all paperwork to insure complete and accurate deliveries
- Loads and unloads trucks
- Strong technical art handling skill set and vocabulary
- Strong communication/listening skills, both written and verbal
- Good sense of logístical organization and timing
- Experience in handling art works, knowledge of fixings/hanging systems, art transport, packing and storage
- Constructing crates
- Minor drywall patching and painting
- Perform daily installs of artwork amongst our galleries
- Prepare and set up exhibitions for artwork. Your responsibilities include measuring the display area before installation and ensuring the art fits properly.
- Perform ongoing renovations in our galleries
- Awareness/understanding of the different handling needs of paintings
- Awareness/understanding of supports and frames
- Perform recurring activities such as bending, crouching, stooping, stretching and reaching
- Ability to physically carry out the work required in lifting/moving artworks
- Ability to work as part of a team and as an individual; good communication skills
- Performs emergency roadside repairs when applicable and/or contacts service vendors when appropriate.
- Performs other incidental and related duties as required and assigned

**JOB REQUIREMENTS**
- Experience in handling art works, knowledge of fixings, hanging systems, art transport, packing/storage
- Awareness/understanding of the different handling needs of paintings
- Ability to physically carry out the work required in lifting/moving artworks
- Awareness/understanding of supports and frames artwork
- An ability to work as part of a team and as an individual; good communication skills
- Must be able to read, write and speak English fluently
- Must be able to stand for long periods of time
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent, college degree preferred
- Requires background check
- Status must be maintained for the duration of employment at Whistler Contemporary Gallery
- Must be able to lift 50-60 lbs sustained and up to 100 lbs
- Maintains compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations
- Possess a valid Canadian driver license and maintain clean driving record through duration of employment

**EXPERIENCE**
- Art handling/installing/packing: 2 years (required) / (preferred)
- Must be willing and capable to work a flexible schedule
- Must be able to travel long distances
- Ability to resolve routine questions/problems
- Ability to identify root cause(s)