Organizer Information
Art Work Fine Art Services (Art Work FAS) is a fine art logistics and handling company with offices in Seattle (WA) and Portland (OR). They specialize in shipping, crating, storage, installation, and preservation of fine art, serving museums, galleries, private collectors, public institutions, and corporate collections.
Founded in 1992, they have nearly 30 years of experience in custom art handling solutions.
They also support artists directly by offering discounted art handling, crating, and storage services.
Title & Description
Packing & Crating Specialist — Art Work FAS, Seattle
Art Work FAS is seeking a full-time Packing & Crating Specialist to join their Seattle team. The role is central to the art-handling operations: the person will design, build, and execute custom crates; pack delicate and complex artworks; coordinate with the handling team to ensure safe transport, storage, and installation; and communicate with clients, co-workers, and vendors to produce high-standard logistics solutions. This is not a purely artistic role, but rather a highly technical and craft-oriented position, requiring precision, care, and strong problem-solving. The specialist will often lead on-site packing projects, perform site visits to assess client needs, and ensure crate interiors meet specifications (insulation, blocking, bracing, etc.).
The Role Overview
- Type: Full-time, hourly employment.
- Salary / Fee: Approximately US$25 to US$32 per hour (according to a past listing).
- Contract: Permanent (open until filled).
- Reporting to: Operations Manager; collaboration with Crating / Special Projects Manager.
- Team / Program: You will be part of the crating/packing shop, working both in-house and in the field with installation and road teams.
Position & Tasks
- Planning and executing safe, efficient packing of fragile, complex, or sensitive artworks.
- Conducting site visits to assess artworks and determine crating needs.
- Leading a crew on packing-intensive projects, or acting as a subject-matter expert on challenging or delicate items.
- Fabricating and preparing custom crate interiors, including cushioning, insulation, blocking, bracing, and strapping.
- Drafting unpacking instructions or reusing documentation for crates.
- Completing all project documentation: condition reports, work orders, inventories, bills of lading, etc.
- Communicating with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams (sales, operations, and field) to coordinate packing and transport.
- Operating company vehicles: box trucks, cargo vans (driving record required).
- Potentially working after hours, on weekends, or traveling overnight for jobs.
- Maintaining tools, work-space safety, and a clean, organized shop.
Categories
- Fine Art Logistics
- Fabrication / Carpentry
- Art Handling / Crating
- Installation Support / Art Transportation
Eligibility
- Suitable for those with significant experience: the role often requires 5+ years of art handling or crating experience.
- Familiarity with museum or gallery packing standards, archival materials, and best practices.
- Physical strength: must be able to lift heavy materials (minimum 50 lb and possibly up to 100 lb).
- Valid driver’s license and clean driving record.
- Comfortable with both in-shop work and field deployments (on-site at client locations).
- Must pass a background check.
- Education: High school diploma / GED required; bachelor’s in studio art, museum studies, or related fields preferred.
Program Benefits
- Compensation: competitive hourly wage (US$25–32/hr in past job listing).
- Employee Benefits: comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, long-term disability (LTD), AD&D insurance, life insurance, paid vacation, 401(k), and tuition support.
- Professional Development: hands-on experience with high-value, delicate art; working closely with experts in handling, crating, and installation; exposure to clients (museums, galleries, private collectors).
Application Fee
No Entry fee
Application Requirements
Applicants will typically need to submit:
- A resume / CV highlighting relevant experience (crating, art handling, woodworking, etc.)
- A cover letter or motivation letter describing why they are interested, their experience, and how they approach delicate or complex packing work. (While not explicitly stated, this is common for these roles.)
- In some cases, references from previous employers or clients in fine art logistics/installation.
- Potential demonstration of technical skills (e.g., previous crate fabrication, woodworking portfolio) may be asked for during the interview.
- Driving record proof (clean) / driver’s license.
- Willingness/ability to undergo a background check.
How to Apply
Send your application (resume, cover letter) by email to: work@artworkfas.com
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and we encourage early submission. The position may close once a strong candidate pool is established or a selection is made.
Location
Seattle, Washington, USA
Additional Details
- Art Work FAS explicitly values diversity and equal opportunity: they seek candidates from all backgrounds.
- The role requires both technical craftsmanship (woodworking, crate fabrication) and client-facing skills, so good communication is important.
- Because the work involves high-value and fragile artworks, precision, care, and adherence to museum-level standards are critical.
- There may be periods of non-standard working hours (weekends, evenings, overnight travel) depending on project demands.
- The specialist may be asked to design crate interiors for reusability and for safe unpacking at the destination, so problem-solving and planning are part of the job.
- This is a highly specialized trade role in the art world: it’s ideal for someone who cares deeply about both art and craftsmanship.
Website Link: https://artworkfas.com/careers/packing-crating-specialist-seattle/
