Artist Assistant jobs in Toronto, ON

Art Services Technician

Temporary Full-Time

(35 hours per week; must be available to work Monday through Friday from 8:30AM to 4:30PM)

ART + AUDIENCE + LEARNING

Located in Toronto, the Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, attracting approximately one million visitors annually. The AGO Collection of more than 120,000 works of art ranges from cutting-edge contemporary art to significant works by Indigenous and Canadian artists and European masterpieces.

AGO Values:

• Respect: We foster belonging and appreciate each other.
• Openness: We interact with an open mind and thoughtful engagement.
• Collaboration: We believe in the power of together.
• Accountability: We own our actions and outcomes.

We are currently seeking a Temporary Full-Time, Art Services Technician to join our Logistics and Art Services team. Under the direction of the Manager, Logistics and Art Services, the incumbent will install and dismantle works of art in gallery spaces as well as temporary artist installations for events; they will prepare gallery spaces. The Art Services Technician will assist with preparation, installation and maintenance of lighting for gallery spaces. They will transport works of art to/from various spaces throughout the gallery. They will safely handle works of art at all times.

The rate of pay for this position is $27.38 - $34.20 per hour.

What is this position responsible for?

• Under the direction of the Senior Art Services Technician and/or Manager, installs and dismantles works of art in gallery spaces as well as temporary artist installations for events. Assesses hanging and installation requirements and sources necessary tools and equipment to safely install art. Determines appropriate placement and installation methods for works of art in consultation with Supervisor, Curators, Conservators and other project team members as required. Resolves installation issues in consultation with Supervisor or Manager as needed. Safely handles works of art at all times and completes art installations and dismantles with focus, care and efficiency. Installs/removes graphics including labels, panels and other materials.
• Prepares exhibition spaces in accordance with specifications outlined by the project team including performing minor building, moving, repairing, sanding of walls: paints walls and occasionally, display furniture. Assists with the preparation and installation of display furniture for art objects as needed.
• Transports works of art to/from various spaces throughout the gallery for the purpose of conservation, framing, photography, exhibitions and viewings. Loads/unloads crated/uncrated works of art for exhibition onto/off trucks. Works with Administrator, Logistics and Art Services to record art movements and update location information in collections database.
• Under the direction of the Senior Lighting Technician assists with the preparation and installation of lighting in gallery spaces as well as temporary artist installations for events. Works with the Senior Lighting Technician to maintain lighting throughout the galleries – replaces bulbs, adjusts fixtures and helps to maintain fixtures and lamp inventory as required.

What are we looking for?

• 1 to 2 years directly related experience handling and installing works of art
• Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills
• Thorough knowledge of installation/hanging methods and devices.
• Directly related knowledge and experience of art handling procedures and methods.
• Demonstrated ability and knowledge of carpentry methods and techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to operate a variety of hand and power tools including table saws, jointers and drills, lift trucks, scissor lift and motor vehicles.
• Working knowledge of applicable computer programs
• Demonstrated ability to operate audio-visual equipment including repairs and troubleshooting.

What are the benefits of working at the AGO?

• Discounts to GoodLife Fitness.
• Free tickets to every major exhibit at AGO.
• Discounts to major attractions as a part of the Provincial/City Reciprocal Programs.
• Free admission to the AGO for friends and family, discounts at the gift shop, bistro, and Learning Centre.

If this sounds like the opportunity you are looking for, apply now!

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility:

At the AGO, we lead global conversations from Toronto through extraordinary collections, exhibitions, and programs, reflecting the diverse community we serve. Committed to fostering inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, we embed these values into our strategic plan and ongoing priorities.

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications online at https://jobs.jobvite.com/ago/jobs/viewall. We thank all applicants for their interest in the position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Our Applicant Tracking System (ATS) uses AI features to support efficiency and consistency, but all hiring decisions are made by our managers and HR team.

The Art Gallery of Ontario is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.