- Employment
- Temporary
- Seniority
- Entry-Level
- Compensation
- $24.50–40/hour
- Department
- Supply Chain, Logistics & Inventory
- Posted
- Nov 10, 2026
About Sotheby's
Sotheby’s is an auction house founded in London in 1744. Its specialists work across fine art and collecting categories including jewelry, watches, handbags, wine, design, and classic cars. The house connects collectors through live and online auctions, private sales, and fixed-price purchases. Its work spans specialist research and cataloging, client services, marketing, technology, finance, and operations, supporting the preparation, sale, and movement of objects across its international network.
Sotheby's is hiring Property Handlers on a temporary contract to support Specialist Departments with the handling and movement of artwork, furniture, and other objects. The role includes receiving, transporting, preparing, and displaying property, assisting clients during exhibitions, and maintaining safe handling and orderly workspaces; the hourly range is $24.50–$40.00 depending on experience and qualifications, with overtime and applicable seniority or project-lead premiums.
Role & Responsibilities
- Work with Specialist Departments, Registrars, and Operations staff to move property throughout the building.
- Receive, open, tag, and scan property as directed.
- Move and transport property to and from loading docks, departmental storage, and exhibition locations.
- Obtain property location information from the Registrar.
- Prepare exhibition spaces, including placing movable walls, pedestals, platforms, and other display materials.
- Position property for display on shelves or platforms, hang or mount it on walls, and assemble it as needed.
- Staff exhibitions and assist clients with viewing property, including removing items from walls or cases and moving furniture.
- Provide general exhibition lighting.
- Handle property safely.
- Assist on trucks or vans as needed.
- Perform other tasks consistent with these responsibilities as required.
- Maintain the cleanliness and appropriate presentation of exhibition and back-of-house spaces and equipment.
- Maintain a well-groomed appearance and wear the proper uniform, pressed at all times.
- Display a positive attitude and adhere to Sotheby's Service Standards.
Qualifications
- Able to lift, push, pull, and carry property; must be able to lift at least 75 pounds.
- Overtime and weekend work required.
- Prior fine art handling experience is a plus.
Workplace
This position is based in New York, New York, USA.
Explore jobs in New York or in the USA.
Compensation
The base compensation for this position ranges from USD 24.50 to USD 40 per hour.
Benefits
Additional pay at the applicable overtime rate; wage premiums in the form of an additional percentage of the hourly wage for employees who reach certain seniority levels or become project leads.
Culture
Sotheby’s describes its culture in terms of client service, specialist knowledge, curiosity, collaboration, and ethical conduct. Its careers materials emphasize working across disciplines and encouraging employees to explore internal opportunities.
About Cerulean
Cerulean is the definitive career portal for the global luxury industry. We match exceptional professionals with exclusive opportunities at the world's most prestigious brands. From haute couture and fine watchmaking to prestige beauty, hospitality, and boutique retail, Cerulean centralises luxury employment to help you find the career for which you were destined.