Why work for John Moran

Words & Deeds

John Moran Auctioneers Brings Together Buyers And Sellers Of Decorative And Fine Art, Jewelry And Fine Furnishings. We Operate From Core Principles Of Approachability, Transparency, And Honesty In Words And Deeds. We Strive To Treat Every Consignment As Our Own And Offer A Customizable, Boutique Approach Towards Consignment, Estate Liquidation, And Valuation Services.

Decorative Art

Generalist - Decorative Art

We are looking for a Generalist valuer in Furniture & Decorative Art, to join our team.

This position is responsible for providing auction estimates, negotiating sales agreements, and sourcing Furniture & Decorative Art property from estates.  The right candidate will have generalist knowledge across multiple fine & decorative art categories and actively vet & value property while budling lasting relationships with buyers and consignors.

Essential duties

• Vetting and valuing property in all areas including but not limited to: Modern & Contemporary Design, Continental and American 18th & 19th-century furniture & decorative art, Early 20th-century design, silver, Asian art & design, luxury & couture, and other valuable objects
• Generates business for the department by evaluating property, establishing auction estimates, preparing proposal documents, and doing formal appraisal reports for Estate Tax and Insurance purposes
• Works with department director on strategies to encourage departmental growth
• Assists with departmental email & phone inquiries and walk-in valuations
• Participates in the catalog creation process: Layout, content proofing, and overall design strategy
• Assists with cataloguing, research & authentications, writing essays and condition reports
• Maintains authentication processes and procedures
• Establishes and maintains relationships with museums and galleries
• Actively markets upcoming lots for auction
• Participates in previews, auctions, and other events
• Represents John Moran Auctioneers by attending/participating in outside events related to their field
• Assists clients with requests for images and additional information as they relate to property offered for sale
• Assist clients with images and condition reports as well as requests for further information on upcoming and previous lots
• Assist with private viewings as needed
• Attend previews and answer client questions
• Participate in auction-related activities such as clerking for phone bidding, registering bidders, fielding online questions
• Other responsibilities as assigned by supervisor.

Qualifications:

• 5+ years auction house / gallery experience as a specialist or valuer
• 5+ years product knowledge’ relevant to the position and generalist knowledge in other areas a plus
• Strong business awareness of the furniture & decorative art secondary market
• Strong written and verbal skills
• Ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment
• Ability to manage and maintain multiple deadlines
• Computer literate and proficient in MS office suite
• Prior use of auction or collection based or similar CRM software
• Actively seeks to increase knowledge in various areas of interest
• An upbeat, cool under pressure, business professional who can work with a variety of strong personalities
• Second language preferred
• USPAP compliant

Packing And Transport
Operations

Art Handler

This position is responsible for the proper storage and movement of all property while maintaining warehouse procedures and organizational standards.  Property movement includes but is not limited to: Packing and loading property for transport following best practices in property handling procedures; setup and takedown of antique & modern furniture; installation and de-installation of fine art; moving and preparing items for photography; setup & breakdown of previews, auctions, clinics & special events.

In addition to having prior art handling experience and supervisory experience, the individual must have the skills and qualifications to successfully achieve stated goals:

DETAILS

  • Receive incoming shipments by checking condition and moving property to safe storage locations while maintaining established inventory and storage procedures
  • Travel to client locations and oversee property pickup and deliveries
  • Unload/load trucks while maintaining proper paperwork & inventory procedures
  • Unpack / pack artwork & fragile items carefully while maintaining proper inventory procedures
  • Assist photography by preparing and moving property onto and off of photo sets, returning property to warehouse inventory locations
  • Setup previews, auctions, and events
  • Assist customers during previews
  • Assist customers with pickup and delivery of items while maintaining proper inventory and release procedures ensuring correct and complete deliveries
  • Maintain company security procedures and standard operating procedures
  • Maintain warehouse inventory standards

Qualifications:

  • 1-years’ experience handling fine art or antique furniture desired
  • Ability to perform physical tasks including: lifting, pushing, pulling items using proper lifting/moving techniques – minimum weight lifting capability of 40 lbs
  • The ability to safely lift and maneuver large furniture items with the appropriate furniture moving equipment, and with assistance from other staff as needed
  • Ability to drive and operate up to 26’ commercial moving trucks
  • Ability to utilize appropriate lifting and moving equipment (i.e., pallet jack, hand truck, etc.)
  • Forklift certification or ability to pass a forklift certification
  • Basic PC computer skills including ability to use Microsoft Outlook
  • Ability to work overtime, as required, to meet auction schedule deadlines
  • Good communication skills, and ability to work with a variety of personalities
Eyvind Earle
Operations

Preview Staff

John Moran Auctioneers is seeking Individuals interested in fine art, jewelry and collectible furniture & decorative arts to join our team as a member of preview staff.

This is a part-time, as needed position that will participate in the auction process by helping clients locate property during previews as well as providing assistance throughout the auction process during sale day.

This is the perfect position for students, someone who is looking to gain experience in the auction industry, anyone who enjoys being around art and collectibles, or those looking to occasionally supplement their income.

DETAILS

  • Greet clients and help locate property on gallery floor
  • Ensure property safely handled and stored during preview
  • Register bidders’ pre-sale, participate in the auction process and assist with pick-ups post-sale
  • Assist with sale setup as needed
  • Assist with special projects as needed (sorting, filing, making calls, etc.)

 

Friendly and outgoing

Prior work in a gallery, museum or auction house a plus

Computer literate and proficient in MS office suite

Actively seeks to increase knowledge in various areas of interest

Ability to lift 40lbs

Second language a plus