Associate Preparator

About the role

The Associate Preparator will ensure the professional, safe and timely preparation, care and handling of works of art (multiple forms) for display, exhibition and transport.

Responsibilities

• Handles, installs, packs, and unpacks artwork at all museum buildings locations
• Installs/deinstalls artwork for temporary exhibitions and rotations
• Transports artwork in the museum truck between campus buildings
• Performs gallery maintenance of art pedestals, vitrines, and casework
• Maintains organization of artwork in museum storage areas
• Maintains organization and cleanliness of art preparation areas, tools, and equipment
• Records accurate location changes when artwork is moved within museum buildings, galleries, and storage areas
• Assists with photography set-up and conservation as needed
• Represents MFAH at other institutions as a courier for installation, transport or exhibition research
• Assists at Rienzi and Bayou Bend house museums as needed
• Organizes installations as assigned
• Assists conservation with outdoor sculpture maintenance
• Loads/unloads art crates from trucks as assigned

Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

• Advanced experience and knowledge of art handling, packing and installation practices
• Ability to identify and resolve problems quickly so that installations function smoothly and uninterrupted
• Capacity to work on both individual, unsupervised projects and as a member of a crew in which teamwork is essential
• Solid experience using hand and power tools
• Experience driving box truck – valid driver’s license required
• Must be able to lift (with a partner) 75 lbs or more and able to perform a variety of physical tasks involving lifting, bending, stooping and moving large items (including furniture)
• Working knowledge of and experience with various packing methods suitable to a wide range of media combined with a working knowledge of and experience with installation methods suitable to that same wide range of media
• Ability to work professionally and responsibly with all other areas within the museum
• High degree of time and resource management skills with the ability to work under time and deadline requirements and prioritize to meet those expectations
• Weekend and evening availability as required by exhibition schedules

Education and Experience

• 5+ years’ art handling experience
• Demonstrated knowledge of the principals and practices of art museum collection care, and exhibition and display, design and construction
• Bachelor's degree in a related field OR any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved

Preferred Candidate’s Experience

• Experience in mount making, matting and framing
• Fine Arts background

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Work will be performed in varied and wide-ranging environments and conditions, both indoors and outdoors throughout the campus as well as off-site locations. Position may require standing for prolonged periods, walking, climbing, bending and stretching, and enough physical strength to lift and carry a minimum of 50 pounds unassisted or 75 lbs assisted.

Benefits

• Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance
• Life and Long Term Disability Insurance
• MFAH Retirement Savings Plan (403b)
• Flexible Spending Plans
• Paid Time Off, Reserve Time Off, Volunteer Time Off, Holiday Pay
• Museum Membership and retail store discounts
• On campus restaurant discounts