Senior Preparator

About the role

The Senior Preparator at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston leads installations and assists with collection storage, packing, crating, and safe transit of the museum’s collection. This senior-level position requires extensive knowledge and proven experience in all aspects of art handling at the professional museum level.

Responsibilities

• Works closely with the Chief Preparator to plan large-scale installations and leads installations as assigned.
• Handles artwork at all museum (on and off-campus) locations for exhibit and storage.
• Packs and unpacks artwork for exhibitions, permanent collection storage, transportation around the museum campus, and local pickups/deliveries.
• Records location changes when artwork is moved.
• Oversees and composes material/supply lists for the Preparations department; provides lists to the Associate Preparator for ordering (requires Manager approval).
• Assists Photography, Conservation, Registration, and Matting & Framing departments with art movement.
• Represents MFAH at other institutions as a courier for installations and transport when necessary.
• Maintains cleanliness, neatness, and organization of artwork in museum storage areas.
• Assists at Rienzi and Bayou Bend house museums as needed.
• Assists visiting scholars and curatorial staff as requested for collection viewing/examination.
• Assumes a leading role for special projects and assignments.
• Mentors newer staff as necessary.

Requirements

• Advanced knowledge of art handling, packing, and installation techniques/procedures.
• Experience and ability operating a box truck for deliveries (valid driver’s license required).
• Advanced experience using shop equipment, hand and power tools.
• Experience operating and maintaining a forklift.
• Art rigging and strapping experience required.
• In-depth knowledge of current practices and procedures using museum-approved archival materials for packing and storing art.
• Ability to safely lift up to 75 lbs and perform physical tasks involving lifting, bending, stooping, and moving heavy and large items.
• High degree of time and resource management with the ability to work under tight deadlines.
• Weekend and evening work as required.
• Proven ability to prioritize multiple tasks based on need and deadline.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively and professionally communicate thoughts, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to successfully manage a project (and staff) with a clear goal.
• Basic knowledge of museum database (TMS) for recording art location changes.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or bachelor’s degree in a related field strongly desired, OR an equivalent combination of experience and education from which comparable and demonstrable knowledge, skills, and abilities have been achieved.
• Minimum of six years’ service in the Preparations Department and/or dependent on job performance.
• Minimum of four years of verifiable experience in the preparation, fabrication, installation, packing, storing, and care and handling of valuable art objects; and working closely with museum staff at a museum, gallery, or traveling exhibition program.
• Supervisory/management experience preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The role requires verbal and written communication, sitting, standing, walking, bending, climbing, reaching, and strenuous lifting/moving of objects up to 75 pounds, often in tandem with colleagues. The position also requires the use of hands to safely handle and move art objects according to museum standards, and may involve standing for prolonged periods.

The majority of work is performed in an office, workshop, or museum gallery environment with low to moderate noise levels. Work may require periodic transport of packed artworks and exhibition furniture to and from local off-site storage facilities, occasional travel, and evening or weekend work.

Benefits

• MFAH-subsidized Medical, Vision, and Dental Insurance.
• MFAH-paid Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
• MFAH Retirement Savings Plan (403b) with employer match.
• Tax-Deferred Flexible Spending Plans.
• Paid Time Off, Reserve Time Off, Volunteer Time Off, and Holiday Pay.
• Free Museum Family Level Membership.
• Discounts on purchases at the Museum shop, on-campus eateries, and the Glassell School of Art.
• Metro commuter subsidy available upon request.