Associate Preparator

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston•West University Place, TX

68d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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
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.

Nice To Haves

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

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
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