Assistant Conservator of Textiles and Costumes

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

5d•$55,000 - $90,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) seeks a Conservator of Textiles and Costume to join the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation. This full-time position is in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment where conservation is integrated into broader museum practices, with an emphasis on preserving and expanding understanding of 5,000 years of global visual art. The Textile and Costume Conservation lab is one of the newest additions to the MFAH’s conservation department, and the collection is rapidly expanding across time periods and global communities. The MFAH holds an extensive and increasingly diverse collection, with ongoing growth in modern and contemporary art. The successful candidate will possess strong expertise in painting materials and techniques across various periods, with significant experience in modern and contemporary works strongly preferred. At MFAH, conservation is regarded as both a technical discipline and a form of cultural stewardship. We are dedicated to ethical practices, intellectual rigor, transparency in decision-making, and a workplace culture rooted in mutual respect and professional responsibility.

Requirements

Graduate degree in Conservation from a recognized program, or equivalent education and professional training.
Minimum two (assistant), five (associate), ten years (full) of post-graduate experience in textile conservation.
Comprehensive knowledge of museum standards, collections care protocols, and ethical guidelines.
Demonstrated record of professional achievement, including significant treatment projects and scholarly contributions.
Experience with both flat textile and costume conservation.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Strong organizational and documentation skills; proficiency with museum databases, imaging systems, and standard software.
Ability to manage a complex workload and meet institutional deadlines.
Legal eligibility to work in the United States preferred.
For appointment at the Full Conservator level, candidates should demonstrate sustained professional commitment, an established record of scholarship, and experience guiding complex projects or mentoring colleagues.

Nice To Haves

Significant experience in modern and contemporary works strongly preferred.
For appointment at the Full Conservator level, candidates should demonstrate sustained professional commitment, an established record of scholarship, and experience guiding complex projects or mentoring colleagues.

Responsibilities

Examine, document, and treat textiles and costume in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
Develop and execute treatment plans for works ranging from historical to contemporary materials.
Produce thorough documentation, including technical analysis, material descriptions, and exhibition and handling recommendations.
Provide condition assessments for acquisitions and loans, advising on long-term preservation strategies.
Contribute to preventive conservation planning, storage design, and exhibition preparation.
Collaborate closely with Conservation Science to pursue analytical research that clarifies fabrication methods, material behavior, and deterioration mechanisms.
Participate in collection-based research and contribute to the field through publications, lectures, and conference presentations.
Mentor interns, fellows, and emerging professionals, supporting a culture of shared knowledge and professional growth.
Engage in public-facing initiatives, including gallery talks and educational programming, to advance understanding of conservation practice.
Contribute to departmental planning, emergency preparedness, and strategic institutional initiatives.

Benefits

Medical Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a choice of managed health care programs
Dental Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through two plan choices
Vision Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a vision program
Group health, dental and vision insurance coverage available and effective the first of the month following employment with the MFAH for this role.
Life Insurance & AD&D: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee
Long Term Disability: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee
Paid Time Off - Used for absences from work such as vacation, illness of short duration, and personal reasons. Hours are accrued biweekly, based on employment status, length of service, and hours worked
Reserve Time Off - Used for extended illnesses. Employees accrue up to 6 days per year, up to a maximum of 120 days
Holidays - Full-time employees receive eleven paid holidays per year
Volunteer Time Off - The MFAH supports activities that enhance and serve the communities in which we live and work. Employees receive up to 40 hours of paid time off annually to give back and volunteer.
Staff may contribute to the MFAH Retirement Savings Plan. Eligible staff contributing to the plan may receive up to a 5% matching contribution from the MFAH after one year of service. (We also recognize prior nonprofit service which will provide for an accelerated employer match!)
Roth IRA also available!
MFAH Membership – Staff receive a free Family-level membership
Discounts – Staff receive discounts on purchases at the Museum shop and all on campus eateries and courses for you or your family at the Glassell School of Art.
Metro commuter subsidy available upon request
Relocation assistance through a stipend to help cover moving expenses and support your transition to Houston.