Senior Preparator

MFAH•Houston, TX

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Preparations Department at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston seeks applicants for a qualified Senior Preparator. Under direct supervision by the Chief Preparator, the Senior Preparator will lead installations and assist with collection storage, packing, crating, and safe transit of the museum’s collection. This senior level position requires extensive knowledge and proven experience at the professional museum level with all aspects of art handling.

Requirements

Advanced knowledge of art handling, packing and installation techniques/procedures
Experience and ability operating box truck for deliveries (valid driver’s license required)
Advanced experience using shop equipment, hand and power tools
Advanced 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
Must be able to safely lift up to 75lbs and to perform a variety of 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 clear thoughts, orally and written
Ability to successfully manage a project (and staff) with a clear goal
Basic knowledge of museum database (TMS) for recording art location changes
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 (4) 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

Nice To Haves

Supervisory/management experience preferred

Responsibilities

Works closely with Chief Preparator with the planning of 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 museum campus and for local pickups/deliveries
Records location changes when artwork is moved
Oversees and composes material/supply lists for the Preparations department; Once a supply list is created, Senior Preparator then gives the list to the Associate Preparator for ordering (must obtain permission from Manager before ordering)
Assists Photography, Conservation, Registration, and Matting & Framing departments with art movement
When necessary, represents MFAH at other institutions as a courier for installations and transport
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 as requested for collection viewing/examination
Assumes a leading role for special projects and assignments
Mentors newer staff as necessary

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
Holiday Pay
Free Museum Family Level Membership
Discounts – Staff receive discounts on purchases at the Museum shop and all on campus eateries and the Glassell School of Art.
Metro commuter subsidy available upon request