Senior Preparator

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

10d • 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

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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree