Temporary Preparator

MFAH•Houston, TX

19d•Onsite

About The Position

Under direction from staff, artist, project or exhibition manager, and after receipt of specific training, the temporary preparatory will performs a variety of semi-skilled and skilled duties in the preparation, fabrication, installation, and disassembly of special exhibits and/or displays. May also perform highly skilled or specialized tasks as needed and based upon skillset. The nature of the work involves heavy lifting, manual dexterity, and the ability to handle delicate, valuable, and irreplaceable objects with extreme care. This is a temporary assignment through 02/20/2026.

Requirements

Experience and general knowledge of art handling, packing and installation techniques
Knowledge and skill in the use and care of standard hand tools; practices and methods of exhibit installation; safe work practices related to the installation of art
Experience using hand and power tools
Experience driving box truck
Must be able to lift 75 lbs or more and able to perform a variety of physical tasks involving lifting, bending, stooping and moving furniture and other large items
Extremely flexible, reliable, and dependable; integrity and sense of humor
Experience in art handling and/or Art background
Experience in the installation of exhibits displays including the installation of three dimensional objects in conjunction with wire object mounts; or a relevant combination of education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

Depending upon exhibit or assignment, may handle and/or moves artwork within the museum buildings and campus for temporary exhibitions and permanent collection
Installs and deinstalls artwork, displays or exhibits for temporary exhibitions and transports artwork in the museum truck around museum campus
Performs various skilled and semi-skilled tasks including working with power tools, adhesives, and metals.
Maintains neatness and cleanliness in museum galleries
Maintains neatness, cleanliness and organization in museum storage areas
Maintains neatness and cleanliness of preparations areas
Provides location change information when artwork is moved within the museum buildings or campus
Assists with set-up in museum, as needed
May represents MFAH at other institutions as a courier for installation, transport or exhibition training and fact gathering