Objects & Sculpture Conservator — Associate/Full

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Research travel funds

Professional development support

Job summary

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) seeks an Associate or Full Conservator of Objects and Sculpture to join a collaborative, cross-disciplinary team dedicated to the preservation, study, and interpretation of the museum’s expansive collection. This is a full-time position with integration of conservation into broader museum practice.

The successful candidate will examine, document, and treat three-dimensional works, develop treatment plans, and produce robust documentation.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Conservation from a recognized program or equivalent training.
• Minimum five years (Associate) or ten years (Full) of post-graduate experience in objects conservation.
• Knowledge of museum standards, collection care protocols, and ethical guidelines.
• Experience with modern and contemporary materials is preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication in English, strong documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Examine, document, and treat three-dimensional works and sculpture per AIC ethics.
• Develop and execute treatment plans for historical to contemporary materials.
• Produce thorough documentation including analysis, descriptions, and handling recommendations.
• Provide condition assessments for acquisitions and loans and advise on preservation.
• Contribute to preventive conservation planning, storage design, and exhibition prep.
• Collaborate with Conservation Science on fabrication methods and deterioration mechanisms.
• Participate in collection-based research, publications, lectures, and conference presentations.
• Mentor interns and fellows, supporting knowledge sharing and growth.
• Engage in public-facing programs to advance conservation understanding.

Skills

English proficiency

Documentation skills

Organization

Project management

Mentoring

Education

Graduate degree in Conservation

Tools

Museum databases

Imaging systems

Job description

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) seeks an Associate or Full Conservator of Objects and Sculpture to join a collaborative, cross-disciplinary team dedicated to the preservation, study, and interpretation of the museum’s expansive collection. This is a full-time position with integration of conservation into broader museum practice.

The successful candidate will examine, document, and treat three-dimensional works, develop treatment plans, and produce robust documentation.