Senior Art Handling & Installations Lead

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Houston, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

Retirement Plan

Job summary

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston seeks a Senior Preparator to lead installations and assist with movement and packing of the collection. Under the Chief Preparator, you will manage large-scale installations and ensure safe transit of artworks across campus and storage facilities.

The role requires extensive professional museum experience in art handling, project leadership, and collaboration with conservation, photography, and curatorial staff.

Qualifications

• Advanced knowledge of art handling, packing and installation procedures.
• Experience operating a box truck for deliveries (driver’s license required).
• Advanced experience with shop equipment, hand and power tools.
• Advanced experience operating and maintaining a forklift.
• Art rigging and strapping experience.
• Knowledge of archival materials for packing and storing art.
• Able to lift up to 75 lbs and perform physical tasks.
• Strong time management under deadlines.
• Willingness for weekend/evening work.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and communicate clearly.
• Project management experience (and staff supervision).
• Basic knowledge of museum database (TMS).

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale installations and plan projects with the Chief Preparator.
• Handle artwork at on-site and off-site locations for exhibit and storage.
• Pack/unpack artworks for exhibitions, storage, and transport.
• Record artwork location changes as needed.
• Prepare material/supply lists and coordinate with orderers.
• Assist related departments with art movement and handling.
• Represent MFAH as courier for installations/transport when needed.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization of storage areas.
• Assist at Rienzi and Bayou Bend houses as needed.
• Mentor newer staff and lead special projects.

Skills

Art handling

Installation

Box truck operation

Shop tools

Forklift operation

Rigging & strapping

Archival packing materials

Lift up to 75lbs

Time management

Deadline pressure

Communication

Project management

TMS knowledge

Education

Associate’s or bachelor’s in related field

Six years in Preparations Dept.

Four years in art prep/installation experience

Job description

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston seeks a Senior Preparator to lead installations and assist with movement and packing of the collection. Under the Chief Preparator, you will manage large-scale installations and ensure safe transit of artworks across campus and storage facilities.

The role requires extensive professional museum experience in art handling, project leadership, and collaboration with conservation, photography, and curatorial staff.