What are the responsibilities and job description for the Temporary Preparator position at MFAH?
Summary:
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.
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
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- 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
Education and Experience:
- 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.
Compensation:
- This temporary assignment provides an hourly pay rate and eligibility for group health and dental benefits.
Equal Opportunities for All
At the MFAH, we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to our organization. We welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our organization and our pledge for workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence.
Our commitment to our policy and practice of nondiscrimination represents more than good intentions. It provides for employment decisions that are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law or any other reason unrelated to your ability to join and contribute to our organization and support our mission to provide a museum experience for all.
Research shows that individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: HR@mfah.org