Framing Technician

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The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), is seeking a Conservation Framing Technician to join the Department of Conservation. This role focuses on the matting, mounting, and framing of works of art on paper and photography, ensuring their preservation for storage, exhibition, and travel through the use of conservation-grade materials and methods. The technician will be an integral member of a dynamic department of 21 full-time staff, including conservators, conservation scientists, technicians, framers, and coordinators, as well as interns, fellows, and volunteers.

Together, the team works to preserve a collection of nearly 80,000 objects spanning 5,000 years of art history.

• Mat, mount, and frame works of art on paper and photography using conservation-approved techniques and materials.
• Ensure works are properly housed for storage, display, and travel.
• Work under the supervision of the Conservator of Works of Art on Paper while collaborating closely with curatorial and conservation colleagues.
• Maintain high standards of care and handling in alignment with museum and professional ethics.
• Participate actively in departmental meetings, projects, and shared responsibilities that support the care of the MFAH collection.

• Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Ideally, at least two years of matting and framing experience, ideally in a museum, conservation, or library setting.
• Knowledge of conservation practices and collections management for works on paper.
• Familiarity with museum-quality mounting materials and methods.
• Strong manual dexterity and the ability to safely handle delicate works of art.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the role, including lifting up to 50 pounds, standing for extended periods, and handling specialized tools and equipment (with PPE provided where needed).

At MFAH, conservation is not only about preserving objects, but about sustaining histories, communities, and connections. As a Conservation Framing Technician, you will help safeguard works on paper and photography for generations to come, contributing directly to exhibitions, scholarship, and the museum’s mission to share art widely.

Compensation and Benefits

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, offers an excellent benefits package that includes:

• Medical Insurance:
  Employee and dependent coverage through a choice of managed health care programs
• Dental Insurance:
  Employee and dependent coverage through two plan choices
• Vision Insurance:
  Employee and dependent coverage through a vision program
• Group health, dental, and vision insurance coverage available and effective the first of the month following employment with the MFAH for this role.
• Life Insurance & AD&D:
  Employee coverage at no cost to the employee
• Long Term Disability:
  Employee coverage at no cost to the employee

The MFAH provides a generous schedule for time off under the following benefit categories:

• Paid Time Off - Used for absences from work such as vacation, illness of short duration, and personal reasons. Hours are accrued biweekly, based on employment status, length of service, and hours worked
• Reserve Time Off - Used for extended illnesses. Employees accrue up to 6 days per year, up to a maximum of 120 days
• Holidays - Full-time employees receive eleven paid holidays per year
• Volunteer Time Off - The MFAH supports activities that enhance and serve the communities in which we live and work. Employees receive up to 40 hours of paid time off annually to give back and volunteer.

Other Benefits

• Staff may contribute to the MFAH Retirement Savings Plan. Eligible staff contributing to the plan may receive up to a 5% matching contribution from the MFAH after one year of service. (We also recognize prior nonprofit service which will provide for an…