Mount Maker

In support of our exciting and audacious exhibition schedule, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston seeks to expand our mount making expertise by enlisting the creative skills and services of experienced mount makers in one of the following classifications:

• Full time, fully benefited employment;
• Part Time employment;
• Contract employment;

Definition

In close coordination with Conservators and Curators, the Mount Maker position is responsible for designing and fabricating mounts that adhere to the highest professional standards of museums and create the desired display conditions.

These mounts and their associated support structures are intended to ensure the physical stability, security, and proper display of objects in both the permanent collection and those on loan, facilitating a suitable and safe exhibition of the museum's vast and diverse collection. A variety of materials will be used, including but not limited to metals, wood, plastics, and fabric. This role involves advising on and executing complex structural mounting solutions for various sizes, with the primary objective of minimizing interference with the visual aesthetics of the object while ensuring a safe and secure presentation.  

Additionally, the Mount Maker oversees the operation, maintenance, and safety of the mount shop, ensuring compliance with best practices. The position is actively committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.

As a key staff member, the Mount Maker is expected to participate in interdepartmental collaborations with staff from Conservation, Curatorial, Design, Exhibition, Exhibition Production, Preparation, and Registration. They should also engage in workspace maintenance, including cleaning and organizing the studio space, maintaining material inventories and tools, procuring supplies, and cleaning labware. While they work under direct supervision within the department, successful collaborations with conservators and curators are essential. 

Requirements

A bachelor's degree (B.A.) in fine arts with a focus on jewelry making from a four-year college or university is preferred, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Candidates must be capable of handling works of art in accordance with conservation and curatorial handling guidelines and should have a basic knowledge of the proper care for a wide range of objects. Proven expertise in designing mounts for a diverse collection, ranging from small jewelry to monumental works, is essential. A strong background in metal fabrication techniques, including working with steel, aluminum, and brass, along with the ability to weld, is required.

The Mount Maker must be proficient in Oxy/acetylene torch, TIG/MIG welding, using and maintaining power and hand tools, including power saws, routers, compressors, sanders, drills, grinders, lathes, and sandblasting equipment. Extensive knowledge of mechanical fasteners and anchoring systems is required, along with familiarity with conservation considerations related to the handling, display, and installation of artwork. Strong mathematical skills are essential for accurate measurements and calculations, and the ability to create templates and drawings that can be easily understood by colleagues in allied departments and partner institutions is crucial.

Prior experience with mold-making, casting, adhesives, acrylics, and epoxy resins used in mount production is preferred.

Candidates should demonstrate proficiency in project prioritization, with experience in project management and budget forecasting. The role requires a self- motivated individual who is comfortable working independently and capable of providing direction and overseeing others in executing large object handling and mounting tasks. Candidates should also possess the ability to define problems, collect and enter data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. A working knowledge of Microsoft Office, imaging, and data management systems is necessary.

The ability to read and interpret documents, including safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals, is important. Additionally, the ability to write routine reports and correspondence is required. Staff members must also be able to communicate effectively and work collaboratively with others, often under timelines and deadlines which may lead to a feeling of added pressure.

The ability to speak before groups of students, members of external organizations, staff members of the organization, or visiting scholars and conservators is essential. A commitment to the museum' s mission of fostering an inclusive and equitable institution is fundamental.

Staff members in this role must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Manual dexterity is frequently required as duties involve handling artwork and operating tools and equipment.  Job duties entail standing, walking, sitting, occasional climbing, bending, and kneeling. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, color, and peripheral vision. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may occasionally be exposed to fumes, airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and radiation.

Responsibilities:

1. Communicates regularly with the supervisor to ensure the workflow remains manageable and on track and that the highest museum standards are met in a timely manner. Keeps the supervisor updated on activities related to assigned responsibilities. Confers with the supervisor about any changes in work requirements and informs stakeholders as soon as possible of any conflicts that may interfere with the workflow or schedule, or affect proper procedures and mount making practices. Identifies and collaborates with outside contractors as needed on special projects.
2. Develops a workflow in collaboration with the supervisor and relevant stakeholders.
3. Designs and produces mounts with protective and supportive properties, fabricating mounts and brackets using various materials, including but not limited to steel, aluminum, brass, copper, wood, plexiglass, and modeling epoxy. These mounts are intended for use with both the Museum's collection and incoming exhibition loans.
4. Handles artwork in accordance with established conservation and curatorial specifications.
5. Generates mount documentation, along with installation and deinstallation instructions.
6. Orders tools, supplies, and equipment as needed, subject to supervisor approval. Is responsible for the safe storage of artworks while they are in the Mount Making shop. 
7. Pursues relevant educational opportunities, such as workshops and conferences, as needed and as funding permits. Attends regional, national, or international meetings, workshops, and symposia to maintain continuing education, stay current with the latest developments in mount making, and share information with colleagues.
8. Participates in workspace maintenance by cleaning and organizing the studio space, as well as maintaining material inventories.
9. Assists in other special projects related to mount making as assigned by the Director, curatorial, and conservation staff, and approved by the supervisor.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Upholds the professional standards of the field. Always acts in a manner consistent with the best interests of the museum, protecting and enhancing its reputation and standing within the museum community.
2. Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
3. Acts with respect for coworkers and visitors, and demonstrates an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
4. Aspires to excellence in all aspects of their work and serves as a model for others. Suggests methods for improvement as appropriate and maintains personal and professional growth.
5. Maintain a safe and healthful environment in accordance with OSHA guidelines, proactively fashion. Reports hazards, concerns, and problems to appropriate personnel.
6. Confers with supervisor relating to personal needs that may conflict with professional responsibilities.
7. Maintains confidentiality.
8. Adheres to all MFAH protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Work environment: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position. 

About the MFAH

The MFAH is an organization comprised of 600+ employees and 1,000+ docents and volunteers. The museum is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space, memberships, endowments, and attendance, with 1M visitors annually. Our multifaceted institution includes multiple gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, two art schools, three eateries and two house museums for decorative arts. The encyclopedic collection numbers more than 70,000 works of art in a wide range of media.

As an employer, MFAH offers a supportive, collegial and inclusive work environment and a competitive benefits package for FULL TIME staff members

Position Available

Title:                                        Mount Maker (Senior Mount Maker DOE)

Classification:                            Full time/Non-Exempt/Hourly

Pay Rate:                                  Please see “Compensation” below

Work Location:                        Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements

Work will primarily be performed in a mount making shop and gallery spaces.  To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential job duty satisfactorily:

• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds (in tandem).
• Manual dexterity is frequently required as duties call for handling artwork and operation of hand and power tools and equipment. 
• Standing, walking, sitting, climbing ladders and scaffolds, bending, and kneeling for extended periods of time.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, color, and peripheral vision. Vision corrected by use of glasses and/or contacts is acceptable.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and the risk of radiation.  (PPE will be supplied.)
• Must undergo and meet company standards for relevant criminal background and professional reference checks.
• Seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly to communicate with staff, guests, and others.
• Must undergo and meet company standards for background and reference checks.
• Required ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently.
• Extensive computer usage.
• Seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly in order to communicate with staff, guests and others.
• Frequent sitting, standing and walking, which may be required for extended periods of time.
• Good vision or corrected by use of glasses and/or contacts for reading and viewing abilities.

With or without reasonable accommodation, the individual selected must have the capacity to perform effectively all essential functions.

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 some 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. If you believe your skills and experience, make you a strong fit for this role, we encourage you to apply!

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

Full Time Classification - Benefits:

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, offers an excellent benefits package for full time staff 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 ten 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 Full Time 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 accelerated employer match!)
• MFAH Membership – Staff receive a free Family-level membership
• Discounts – Staff receive discounts on purchases at the Museum shop and all on campus eateries and courses for you or your family at the Glassell School of Art.
• Metro commuter subsidy available upon request

Compensation:

Salary will be commensurate with the applicant's experience and the needs and requirements expressed in the job description, along with the classification, full time, part time or contractor.  The MFAH has set the pay range for this job and level as a general guideline and not a guarantee of the compensation amount or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, the needs and requirements expressed in the job description, as well as internal equity, and alignment with market data, and any related regulations or other laws.

Application Procedure

Qualified applicants should apply online, which will be the most effective way to ensure consideration.  Application materials should include a cover letter, your resume or CV, and if you prefer, a list of references will be accepted but not required at this early stage in the process.  Applications or letters of interest sent via mail, fax, or direct email to a staff member will not ensure consideration.