Assistant Conservator of Textiles and Costumes

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) seeks a Conservator of Textiles and Costume to join the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation. This full-time position is in a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment where conservation is integrated into broader museum practices, with an emphasis on preserving and expanding understanding of 5,000 years of global visual art. The Textile and Costume Conservation lab is one of the newest additions to the MFAH’s conservation department, and the collection is rapidly expanding across time periods and global communities.

The MFAH holds an extensive and increasingly diverse collection, with ongoing growth in modern and contemporary art. The successful candidate will possess strong expertise in painting materials and techniques across various periods, with significant experience in modern and contemporary works strongly preferred. At MFAH, conservation is regarded as both a technical discipline and a form of cultural stewardship. We are dedicated to ethical practices, intellectual rigor, transparency in decision-making, and a workplace culture rooted in mutual respect and professional responsibility.

Position Overview

The Conservator will:

• Examine, document, and treat textiles and costume in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Develop and execute treatment plans for works ranging from historical to contemporary materials.
• Produce thorough documentation, including technical analysis, material descriptions, and exhibition and handling recommendations.
• Provide condition assessments for acquisitions and loans, advising on long-term preservation strategies.
• Contribute to preventive conservation planning, storage design, and exhibition preparation.
• Collaborate closely with Conservation Science to pursue analytical research that clarifies fabrication methods, material behavior, and deterioration mechanisms.
• Participate in collection-based research and contribute to the field through publications, lectures, and conference presentations.
• Mentor interns, fellows, and emerging professionals, supporting a culture of shared knowledge and professional growth.
• Engage in public-facing initiatives, including gallery talks and educational programming, to advance understanding of conservation practice.
• Contribute to departmental planning, emergency preparedness, and strategic institutional initiatives.

What We Value

We seek a conservator who:

• Demonstrates advanced knowledge of textiles and fabrication and construction techniques across historical and contemporary practice.
• Brings comprehensive treatment experience and sound judgment in complex decision-making.
• Works effectively within interdisciplinary museum teams while maintaining independence and accountability in their work.
• Recognizes the ethical and cultural dimensions of conservation, including the evolving role of museums in serving diverse publics.
• Communicates clearly and respectfully, contributing to a professional environment grounded in trust, transparency, and shared responsibility.
• Is committed to ongoing learning, reflection, and engagement with current discourse in the field.
• Bring collegiality and thoughtfulness to work where trust and support are at the core of personal growth and institutional advancement.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Conservation from a recognized program, or equivalent education and professional training.
• Minimum two (assistant), five (associate), ten years (full) of post-graduate experience in textile conservation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of museum standards, collections care protocols, and ethical guidelines.
• Demonstrated record of professional achievement, including significant treatment projects and scholarly contributions.
• Experience with both flat textile and costume conservation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills; proficiency with museum databases, imaging systems, and standard software.
• Ability to manage a complex workload and meet institutional deadlines.
• Legal eligibility to work in the United States preferred.
• For appointment at the Full Conservator level, candidates should demonstrate sustained professional commitment, an established record of scholarship, and experience guiding complex projects or mentoring colleagues.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

Work will primarily be performed in an office environment.  Work will involve extended sitting, and extensive computer use.  With or without reasonable accommodation, the individual selected must have the capacity to perform all essential functions effectively. In addition to the other demands mentioned, the demands of the job may or will include:

• 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, 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.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally (in tandem/with assistance).
• Manual dexterity required for the handling of delicate materials and tools.
• Activities may include standing, sitting, bending, kneeling, and climbing.
• Use of appropriate PPE for chemical or analytical processes.

Equal Opportunities for All

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) is committed to attracting and retaining talented individuals who can contribute meaningfully to our mission and organizational excellence. We welcome all applicants whose skills, experience, and perspectives prepare them to succeed in this role and support the Museum’s work in serving a broad public.

MFAH is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, and without regard to any characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We are committed to fair and consistent employment practices and to maintaining a professional, respectful workplace for all employees.

We recognize that no candidate meets every qualification listed in a job description. If your background and experience align with many of the responsibilities and requirements of this position, we encourage you to apply.

MFAH is committed to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities. Qualified individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations to participate in the application process, interview process, perform essential job functions, and access the benefits and all other privileges of employment. Requests for reasonable accommodation may be directed to the Human Resources Department at HR@mfah.org

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 accelerated employer match!)
• Roth IRA also available!
• 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

Relocation Support:

If you're considering a move to join our team, we're pleased to welcome candidates from outside the area and offer relocation assistance through a stipend to help cover moving expenses and support your transition to Houston.

Compensation:

Title and salary will be commensurate with the applicant's experience and the needs and requirements expressed in the job description.  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.

Assistant Textiles Conservator             $55,000.00 - $65,000.00

Associate Textiles Conservator            $65,000.00 -  $80,000.00

Textiles Conservator                            $72,000.00 - $90,000.00

About the Conservation Environment at MFAH

The Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation is home to a team of 21 conservation professionals specializing in paintings, works on paper, photographic materials, sculpture and objects, textiles, time-based media art, and conservation science, supported by imaging specialists, technicians, fellows, and interns.

The team cares for an encyclopedic collection of nearly 80,000 objects spanning 5,000 years. Our work is grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration, material research, and responsible stewardship. We prioritize mentorship, open dialogue, and equitable professional development. The Center is one of the most diverse conservation laboratories in the United States. We recognize that the diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds strengthens our practice and enriches our engagement with the public.

How to Apply - Application Procedure

Qualified applicants should apply online, which will be the most effective way to ensure consideration.  Application materials should include:

1. CV or résumé
2. Cover letter addressing qualifications, interest in the position, and alignment with MFAH’s mission
3. Contact information for three professional references

Applications or letters of interest sent by mail, fax, or direct email to a staff member will not be considered.