Job Description

Gallery Attendant

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) is an organization that is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space, memberships, endowments, and attendance. The MFAH is a multifaceted institution comprising multiple gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, two art schools, and two house-museums for decorative arts. The encyclopedic collection numbers more than 65,000 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.

The MFAH is currently seeking a dependable protection professional with customer service skills and a strong sense of integrity. The Museum Gallery Attendant plays the critical role of protecting works on display, maintaining order, reducing injury, assisting visitors, and reducing property loss at the Museum.

Position Available:

Title: Gallery Attendant

Reports to: Security Manager Gallery Operations

Classification: Non-exempt/Hourly

Schedule: 35-40-hour work week

Overtime: Yes

Pay Rate: $16.50/hr.

Benefits: Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance, MFAH Retirement Savings Plan (403b), Flexible Spending Plans, Paid Time Off, Reserve Time Off, Holiday Pay, Museum Membership and Discounts

Work Location: MFAH Campus, Bayou Bend, Rienzi

Job Summary:

As a highly visible representative of the Museum and working as a member of a team under direct and indirect supervision, Gallery Attendants will provide a welcoming and informative experience for all visitors with a keen eye for the safety and security of the museum buildings, contents, grounds, guests and employees.

Daily gallery assignments will vary but all will require a high level of awareness, diligence and exceptional customer service. Gallery Attendants are expected to answer questions regarding galleries, exhibitions, and other general inquiries about the MFAH campus.

Responsibilities:

• Performs patrols of assigned galleries, creating a welcoming and informative experience for all guests
• Within their assigned gallery, maintain an awareness for theft, vandalism, and disruptive behavior
• Watches for and reports to assigned Security Manager, any irregularities such as damage to art objects, unkept areas requiring the attention of housekeeping, fire hazards, environmental hazards, and unsecured security exposures
• Interacts with visitors to give directions, information, and provide general assistance
• Inspects works on view and display cases in assigned area at beginning and end of each rotation.
• Reports suspicious activity to assigned Security Manager as necessary
• Communicates Museum policies regarding the safety of the collection and ensures staff and visitors adhere to established protocols to safeguard the collection from damage
• Assists with emergency situations such as medical and evacuations
• May be asked to serve as a member of the museum emergency response team
• Will be asked to respond to alarms in display cases quickly and handle them efficiently
• Escorts visitors and contractors throughout the building when directed
• May be asked to secure galleries and museum premises when closing
• Must ensure all patrons have exited
• Assures visitor compliance with all Museum gallery and campus regulations
• Assists with other Museum activities as assigned

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Strong customer service mindset with ability to interact with the public to analyze situations and anticipate needs of visitors
• Must be tactful and polite in dealing with the public
• Must be proficient in English, both written and verbal communications skills
• Present a neat and tidy appearance at all times in accordance with established security department guidelines
• Must be observant in order to detect and report unusual behavior or circumstances.
• Must be alert and able to respond quickly in an emergency
• Ability to obtain and maintain First Responder, CPR and other related certifications on a yearly basis
• Be physically able to administer First Aid and CPR including carrying first aid equipment and assisting with lifting and moving victims if required
• Flexibility to work various shifts and to work special events going past shifts schedule
• As a full-time staff member, must be available to work weekends on a regular basis.

Education and Qualifications:

• Excellent interpersonal and public relations skills with a friendly, personable manner
• Pleasant and engaging communication style and skills
• A neat, clean appearance
• High school diploma or equivalent
• Previous customer service or security experience highly preferred
• Must have in good standing or be qualified to obtain - level 2 Non-Commissioned Security Guard license with Texas Department of Public Safety
• Security personnel must pass a national criminal background check in order to maintain non-commission status through the Texas Commission on Private Security
• All applicants are required to have a valid state issued ID or driver license in order to complete the application process
• Ability to remain alert and observant over a long period of time
• Bilingual is a plus

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

• Ability to stand and walk for long periods including using stairs
• Must have accurate vision (22/20 or 20/40 with corrective lens acceptable)
• Ability to distinguish standard colors
• Ability to hear normal conversation at a distance of 15 feet
• Duties require standing for long periods of time and/or walking distances and climbing stairs throughout the work shift
• Working conditions may be indoors or outside, depending on assignment. When working outside, inclement weather may also be a working condition

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 women and 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.

Benefits:

• 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

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