Security Officer, Galleries at Museum of Fine Arts, Houston in Houston, TX

The 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 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.

A Gallery Attendant is a full- or part-time, non-exempt member of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston’s security organization. While a Gallery Attendant’s position within a gallery will lend itself as a primary contact for information and guidance, this position has as its primary responsibility protection of Museum gallery spaces and the objects therein and the safety of all occupants by observing, reporting, and responding to related activities within their assigned galleries

A Gallery Attendant shares a flexible schedule with others on the Gallery Attendant team that will be based around the Museum’s regular public hours, including evenings, weekends and holidays. A Gallery Attendant will also be assigned duty during private events that occur outside regular public hours.

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
Escort 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:

With or without reasonable accommodation, the individual selected must have the capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to the other demands mentioned, the demands of the job may or will also include:

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: 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 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 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 the Glassell School of Art.
Metro commuter subsidy available upon request