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Architectural Conservator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AECOM

Project Architect

Cleveland, OH

$80K - $107K/yr

The Architectural Job Captain will work with project teams under the direction of the Project ... Franklin Park Conservatory Palm House & Showhouse Renovations; Ohio University Violet L. Patton ...

AECOM

Project Architect

Cleveland, OH

$80K - $107K/yr

The Architectural Job Captain will work with project teams under the direction of the Project ... Franklin Park Conservatory Palm House & Showhouse Renovations; Ohio University Violet L. Patton ...

AECOM

Project Architect

Columbus, OH · On-site

$80K - $107K/yr

The Architectural Job Captain will work with project teams under the direction of the Project ... Franklin Park Conservatory Palm House & Showhouse Renovations; Ohio University Violet L. Patton ...

AECOM

Project Architect

Columbus, OH

$80K - $107K/yr

The Architectural Job Captain will work with project teams under the direction of the Project ... Franklin Park Conservatory Palm House & Showhouse Renovations; Ohio University Violet L. Patton ...

AECOM

Project Architect

Cleveland, OH

$80K - $107K/yr

The Architectural Job Captain will work with project teams under the direction of the Project ... Franklin Park Conservatory Palm House & Showhouse Renovations; Ohio University Violet L. Patton ...

AECOM

Project Architect

Cleveland, OH · On-site

$80K - $107K/yr

The Architectural Job Captain will work with project teams under the direction of the Project ... Franklin Park Conservatory Palm House & Showhouse Renovations; Ohio University Violet L. Patton ...

Tanglewood Conservatories

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Carpenter/Woodworker

Denton, MD · On-site

$22 - $24/hr

The ideal candidate takes pride in craftsmanship, understands architectural detail, and can execute ... Familiarity with conservatory or specialty glass structure fabrication * Advanced joinery and ...

Tanglewood Conservatories

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Trim Carpenter - Residential Construction

Denton, MD · On-site

$25 - $32/hr

The ideal candidate takes pride in craftsmanship, understands architectural detail, and is willing ... Our greatest satisfaction is creating a conservatory that is beautiful, functional, and uniquely ...

Tanglewood Conservatories

Be Seen First

LEAD Installation Carpenter - Residential Construction

Denton, MD · On-site

$28 - $35/hr

Company Description WE ARE ARCHITECTS, DESIGNERS, AND CRAFTSMEN. Welcome to Tanglewood ... Our greatest satisfaction is creating a conservatory that is beautiful, functional, and uniquely ...

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Architectural Conservator information

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How much do architectural conservator jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for architectural conservator in the United States is $29.85, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.80 and $33.65 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges Architectural Conservators face when working on historic structures?

Architectural Conservators often encounter challenges such as balancing preservation with modern building codes, sourcing authentic or compatible materials, and addressing structural issues in aging buildings. They must also navigate complex regulatory requirements and collaborate closely with architects, engineers, and preservation agencies to ensure interventions respect the historical significance of the structure. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential to successfully manage these unique and sometimes unpredictable project elements.

What is an architectural conservator?

An architectural conservator is a professional who specializes in preserving, restoring, and maintaining historic buildings and structures. Their work involves assessing the condition of architectural materials, developing conservation plans, and using specialized techniques to prevent decay or damage. Architectural conservators often collaborate with architects, engineers, and historians to ensure that restoration efforts respect the cultural, historical, and artistic significance of a structure. They may work on projects ranging from individual landmarks to entire historic districts.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Architectural Conservator, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Architectural Conservator, you need a strong background in historic preservation, architecture, and materials science, often supported by a relevant master's degree or certification. Familiarity with conservation techniques, documentation tools like CAD software, and knowledge of building codes and preservation standards is essential. Exceptional attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help in assessing structures and collaborating with stakeholders. These competencies ensure that historic buildings are preserved accurately and sustainably, maintaining their cultural and architectural significance.

What is the difference between Architectural Conservator vs Historic Preservation Specialist?

AspectArchitectural ConservatorHistoric Preservation Specialist
CredentialsConservation certifications, architecture or art history degreesHistory, architecture, or preservation degrees, certifications vary
Work EnvironmentMuseums, restoration labs, historic sitesGovernment agencies, non-profits, consulting firms
Employer & IndustryMuseums, conservation labs, cultural institutionsPublic agencies, preservation organizations, consulting firms

Architectural Conservators focus on the physical preservation and restoration of historic buildings and artifacts, often working hands-on in labs or on-site. Historic Preservation Specialists typically work on planning, policy, and advocacy to protect historic sites, often in a broader context. Both roles require knowledge of preservation principles, but their daily tasks and work environments differ.

More about Architectural Conservator jobs
What states have the most Architectural Conservator jobs? States with the most job openings for Architectural Conservator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Architectural Conservator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Architectural Conservator jobs are:
Architectural Conservator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Architectural Conservator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $62,083 per year, or $29.8 per hour.
Conservator/Senior Conservator of Paintings

Conservator/Senior Conservator of Paintings

Colonial Williamsburg

Williamsburg, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Colonial Williamsburg rating

5.1

Company rating: 5.1 out of 10

Based on 16 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 26 rated museums

Job description

Who We Are
Founded in 1926, the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation is a private, not-for-profit educational, historic, and cultural institution that owns and operates one of the largest and best-known museum complexes in the world. Our mission is "that the future may learn from the past" through preserving and restoring 18th-century Williamsburg, Virginia's colonial capital. We engage, inform, and inspire people to learn about this historic capital, the events that occurred here, and the diverse peoples who helped shape a new nation.
Today, Colonial Williamsburg is the largest living history museum in the U.S. The Historic Area is the 301-acre restored colonial capital with 88 original buildings and 525 buildings reconstructed to how they appeared in the 18th century through extensive archaeological, architectural, and documentary research. The Historic Area is staffed by highly trained, historically dressed interpreters and expert tradespeople who bring the 18th century to life. The Foundation also owns and operates two world-class museums, the DeWitt Wallace Decorative Arts Museum, and the Abby Aldrich Rockefeller Folk Art Museum, The Bob and Marion Wilson Teacher Institute, and a renowned research library, the John D Rockefeller Jr Library.
Additionally, Colonial Williamsburg is home to five world class accommodations at the Williamsburg Inn, Williamsburg Lodge Autograph Collection, the Griffin Hotel, the Williamsburg Woodlands Hotels and Suites and the unique Colonial Houses in the Historical Area. Visitors may also indulge in food and drink at our many on site restaurants and taverns that blend a historically inspired dining experience with today's evolved tastes. Each year over 5 million people visit Williamsburg and another 20 million engage with us digitally.
About the Position
The Conservator of Paintings is responsible for enhancing the protection and preservation of Colonial Williamsburg's cultural assets by supervising the operation of the paintings conservation laboratory. Primary functions include proposing and carrying out conservation treatments and researching and developing new approaches to conservation treatment. Condition assessments and treatments are carried out in accordance with exhibition objectives and research priorities. Additionally, the Conservator of Paintings oversees the conservation treatments and career development of laboratory staff as well as conservation technicians, interns, and volunteers.
***Must reside in or be ready to relocate to Virginia***
Essential Functions:
  1. Examines paintings and other painted media from the collections and, in consultation with curatorial staff, prepares written treatment proposals, performs treatments, and prepares treatment reports complete with photo-documentation. Performs, requests, and/or interprets instrumental analysis as needed to facilitate understanding of technology of the object, its conservation history, and current condition. All using recognized techniques in compliance with the Code of Ethics of the American Institute for Conservation.
  2. Works with curatorial, archive, and library staff to determine examination and treatment priorities based on object needs, exhibition schedules, and loan requirements; and to ensure ability to meet established deadlines.
  3. Provides conservation training for other Foundation staff as needed.
  4. Conducts and documents conservation assessments of objects as requested; includes paintings being considered for accession and deaccession. Works to prepare streamlined survey reports for exhibition and treatment prioritization.
  5. Manages day-to-day operation of paintings lab including treatment time management, ordering supplies and materials, handling documentation and other paperwork, and maintaining lab space and equipment.
  6. Researches and develops new approaches to treatment as needed and appropriate.
  7. Maintains awareness of state-of-the-art techniques in the conservation field and carries out research and related projects to test new materials, applications or methodologies as other responsibilities allow.
  8. Supervises and instructs laboratory staff, interns and volunteers as circumstances require. Specific responsibilities include training, observing and inspecting work, offering feedback and conducting performance appraisals.
  9. Works collaboratively with Museums, Preservation and Historic Resources division staff and, upon request, assists other conservators on assigned projects; offers suggestions when appropriate.
  10. Prepares and delivers public and professional lectures, demonstrations, and training sessions on conservation theory and techniques. Publishes new research as other responsibilities allow.
  11. Gives public tours in labs, exhibition buildings, and museum galleries.
  12. Provides information to and responds to inquiries from the public, Foundation staff and staff of other institutions.

Required Education and Experience:
  1. Graduate degree in conservation plus seven years conservation experience in recognized institutions - or the equivalent technical education and experience.
  2. Demonstrable history of proposed, completed and documented conservation treatments.

Qualifications:
  1. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written, including professional presentations.
  2. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.
  3. Detailed knowledge of traditional decorative, fine, and folk arts.
  4. Ability to establish priorities, meet deadlines and work under pressure.
  5. Detailed knowledge of conservation materials and experience in applying state-of-the-art conservation methodologies.
  6. Highly developed hand skills.
  7. Scientific knowledge to enable undertaking in-depth examination and analysis of objects, performing treatments and producing and following necessary literature and reports.

Preferred Qualifications:
  1. Supervisory and administrative experience.
  2. Membership in a professional conservation organization.
  3. History of publication pertinent to the area of specialization.

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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