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University of Arizona

Assistant Conservator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Assistant Conservator Posting Number req26343 Department Arizona State Museum Department Website Link Location Tucson Campus Address Tucson, AZ USA Position Highlights Arizona State Museum (ASM) at ...

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As of Aug 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant conservator in the United States is $23.28, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.14 and $28.37 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an assistant conservator?

Assistant Conservators are professionals who help preserve and restore artworks, historical objects, and cultural artifacts. They typically work under the supervision of senior conservators in museums, galleries, or archives, performing tasks such as cleaning, repairing, and documenting items. Their work ensures that valuable pieces of history and art are maintained for future generations. Assistant Conservators may also assist in research, preventive conservation, and preparing objects for exhibition or storage.

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

To thrive as an Assistant Conservator, you typically need a degree in conservation, art history, chemistry, or a related field, along with practical experience in object handling and treatment methods. Familiarity with conservation tools, laboratory equipment, and documentation systems such as digital imaging software is often required. Strong attention to detail, manual dexterity, problem-solving, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are essential for preserving cultural heritage, ensuring proper care of artifacts, and collaborating efficiently with museum professionals.

What are the common challenges faced by an assistant conservator when working with diverse types of artifacts?

Assistant Conservators often encounter the challenge of handling a wide range of materials, each requiring specialized knowledge and delicate techniques. Balancing preventive conservation with hands-on treatment, while adhering to strict ethical and documentation standards, can be demanding. Additionally, collaborating with curators, scientists, and other conservators to develop appropriate conservation strategies for each unique object is a key part of the role. Staying updated on new materials and methods also requires ongoing professional development.
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Infographic showing various Assistant Conservator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 20% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $48,413 per year, or $23.3 per hour.

Assistant Conservator

University of Arizona

Tucson, AZ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

University Of Arizona rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 68 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

362nd of 618 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Assistant Conservator
Posting Number
req26343
Department
Arizona State Museum
Department Website Link
https://statemuseum.arizona.edu/
Location
Tucson Campus
Address
Tucson, AZ USA
Position Highlights
Arizona State Museum (ASM) at the University of Arizona is seeking an Assistant Conservator. The Assistant Conservator (Objects) is responsible for the physical care, examination, documentation, and treatment of the museum's diverse collections which include archaeological artifacts, ethnographic materials, historical items, sculpture, ceramics, textiles, plant-based material, metals, and mixed-media contemporary art. The successful candidate will have a background in the conservation of objects with a strong commitment to ethical preservation practices. A significant component of this role involves collaborating with collections managers, curators, and source or Indigenous communities to ensure that conservation practices align with cultural protocols and modern legislative frameworks (e.g., NAGPRA/Duty of Care guidelines).
ASM is the oldest and largest anthropological research facility in the U.S. Southwest, with expansive collections that are exceptional resources for the teaching, study, and understanding of the region's 13,000-year human history.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Outstanding U of A benefits include health, dental, and vision insurance plans; life insurance and disability programs; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays; U of A/ASU/NAU tuition reduction for the employee and qualified family members; retirement plans; access to U of A recreation and cultural activities; and more!
The University of Arizona has been recognized for our innovative work-life programs. For more information about working at the University of Arizona and relocations services, please click here.
Duties & Responsibilities
Conservation Examination, Analysis, Documentation, and Treatment:
  • Perform examinations and produce written and photographic documentation, including condition reports, treatment proposals, and final treatment reports using museum records and databases.
  • Conduct scientific analysis and imaging (UV/IR, pXRF, FTIR, X-ray) to assess material composition and condition.
  • In collaboration with supervisor, curatorial personnel, and stakeholders, collaborate on the design and execution of treatments for objects.
  • Contribute to the development of conservation methods and remain current with field advances.
  • Collaborate with supervisor and curatorial staff to establish treatment priorities.
  • Conduct work in accordance with the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines of Practice.

Preventive Conservation:
  • Perform preventive conservation activities to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of collections.
  • Assist with environmental monitoring and integrated pest management data collection and interpretation.
  • Collaboriate with collections and exhibition personnel.to design and fabricate archival enclosures, storage supports, and custom display mounts.
  • Conduct routine collection surveys and housekeeping activities to identify and mitigate potential risks to museum collections.
  • Support emergency preparedness activities for collections, including contributing to emergency planning, participating in preparedness training, and inventorying, maintaining, and purchasing supplies for emergency response and recovery.

Exhibitions and Loans:
  • Assess the condition of objects selected for loans and exhibitions.
  • Prepare collection objects for loan, exhibition, and transport, working closely with the Registrar to ensure compliance with museum standards, loan agreements, and established project deadlines.
  • Apply established handling protocols, specialized microclimates, and transit packing methods to support the safe movement and display of objects.
  • Collaborate with exhibition personnel on the preparation, installation, and deinstallation of collection objects for exhibit.
  • Serve as domestic courier for objects.

Lab Coordination & Public Outreach:
  • Support coordination of conservation lab activities and projects.
  • Manage and facilitate access for researchers and conservation lab visitors.
  • Oversight of conservation volunteers and students.
  • Assist with coordinating and tracking the movement of objects in and out of the conservation laboratory.
  • Participate in public outreach programs including tours, workshops, and other educational programs.

Lab Safety:
  • Assist with conservation laboratory operations including ensuring compliance with federal, state, local, and University of Arizona regulations and policies regarding hazardous chemicals and radiation machines.
  • Maintain adherence to laboratory safety protocols and lab cleanliness.
  • Inventory, research and recommend laboratory supplies and equipment to support conservation activities.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
  • Working knowledge and experience in object conservation.
  • Demonstrated manual dexterity skills.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Ability to work with hazardous materials.
  • Ability to work in a highly collaborative environment, one that values and leverages the benefits of a variety of perspectives.
  • Knowledge of the responsibilities and cultural sensitivities involved in working with cultural materials.
  • Knowledge of and experience with hazardous chemicals and safety requirements and standards in conservation laboratories.
  • Knowledge with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
  • Ability to operate and knowledge of technical, analytical, and imaging equipment.
  • Proficiency with various computer programs (Microsoft Office and Adobe Creative Cloud).

This job posting reflects the general nature and level of work expected of the selected candidate(s). It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties and responsibilities. The institution reserves the right to amend or update this description as organizational priorities and institutional needs evolve.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent advanced learning attained through professional level experience.
  • 3 years of relevant work experience, or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Master's degree in Conservation or related field.
  • Experience working with anthropological collections or composite materials in a museum setting.

FLSA
Exempt
Full Time/Part Time
Full Time
Number of Hours Worked per Week
40
Job FTE
1.0
Work Calendar
Fiscal
Job Category
Cultural Institutions
Benefits Eligible
Yes - Full Benefits
Rate of Pay
$42,282 - $52,851
Compensation Type
salary at 1.0 full-time equivalency (FTE)
Grade
5
Compensation Guidance
The Rate of Pay Field represents the University of Arizona's good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting. The University considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, and internal equity.
The Grade Range represent a full range of career compensation growth over time. The university offers compensation growth opportunities within its career architecture. To learn more about compensation, please review our Applicant Compensation Guide and our Total Rewards Calculator.
Career Stream and Level
PC2
Job Family
Conservator
Job Function
Cultural Institutions
Type of criminal background check required:
Name-based criminal background check (non-security sensitive)
Number of Vacancies
1
Target Hire Date
Expected End Date
Contact Information for Candidates
Jim Watson watsonjt@arizona.edu
Open Date
6/24/2026
Open Until Filled
Yes
Documents Needed to Apply
Curriculum Vitae (CV) and Cover Letter
Special Instructions to Applicant
Notice of Availability of the Annual Security and Fire Safety Report
In compliance with the Jeanne Clery Campus Safety Act (Clery Act), each year the University of Arizona releases an Annual Security Report (ASR) for each of the University's campuses.Thesereports disclose information including Clery crime statistics for the previous three calendar years and policies, procedures, and programs the University uses to keep students and employees safe, including how to report crimes or other emergencies and resources for crime victims. As a campus with residential housing facilities, the Main Campus ASR also includes a combined Annual Fire Safety report with information on fire statistics and fire safety systems, policies, and procedures.
Paper copies of the Reports can be obtained by contacting the University Compliance Office at cleryact@arizona.edu.

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