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Assistant Conservator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Colburn

Ensemble Coordinator

Los Angeles, CA

Communicate all logistical needs to Production and attend all performances as staff support * Assist Conservatory Brass faculty with the administrative aspects of the Brass Ensemble, which performs ...

Colburn

Ensemble Coordinator

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

Communicate all logistical needs to Production and attend all performances as staff support * Assist Conservatory Brass faculty with the administrative aspects of the Brass Ensemble, which performs ...

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How much do assistant conservator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant conservator in California is $22.79, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.83 and $27.78 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.

What are popular job titles related to Assistant Conservator jobs in California?

For Assistant Conservator jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Assistant Conservator jobs in California look for?

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Cities in California with the most Assistant Conservator job openings:

Assistant Conservator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Conservator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $47,407 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Paper Conservator OR Associate Paper Conservator

COFAM- Corporation Of the Fine Arts Museums

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Paper Conservator OR Associate Paper Conservator to support the preservation, conservation treatment, and technical study of the Museums’ extensive collection of prints, drawings, photographs, and artist books. Reporting to the Head Paper Conservator, the Conservator / Associate Conservator will also have duties related to temporary exhibitions and loans of museum collections to other institutions.


Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by Monday, September 21, 2026. We plan to launch the interview process in October. Please see the “Additional” section for information about work sample requirements. 

CONSERVATOR - Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Applies specialized knowledge and skills to the care, handling, and conservation treatment of prints, drawings, photographs, and books. 

  2. Undertakes the examination and technical investigation of prints, drawings, photographs, and books, including the use of a Hirox digital microscope, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, and multi-band imaging system. Collaborates to build capacity for technical analysis and research.

  3. Prepares and archives visual and written documentation of treatments and research.

  4. Responsible for preventative care of the collections and loan items during exhibition, storage, and transport.

  5. May supervise and mentor associate/assistant conservators, fellows, and students.

  6. Confers with curatorial, conservation, exhibitions, and facilities staff on the preparation, conservation, and care of collections.

  7. Shares knowledge of the collections by contributing to exhibitions, online content, professional conferences, publications, tours, and other activities.

  8. Acts as a conservation lead for exhibitions.

  9. May travel domestically and internationally to examine and courier artworks.

  10. May take a lead role in broader conservation and museum initiatives at the request of the Director of Conservation.

  11. May perform other conservation duties as needed for special exhibitions, outgoing loans, acquisitions, preventive conservation, lab upkeep, and other departmental activities.


ASSOCIATE CONSERVATOR - Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Applies specialized knowledge and skills to the care, handling, and conservation treatment of prints, drawings, photographs, and books.

  2. Undertakes the examination and technical investigation of artworks, including the use of analytical techniques such as multi-band imaging, microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

  3. Prepares and archives visual and written documentation of treatments and research.

  4. Responsible for preventive care of the collections and loan items during exhibition, storage, and transport.

  5. Assists with supervision and mentorship of departmental contract conservators, fellows, interns and students.

  6. Confers with curatorial, conservation, exhibitions, and facilities teams on the preparation, conservation, and care of collections.

  7. Shares knowledge and findings by contributing to exhibitions, digital content, publications, professional conferences, tours, and other activities.

  8. May act as their conservation department’s lead for an exhibition.

  9. May travel domestically and internationally to examine and courier artworks.

  10. Participates in museum-wide committees and initiatives as appropriate.

  11. May perform other conservation duties as needed for special exhibitions, outgoing loans, acquisitions, preventive conservation, lab upkeep, and other departmental activities.


CONSERVATOR – Minimum Qualifications 

Education, Training, Experience

  • Master’s degree from a recognized graduate conservation program or the equivalent.

  •  At least ten years of museum experience in the field of paper conservation.

  •  Experience with mentorship and project management. 

  •  Active development of professional skills.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

  •  Advanced knowledge of conservation methods, techniques and procedures involved in the maintenance and care of a museum collection of fine arts.

  •  Ability to perform a wide variety of conservation procedures with manual dexterity, sensitivity to materials, and an ethical approach.

  •  Proficiency with analytical tools used for the examination of prints, drawings, photographs, and books.

  •  Ability to manage complex projects while adhering to institutional priorities, deadlines, and budgets. 

  •  Excellent art-handling skills.