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Assistant Conservator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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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Assistant Conservator information

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How much do assistant conservator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 9, 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 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 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 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? The top searched job categories for Assistant Conservator jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Assistant Conservator jobs? Cities in California with the most Assistant Conservator job openings:
Infographic showing various Assistant Conservator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $47,407 per year, or $22.8 per hour.

Associate Conservator of Decorative Arts Conservation

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

Los Angeles, CA

$85K - $113K/yr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago


Job description

Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.Job Summary

Our Mission

The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks to inspire curiosity about, and enjoyment and understanding of, the visual arts by collecting, conserving, exhibiting, and interpreting works of art of outstanding quality and historical importance and is one of four programs of the J. Paul Getty Trust.  The Museum operates two facilities, the Getty Villa in Malibu, which exhibits its collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, and the Getty Center in Brentwood, which displays its collections of European art: Medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts, paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, drawings to 1900, and photographs to the present day (including non-European works).  The Museum mounts approximately 25 temporary exhibitions a year across its two sites; maintains an annual permanent gallery improvement program and offers wide-ranging and ambitious programming for its visitors. 

The Opportunity

The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks a limited term (2-year) qualified furniture conservator to join the Department of Decorative Arts and Sculpture Conservation located at the Getty Center.  The position will be filled at the Assistant Conservator or Associate Conservator level, based on qualifications.  The targeted hiring range for Assistant Conservator is $72,380.88 - $95,895.28 annually; for Associate Conservator is $85,422.48 - $113,185.28 annually.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for Getty, without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in furniture conservation and in the technical study of works of art, along with a commitment to advancing knowledge and practices in this field. A collegial and engaged team member, the limited term 2-year Assistant or Associate Conservator's primary responsibilities include developing and executing major conservation treatments on several masterworks of ebenisterie in the Getty's collection of French 17th and 18th century furniture, in support of the J. Paul Getty Museum's major reinstallation of the Decorative Arts collections. Advanced training in specialized conservation techniques will be provided through a series of master classes led by visiting European experts.

Major Job Responsibilities
  • Conservation treatment of French furniture in the collections of the J. Paul Getty Museum, focusing on works of ebenisterie, in preparation for their installation in the newly renovated Decorative Arts galleries at the Getty Center.
  • Close collaboration with Getty conservators, curators and scientists as well as expert consultants to develop treatment goals and specific proposals. This may include the design and coordination of technical studies necessary for treatment planning and evaluation.
  • Preparation of written and visual documentation of treatment and research.
Qualifications
  • Assistant Conservator
    • Bachelor's degree; MA in conservation or equivalent degree preferred
    • 24 years experience in conservation
  • Associate Conservator
    • MA in conservation or equivalent degree
    • 57 years experience in conservation
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Prefer Masters level degree in conservation from a recognized graduate training program
  • Working knowledge and experience in furniture conservation
  • Demonstrated abilities in the examination, analysis, documentation and treatment of furniture
  • Highly developed hand skills and attention to detail
  • Sound knowledge of the development of design and fabrication techniques of historic furniture
  • Ability to operate and knowledge of technical, analytical, and imaging equipment
  • Proven research capabilities
  • Good knowledge of the chemistry of collection materials and their deterioration processes
  • Strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
  • Strong interpersonal skills including written, verbal and listening skills
  • Creative thinking and solutions-based problem-solving abilities
  • Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Knowledge of personal safety equipment and standards
Benefits and Perks

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
  • 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan - with up to 5% Getty Match
  • Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
  • Educational Assistance and professional development
  • Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Days
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Many positions have bi-weekly Off-Fridays
  • On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
  • Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.  

Employment Type: TEMPORARY