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Assistant Conservator Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Ned's Club

Pastry Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

... Conservatory. On level nine, there is a self-contained floor of private event spaces. As part of our Pastry kitchen team and reporting to the Pastry leadership team, you will: * Assist with prep and ...

Ned's Club

Line Cook

Washington, DC · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

... Conservatory. On level nine, there is a self-contained floor of private event spaces. As part of ... Read BEOs and plating guides; set up pack-outs for off-room support. * Assist with tastings, VIP ...

Ned's Club

Sushi Cook

Washington, DC

$28 - $30/hr

... Conservatory. On level nine, there is a self-contained floor of private event spaces. As part of ... assist your Head Chef in menu creation Able to work mornings or evenings/ night service What The ...

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Assistant Conservator information

See Washington salary details

$10

$24

$44

How much do assistant conservator jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant conservator in Washington is $24.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.26 and $30.45 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 Washington?

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

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

The top searched job categories for Assistant Conservator jobs in Washington are:

Assistant Conservator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Conservator job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $51,979 per year, or $25 per hour.

Collections Conservator

George Washington's Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Collections Conservator
Position Type: Full-Time, Exempt
Preserve Objects. Protect History. Shape the Future.
George Washington's Mount Vernon is seeking an experienced Collections Conservator to care for and preserve an exceptional Fine and Decorative Arts Collection at one of the nation's most significant historic sites.
This is an opportunity to do meaningful conservation work in a setting where history is not simply studied-it is experienced every day. The Collections Conservator will work hands-on with a diverse collection spanning paintings, prints, sculpture, furniture, metals, ceramics, textiles, and other historic materials, helping ensure these objects remain accessible and meaningful for generations to come.
The Collections Conservator will have an important role in both the hands-on treatment and long-term preservation of Mount Vernon's collections. This position combines conservation treatment, preventive conservation, exhibition support, collections care, vendor and project management, and collaboration with curatorial and collections professionals.
The successful candidate will bring strong technical expertise, sound professional judgment, and a collaborative approach to the care of historic objects.
About Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, the former home of George and Martha Washington, is owned and maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association of the Union, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States.
Founded in 1853 by Ann Pamela Cunningham, the Mount Vernon Ladies' Association pioneered the preservation of a historic American site for future generations. Today, the Association works to preserve, restore, and manage the Mount Vernon estate to the highest standards while educating visitors and people around the world about the life and legacies of George Washington.
The Historic Preservation and Collections Department plays a central role in that mission by preserving and restoring Mount Vernon to its 1799 appearance and caring for original, period, and reproduction objects that support the organization's educational mission.
What You'll Do
Conservation Treatment & Object Care
  • Perform and document conservation treatments on objects within the Fine and Decorative Arts Collection.
  • Assess objects and prepare them for exhibition, analysis, storage, and movement.
  • Apply accepted professional conservation practices and maintain treatment standards consistent with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
  • Collaborate with curators and collections staff to determine appropriate conservation approaches and priorities.
Objects Conservation Lab
  • Manage the daily operations of the approximately 600-square-foot Objects Conservation Lab.
  • Organize and maintain conservation equipment, materials, and supplies.
  • Ensure appropriate health and safety practices are followed within the lab and during conservation activities.
  • Work safely and appropriately with conservation equipment and chemicals.
Exhibition & Loan Support
  • Provide exhibition conservation support for objects displayed throughout Mount Vernon, including the Museum and Education Center, Library, and Mansion.
  • Collaborate with exhibition designers, contractors, curators, and other Mount Vernon staff to ensure appropriate conditions for the display and care of artifacts.
  • Research and test exhibition materials to evaluate their suitability for use with collection objects.
  • Support the safe care and preparation of objects traveling to and from other institutions on loan.
Preventive Conservation
  • Monitor the condition of objects on display and in storage in collaboration with Collections Management staff.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
  • Participate in planning for object movement and recommend appropriate methods for packing, handling, and rehousing artifacts.
  • Review materials used for packing and rehousing and recommend improvements or upgrades when appropriate.
Project & Vendor Management
  • Recommend, direct, and monitor conservation treatments performed by contract conservators.
  • Solicit proposals and evaluate estimates for conservation and collections care projects.
  • Select and manage vendors and contractors as needed.
  • Generate and manage project and operational budgets related to conservation activities.
Documentation & Collections Support
  • Maintain complete and accurate conservation documentation, including treatment proposals, treatment reports, photographic documentation, and invoices.
  • Assist curators with acquisitions as needed.
  • Coordinate analytical testing of objects with appropriate institutions or specialists.
  • Collaborate with curators and collections staff in training new team members in proper collections care and object handling.
Emergency Preparedness & Professional Engagement
  • Represent the Collections Department in institutional disaster and emergency preparedness activities.
  • Contribute to conservation education and professional development through activities such as hosting interns, giving presentations, and participating in professional organizations and activities as schedules permit.
What We're Looking For
We're looking for an experienced conservation professional who combines strong technical expertise with excellent judgment, organization, and collaboration skills.
Required Qualifications
  • MA or MS degree in conservation from a recognized training program, with an objects specialization or another specialization relevant to the Fine and Decorative Arts Collection.
  • At least six years of museum experience in a similar position.
  • Solid knowledge of conservation and collections care practices.
  • Working knowledge of conservation laboratory equipment and chemicals.
  • Experience managing conservation or collections care projects and budgets.
  • Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
  • Flexibility and reliability, including the ability to work extended hours or beyond a normal work week when necessary.
  • Ability to work with collections management databases; experience with TMS is preferred.
  • Ability to successfully complete a security background check.
  • Ability to wear a respirator.

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