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Book Conservator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$110K - $115K/yr

The Head of Conservation and Preservation supervises four full-time conservators including a Preventive Conservator and three Book and Paper Conservators, one of whom is focused on exhibitions. This ...

$110K - $115K/yr

The Head of Conservation and Preservation supervises four full‑time conservators including a Preventive Conservator and three Book and Paper Conservators, one of whom is focused on exhibitions.

Senior Fiduciary Officer

Peoria, IL · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Administer assigned book of trust business. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to ... conservator, and agent. * Build customer satisfaction at First Mid. * Cross-sell Trust Services ...

Senior Fiduciary Officer

Clayton, MO · On-site

$95K - $130K/yr

Administer assigned book of trust business. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to ... conservator, and agent. * Build customer satisfaction at First Mid. * Cross-sell Trust Services ...

Administer assigned book of trust business. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to ... conservator, and agent. * Build customer satisfaction at First Mid. * Cross-sell Trust Services ...

Showing results 21-40

Book Conservator information

What is a book conservator?

Book Conservators are professionals who specialize in the preservation, repair, and restoration of books, manuscripts, and other bound materials. Their work involves stabilizing and repairing damaged or deteriorating items to prolong their lifespan and maintain their historical, cultural, or informational value. Book Conservators use specialized techniques and materials to ensure that any intervention is as non-invasive and reversible as possible. They often work in libraries, archives, museums, or private conservation studios. Their expertise helps protect important collections for future generations.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a book conservator?

To thrive as a Book Conservator, you need expertise in bookbinding, paper science, chemistry, and a degree in conservation or a related field. Familiarity with conservation tools, laboratory equipment, and documentation systems like Collection Management Systems is typically required. Attention to detail, manual dexterity, problem-solving, and strong communication skills are vital soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure that rare and valuable books are preserved accurately and ethically for future generations.

What are some common challenges faced by book conservators when working with rare or fragile materials?

Book conservators often encounter challenges such as handling extremely delicate paper, leather, or bindings that may be centuries old and prone to deterioration. Balancing the need for preservation with the requirement to maintain the book's historical integrity can be complex, as interventions must be reversible and minimally invasive. Additionally, conservators must frequently collaborate with librarians, archivists, and curators to determine the most appropriate treatments and storage solutions. Staying updated on new conservation techniques and materials also presents an ongoing challenge in this specialized field.

What is the difference between Book Conservator vs Book Restorer?

AspectBook ConservatorBook Restorer
CredentialsMaster's degree in conservation or related field, certifications often preferredVaries; often less formal training, may have specialized workshops
Work EnvironmentMuseums, archives, libraries, conservation labsPrivate studios, libraries, archives, sometimes museums
Job FocusPreventive care, long-term preservation, minimal interventionRepair, restoration, aesthetic improvements
Industry UsageCommonly used in professional conservation settingsMore common in private restoration projects

While both roles involve working with books, a Book Conservator focuses on preservation and minimal intervention to ensure long-term stability, often requiring formal education. A Book Restorer typically performs repairs and aesthetic restorations, sometimes with less formal training. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or service provider.

How do you become a book conservator?

To become a book conservator, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in conservation, art history, or a related field, followed by specialized training or a master's degree in conservation or bookbinding. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships and developing skills in paper and book repair are essential for entry into the profession.

How much do book conservators make?

Book conservators typically earn between $30,000 and $60,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Salaries can increase with specialized skills, certifications, and working in institutions such as museums or archives.
More about Book Conservator jobs

What states have the most Book Conservator jobs?

States with the most job openings for Book Conservator jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to Book Conservator jobs?

For Book Conservator jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Book Conservator job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Adjunct Cello Faculty

Baltimore, MD • On-site

Johns Hopkins University
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Johns Hopkins University rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 71 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Description
Teach cello in the Young People's String Program (YPSP), Tuned-In Program and String Department at the Peabody Preparatory, a division of the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD.
DUTIES: Teach cello in the Young People's String Program for beginners through Suzuki Book 7 and students through advanced levels in the String Department. Specific duties include teaching one weekday afternoon/evening at one of the Peabody Preparatory' s branches and on Saturdays at the main campus in downtown Baltimore, attending school and department faculty meetings, and aiding in the evolution of a creative department. Based on enrollment and departmental needs, there may be the possibility of teaching string class(es) for the Tuned-In program's Misbin Ensemble and the Young People's String Program. Training and mentoring on the curriculum of the Young People's String Program and Tuned-In program will be tailored to the candidate's experience.
START DATE: September 2026
LOCATION: The Peabody Preparatory shares space with the Peabody Conservatory in downtown Baltimore and offers strings at three satellite branches in the communities of Howard County and Towson, MD, and at the Park School of Baltimore. The Preparatory is more than 100 years old and has approximately 2,000 students studying all instruments, dance, theory, early childhood music, orchestra and more. We embrace the novice as well as the serious student aspiring to a career in music.
COMPENSATION: Dependent upon experience.
PRIORITY DEADLINE: May 1, 2026
Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree required, master's degree or equivalent experience strongly preferred.
  • Must love and have experience teaching young children as well as have completed violin/viola pedagogy classes/workshops and developed a particular interest in string pedagogy.
  • Experience teaching Suzuki repertoire, and comfort in teaching repertoire outside of and beyond Suzuki books preferred.
  • Awareness of the broad mission of the Preparatory, and of the Tuned-In program required.

Application Instructions
Applications received before May 1, 2026 will be given preference, but the position will remain open until filled.
Please submitt:
  • Cover letter
  • Resume
  • Contact information for three references.
  • Video links to your teaching are encouraged.

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About Johns Hopkins University

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Gilman believed that teaching and research go hand in hand—that success in one depends on success in the other—and that a modern university must do both well. He also believed that sharing our knowledge and discoveries would help make the world a better place. In 145 years, we haven’t strayed from that vision. This is still a destination for excellent, ambitious scholars and a world leader in teaching and research. Distinguished professors mentor students in the arts and music, humanities, social and natural sciences, engineering, international studies, education, business, and the health professions. Those same faculty members, along with their colleagues at the university’s Applied Physics Laboratory, have made us the nation’s leader in federal research and development funding every year since 1979. That’s a fitting distinction for America’s first research university, a place that has revolutionized higher education in the U.S. and continues to bring knowledge and discoveries to the world.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Baltimore, MD, US

Year founded

1876