1

Conservation Photographer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

Conservation Photographer information

See salary details

$9

$20

$37

How much do conservation photographer jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average hourly pay for conservation photographer in the United States is $20.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.38 and $21.63 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is there a demand for wildlife photographers?

There is steady demand for wildlife photographers in fields such as conservation, media, and nature publications. Success often depends on strong technical skills, a good portfolio, and the ability to work in remote or challenging environments. Competition can be high, but specialized knowledge and equipment can improve job prospects.

What is a Conservation Photographer job?

A Conservation Photographer uses photography to document environmental issues, wildlife, and ecosystems to promote conservation efforts. They work with organizations, researchers, and media to raise awareness about pressing ecological challenges. Their work may include field expeditions, storytelling, and advocacy to inspire action. Many conservation photographers collaborate with NGOs, scientific institutions, or publications to share their images and messages.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Conservation Photographer position, and why are they important?

Conservation Photographers need a solid understanding of photography techniques, environmental science, and visual storytelling, often supported by degrees in photography, environmental studies, or related fields. Proficiency with DSLR or mirrorless cameras, editing software such as Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop, and sometimes drone operation or GIS mapping tools is common. Creativity, patience, adaptability in remote locations, and strong communication skills help them stand out in the field. These competencies are essential for capturing impactful images that influence conservation efforts and effectively communicate environmental issues to diverse audiences.

What are some typical daily responsibilities for a Conservation Photographer?

Daily responsibilities for a Conservation Photographer often include researching and planning shoots, traveling to various natural sites or field locations, capturing high-quality images or video of wildlife, habitats, or conservation activities, and editing visual content for publication. Conservation Photographers also collaborate with scientists, NGOs, and local communities to document conservation projects and tell compelling environmental stories. In addition, they may spend time pitching work to editors, writing captions or articles, and presenting their work to raise awareness. Flexibility and the ability to work in challenging outdoor conditions are frequently required in this role.

More about Conservation Photographer jobs
What cities are hiring for Conservation Photographer jobs? Cities with the most Conservation Photographer job openings:
What states have the most Conservation Photographer jobs? States with the most job openings for Conservation Photographer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Conservation Photographer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 72% Full Time, 27% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,345 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

Andrew W. Mellon Fellowship in Photography Conservation | Conservation

MoMA

Manhattan, NY โ€ข On-site

$54K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Job description

September 2026 - August 2028
The David Booth Conservation Department at The Museum of Modern Art is pleased to offer a two-year fellowship in the conservation of photographic materials, starting in September 2026. The fellowship provides an opportunity to acquire advanced-level training in photographs preservation, conservation, and restoration in a museum setting. The Photography Conservation fellow works closely with the conservation staff, including the Museum scientists and all curatorial departments: Photography, Drawings and Prints, Architecture and Design, Painting and Sculpture, Media and Performance, and Film, and with the Archives, Library and Research Collections department. In addition to developing and refining advanced techniques in photography conservation, the fellow will have the opportunity to design and carry out research projects to be disseminated or published online, at conferences, and in peer-reviewed journals.
The Museum of Modern Art is committed to nurturing the next generation of curators, art historians, conservators, and other arts professionals. This Conservation Fellowship is part of a distinctive museum wide fellowship program that offers opportunities for training and development through immersion in the Museum's departments, working alongside and mentored by experienced staff members. All fellows also participate in a core methods and practice program with MoMA staff and invited guests which explores object-based research and inquiry; public engagement in a museum context; and arts leadership and the role of cultural institutions.
Responsibilities include:
  • Writes condition reports and installation instructions, when needed, for works of art. Recommends and executes treatment of works of art and their optimal storage and exhibition conditions in consultation with conservators, scientists, and curators.
  • Keeps full photographic and written documentation of original condition and all stages of treatment of works of art.
  • Assists in advising curators, registrars, and exhibitions staff on conservation requirements to ensure protection of works of art during exhibition, packing, and shipping. Assists in advising curators on the condition of works of art as related to exhibition, loans, and acquisition.
  • Examines and interprets the physical structure of works of art and liaises with scientists on the interpretation of scientific data.
  • Research on conservation treatment techniques, optimal preservation environments, artistic practice, and characterization of photographic materials is integral to the department, and participation in these activities will be fostered. Additional professional development activities are supported and encouraged.
  • Investigates, evaluates, and tests new materials used by contemporary artists.
  • Researches, develops, and tests materials and techniques for conservation use.
  • Keeps abreast of new technical and material developments in the art-historical and conservation fields through participation in professional meetings and through literature reviews of conservation, technical, and art-historical publications.
  • Adheres to the AIC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice.
  • Assists in supervising seasonal interns as requested.
  • Performs any other duties reasonably related to the functions described above.

Requirements:
  • Recent graduate from a recognized conservation training program or closely related field (bachelor's required, master's preferred) with a demonstrated concentration in the conservation of photographic materials; candidates with equivalent training will be considered. No more than three years past graduation.
  • Examination and treatment of photographs at an advanced intern level.
  • Experience with treatment of modern and contemporary works is desirable.
  • Familiarity with digital imaging documentation, including ultra-violet, infrared, and photomicrography, and x-radiography.
  • An understanding of the applications of analytical instruments, X-ray fluorescence, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy, is desirable.
  • Proficiency with computer software, including image editing, and Adobe Photoshop preferable.
  • Preference will be given to those candidates who can demonstrate teamwork and effective communication skills, the ability to successfully manage time in a multitasking environment, and a systematic and methodological approach to research.

Reports to: The Andrew W. Mellon Conservator of Photographs
Salary: $54,000 (plus benefits and vacation), with $3,500 annually for research and travel.
Application instructions:
Candidates should apply online at MoMA Jobs. In addition to your resume, please submit a detailed letter of interest and include the name of three references; letters from references are not required. Do not include treatment reports in the application. Candidates invited for interviews will be asked to supply treatment reports at that time; interviews will be scheduled by the first week of July 2026.
The deadline for applications is June 10, 2026 at 5:00 pm EST. Applications without a letter of interest will not be considered.
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy Statement:
Equal Employment Opportunity has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the Museum, where employment is based upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital and civil partnership/union status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, unemployment status, familial status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history, or any other protected category as established by applicable law, including the New York City Human Rights Law ("NYCHRL").
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.
For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.