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Conservator Restorer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clark County

PUBLIC ART CONSERVATOR

Las Vegas, NV

$28.91 - $42.64/hr

... Conservator position. As a member of the our team you will play a vital role in preserving ... Professional level experience in art conservation or restoration may be substituted on a year-for ...

Clark County, NV

PUBLIC ART CONSERVATOR

Las Vegas, NV · On-site

$28.91 - $42.64/hr

... Conservator position. As a member of the our team you will play a vital role in preserving ... Professional level experience in art conservation or restoration may be substituted on a year-for ...

City of Seattle

Gardener

Seattle, WA · On-site

$34.32 - $37.06/hr

... Restore private and public property impacted by other City Light work groups Control weeds and ... conservatory, greenhouse, or nursery (Combinations of education, training and experience will be ...

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How much do conservator restorer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for conservator restorer in the United States is $71,376.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $54,500.00 and $89,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a conservator restorer do?

A Conservator Restorer is a professional who preserves, repairs, and restores artworks, artifacts, and historical objects. Their work involves stabilizing items to prevent further deterioration and meticulously restoring them to their original or near-original condition. Conservator Restorers use scientific analysis, specialized tools, and a deep understanding of materials and art history to ensure that cultural heritage is maintained for future generations. They often work with museums, galleries, archives, and private collectors.

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

To thrive as a Conservator Restorer, you need a strong background in art history, chemistry, materials science, and a relevant degree in conservation or restoration. Familiarity with analytical tools like microscopes, spectrometers, and documentation software, as well as certifications from recognized conservation organizations, is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, patience, and effective communication are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage objects with accuracy, ethical care, and collaboration with other professionals.

What are some common challenges conservator restorers face when working with historic artifacts?

Conservator Restorers often encounter challenges such as dealing with fragile or deteriorated materials, limited documentation about an artifact's past restorations, and the need to balance preservation with maintaining the object's original appearance. They must also carefully select appropriate conservation methods and materials to ensure long-term stability, often working within tight budgets or time constraints. Collaboration with curators, scientists, and other specialists is essential to develop the best conservation strategies while honoring ethical guidelines.

What is a conservator restorer?

A conservator restorer is a professional who preserves, repairs, and restores artworks, historical artifacts, and cultural objects to ensure their longevity. They use specialized skills, knowledge of materials, and conservation techniques, often working in museums, archives, or conservation labs. Certification from professional organizations and attention to detail are important in this field.
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Conservator Restorer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservator Restorer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,376 per year, or $34.3 per hour.

Collections Conservator

Mount Vernon, VA • On-site

George Washington's Mount Vernon
See more jobs at George Washington's Mount Vernonexternal

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

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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