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Conservator information

What does a conservator do?

A conservator is a professional responsible for preserving and restoring cultural heritage items, such as artworks, historical objects, documents, and artifacts. Their work involves analyzing the condition of items, using specialized techniques to prevent deterioration, and repairing damage caused by age, environmental factors, or previous restorations. Conservators often work in museums, libraries, archives, or private practice, and collaborate closely with curators and other specialists to ensure the long-term care of valuable collections.

What is the difference between Conservator vs Restorer?

AspectConservatorRestorer
CredentialsTypically requires a conservation degree and specialized trainingOften requires restoration training, sometimes with a focus on specific materials
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, cultural institutionsRestoration workshops, private studios, cultural institutions
Industry UsageUsed in museums, archives, and cultural heritage sectorsCommon in art, antique, and artifact restoration

Conservators focus on preserving and stabilizing cultural heritage objects to prevent deterioration, often working in museums and archives. Restorers typically repair and restore damaged artworks or artifacts to their original appearance, often in dedicated workshops. While both roles require specialized skills and knowledge, conservators emphasize preservation, whereas restorers focus on aesthetic repair.

What are careers in conservation?

Careers in conservation involve protecting and preserving cultural, historical, or natural resources, such as artworks, artifacts, or ecosystems. Conservators typically work in museums, archives, or environmental agencies, using specialized skills, tools, and scientific methods to stabilize and restore items or environments. These roles often require relevant education, certifications, and attention to detail.

How does a conservator typically collaborate with other museum staff during a restoration project?

Conservators work closely with curators, registrars, and exhibition designers throughout restoration projects. They consult with curators to understand the historical and cultural context of the objects, and coordinate with registrars to ensure proper documentation and care. Regular communication with exhibition designers is essential to ensure that restored items are displayed safely and effectively. This collaborative approach helps maintain the integrity and accessibility of collections while meeting both conservation and exhibition goals.

Is it hard to get a job in conservation?

Getting a job as a conservator can be competitive, often requiring specialized education such as a master's degree in conservation or a related field, along with practical experience. Job availability may vary depending on the region, funding, and institutional needs, but strong skills in preservation techniques and familiarity with conservation tools improve employment prospects.

How hard is it to become an art conservator?

Becoming an art conservator typically requires a bachelor's degree in art conservation, archaeology, or a related field, followed by a master's degree in conservation from an accredited program. The process involves gaining practical experience through internships or apprenticeships and obtaining certifications, which can take several years of education and training. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of materials and techniques, and proficiency with specialized tools are essential for success in this field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a conservator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Conservator, you need a solid background in chemistry, fine arts, art history, and conservation techniques, typically supported by a relevant degree or specialized training. Familiarity with scientific analysis tools, documentation software, and materials testing equipment is often required, along with certifications from professional bodies like the American Institute for Conservation (AIC). Attention to detail, problem-solving, patience, and strong communication skills help Conservators excel in preserving and restoring valuable artifacts. These competencies ensure the accurate, ethical, and lasting preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.

What is a conservator?

A conservator works to preserve cultural property so that it will remain for future generations. This role is sometimes referred to as a restorer. These individuals spend their time examining and documenting conservation pieces. Other responsibilities include performing an analysis to determine restorative treatment and doing preventative care. Conservators will generally specialize in specific areas, such as the restoration of paintings, rare books, sculptures, or archeological finds. They often attend graduate school and have advanced training in art history, physical sciences, or studio artistry.

What skills do you need to be a conservator?

A conservator needs strong attention to detail, knowledge of preservation techniques, and proficiency with specialized tools and materials. They should have good manual dexterity, problem-solving skills, and often hold relevant certifications or degrees in conservation, art history, or related fields. Effective communication and the ability to work carefully with delicate objects are also essential.
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Conservator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservator job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 67% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Associate Conservator of Decorative Arts Conservation

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$85K - $113K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 15 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 ébénisterie 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 ébénisterie, 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
    • 2-4 years experience in conservation
  • Associate Conservator
    • MA in conservation or equivalent degree
    • 5-7 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.

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