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Conservator Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

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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 assess damage, perform treatments, and use specialized tools and techniques, often requiring knowledge of chemistry, art history, or environmental science, along with relevant certifications. These roles typically require attention to detail, patience, and adherence to ethical standards, with work environments including museums, archives, or conservation laboratories.

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.

What jobs can you do in conservation?

Conservators work to preserve and restore cultural, historical, or artistic objects, often in museums, archives, or conservation labs. They perform tasks such as cleaning, repairing, and stabilizing artifacts using specialized techniques and tools, and may require knowledge of materials science and conservation ethics.

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.

How much do art conservators make a year?

Art conservators typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, with salaries increasing with experience, specialization, and geographic location. Senior conservators or those working in major institutions can earn over $100,000 per year. Certification and advanced skills in conservation techniques can also impact salary levels.

What is the highest paying conservation job?

The highest paying conservation jobs are often senior roles such as Conservation Director or Chief Conservator, typically found in large museums, cultural institutions, or private collections. These positions require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and expertise in specialized conservation techniques, and they can offer salaries exceeding $80,000 annually.
More about Conservator jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Conservator jobs in California? The most popular types of Conservator jobs in California are:
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What cities in California are hiring for Conservator jobs? Cities in California with the most Conservator job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Conservator jobs in CA? For Conservator jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Conservator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservator job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 100% Physical 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 5 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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