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Conservator information

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 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 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.

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 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.

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, institution, and specific area of conservation, but strong skills in preservation techniques and familiarity with conservation tools improve employment prospects.

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, training, and certifications, and may involve detailed analysis and careful handling of sensitive materials.

What skills do you need to be a conservator?

A conservator needs strong attention to detail, knowledge of preservation techniques, and skills in scientific analysis and manual craftsmanship. Familiarity with conservation tools, materials, and relevant certifications are also important for assessing and restoring artifacts or artworks effectively.
More about Conservator jobs

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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, 76% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Paper Conservator OR Associate Paper Conservator

San Francisco, CA • On-site

COFAM- Corporation Of the Fine Arts Museums
See more jobs at COFAM- Corporation Of the Fine Arts Museumsexternal

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Paper Conservator OR Associate Paper Conservator to support the preservation, conservation treatment, and technical study of the Museums’ extensive collection of prints, drawings, photographs, and artist books. Reporting to the Head Paper Conservator, the Conservator / Associate Conservator will also have duties related to temporary exhibitions and loans of museum collections to other institutions.


Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by Monday, September 21, 2026. We plan to launch the interview process in October. Please see the “Additional” section for information about work sample requirements. 

CONSERVATOR - Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Applies specialized knowledge and skills to the care, handling, and conservation treatment of prints, drawings, photographs, and books. 

  2. Undertakes the examination and technical investigation of prints, drawings, photographs, and books, including the use of a Hirox digital microscope, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, and multi-band imaging system. Collaborates to build capacity for technical analysis and research.

  3. Prepares and archives visual and written documentation of treatments and research.

  4. Responsible for preventative care of the collections and loan items during exhibition, storage, and transport.

  5. May supervise and mentor associate/assistant conservators, fellows, and students.

  6. Confers with curatorial, conservation, exhibitions, and facilities staff on the preparation, conservation, and care of collections.

  7. Shares knowledge of the collections by contributing to exhibitions, online content, professional conferences, publications, tours, and other activities.

  8. Acts as a conservation lead for exhibitions.

  9. May travel domestically and internationally to examine and courier artworks.

  10. May take a lead role in broader conservation and museum initiatives at the request of the Director of Conservation.

  11. May perform other conservation duties as needed for special exhibitions, outgoing loans, acquisitions, preventive conservation, lab upkeep, and other departmental activities.


ASSOCIATE CONSERVATOR - Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Applies specialized knowledge and skills to the care, handling, and conservation treatment of prints, drawings, photographs, and books.

  2. Undertakes the examination and technical investigation of artworks, including the use of analytical techniques such as multi-band imaging, microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

  3. Prepares and archives visual and written documentation of treatments and research.

  4. Responsible for preventive care of the collections and loan items during exhibition, storage, and transport.

  5. Assists with supervision and mentorship of departmental contract conservators, fellows, interns and students.

  6. Confers with curatorial, conservation, exhibitions, and facilities teams on the preparation, conservation, and care of collections.

  7. Shares knowledge and findings by contributing to exhibitions, digital content, publications, professional conferences, tours, and other activities.

  8. May act as their conservation department’s lead for an exhibition.

  9. May travel domestically and internationally to examine and courier artworks.

  10. Participates in museum-wide committees and initiatives as appropriate.

  11. May perform other conservation duties as needed for special exhibitions, outgoing loans, acquisitions, preventive conservation, lab upkeep, and other departmental activities.


CONSERVATOR – Minimum Qualifications 

Education, Training, Experience

  • Master’s degree from a recognized graduate conservation program or the equivalent.

  •  At least ten years of museum experience in the field of paper conservation.

  •  Experience with mentorship and project management. 

  •  Active development of professional skills.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

  •  Advanced knowledge of conservation methods, techniques and procedures involved in the maintenance and care of a museum collection of fine arts.

  •  Ability to perform a wide variety of conservation procedures with manual dexterity, sensitivity to materials, and an ethical approach.

  •  Proficiency with analytical tools used for the examination of prints, drawings, photographs, and books.

  •  Ability to manage complex projects while adhering to institutional priorities, deadlines, and budgets. 

  •  Excellent art-handling skills.

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