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Conservator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Huntington

Paper Conservator

San Marino, CA

About the Role The Paper Conservator is responsible for the physical care, preservation, and conservation treatment of manuscripts, photographs, and works of art on paper in the Library and Art ...

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Conservator information

What jobs pay 10,000 a month without a degree?

A conservator typically does not earn $10,000 a month without specialized training or certification, as this field often requires a degree or extensive experience. However, high-paying jobs without a degree include roles such as real estate brokers, sales managers, or skilled trades like electricians and plumbers, which can reach or exceed this income level with experience and strong client networks. Success in these roles often depends on skills, reputation, and business development rather than formal education alone.

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 jobs pay 2000 a day?

High-paying jobs for conservators are uncommon, as most earn significantly less daily. Typically, conservators work in museums, archives, or restoration labs with salaries that do not reach $2000 per day, but specialized roles such as senior conservators or those working on high-value artifacts may earn higher daily rates through consulting or contract work. Such positions often require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and sometimes freelance or project-based arrangements.

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 kind of jobs are in conservation?

Conservation jobs include roles such as conservators, preservation specialists, and conservation scientists who work to preserve and restore cultural artifacts, artworks, and historical objects. These positions often require knowledge of conservation techniques, materials, and tools, as well as relevant certifications or training. Work environments can include museums, archives, libraries, and conservation laboratories.

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 qualifications do I need to become a conservator?

To become a conservator, a bachelor's degree in art conservation, archaeology, chemistry, or a related field is typically required, often followed by a master's degree in conservation or a specialized certification. Practical experience through internships or apprenticeships is also important, along with knowledge of preservation techniques, materials, and conservation tools.
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Conservator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Conservator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 3% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution.

Paper Conservator

The Huntington

San Marino, CA

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 hours ago

Job description

About Us

At The Huntington, we believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together will enable us to support and promote the appreciation of the humanities, the arts, and botanical science. The Huntington is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities regardless of race, religious creed, color, national origin, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation or any other characteristic protected by local, state or federal law.

The Huntington

Founded in 1919, The Huntington is a collections-based research and educational institution open to the public, housing world-class library, art, and botanical collections. Its mission is to support research and promote education in the arts, humanities, and botanical science and to display and interpret its extraordinary resources for diverse audiences.

The Culture

Here we are committed to the highest of standards in all that we do - from preserving and protecting the collections, to exhibitions, educational and scholarly programming, visitor and reader services, and beyond. Achieving excellence across these pursuits requires a diversity of perspectives, expertise, experience, and methodologies.

At The Huntington, our organizational Culture is shaped by the following core values: Intellectual curiosity, Collaboration, Stewardship, Belonging, and Integrity.

  • Intellectual Curiosity:Knowledge, lifelong learning, and a spirit of inquiry are at the core of our mission and organizational culture.

  • Collaboration:Teamwork and a collaborative attitude are important at all levels of The Huntington. We foster relationships internally among our departments and externally with organizations throughout the community.

  • Stewardship:We are committed to the care and development of our collections, our financial and physical resources, our staff, and our community.

  • Belonging:We strive to attract and maintain a workforce of individuals with diverse talents, backgrounds, and perspectives. Our organizational culture promotes a sense of welcome, inclusion, and connection.

  • Integrity:We value respect and honesty, working to fulfill our mission with honor and ethical principles.

Job Description

About the Role

The Paper Conservator is responsible for the physical care, preservation, and conservation treatment of manuscripts, photographs, and works of art on paper in the Library and Art collections. This position reports to the Dibner Senior Book and Paper Conservator and works closely with Library and Art Division staff across the institution in a team-oriented environment where collaboration and shared ideas are the norm. S/he/they will demonstrate a background of working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic and socioeconomic backgrounds, using a welcoming, inclusive, and accessible approach.

Essential Duties

  • Examines, analyzes, and performs both basic and complex paper conservation treatments on a broad range of paper-based materials including printed material, unbound manuscripts, photographs, works of art on paper, and parchment in accordance with AIC guidelines.

  • Provides full written and photographic documentation of treatments in accordance with AIC guidelines. Prepares condition assessments, conducts surveys, and provides other written reports as necessary.

  • Contributes to permanent and rotating exhibits including reviewing materials, making recommendations, and performing treatment. Reviews and prepares materials for incoming and outgoing loans.

  • Participates in preparing materials for digitization.

  • Working with other staff, develops and implements preservation and treatment strategies at the collection level. Participates in departmental activities such as emergency response and environmental control.

  • Keeps current on new developments in the field and participates in regional and national preservation activities as appropriate. Participates in educating staff, readers, and the wider public on matters related to conservation.

  • Assists in general organization, maintenance, and management of conservation laboratory. Researches and recommends laboratory equipment and supplies.

  • Works closely with supervisor and curatorial staff to set treatment priorities for paper materials.

  • Conducts or assists with workshops, seminars, and other training. May train and supervise interns.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Candidate Requirements and Experience

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

  • Master's degree from a graduate training program in conservation.

  • Thorough knowledge of conservation theory and practice, and materials science as it applies to paper-based materials.

  • Ability to perform complex conservation treatments both art and archival materials as demonstrated through a portfolio.

  • Excellent communication and organizational skills.

  • Demonstrated computer and related technology skills.

  • Evidence of professional activity, most typically through membership and participation in AIC.

Preferred:

  • Professional experiencein conservation of paper-based materials in an institutional setting highly preferred.

  • Demonstrated experience with exhibit or loan preparation including item examination, treatment, matting, framing, mounting, and evaluating transit needs.

Compensation & Benefits

We provide competitive compensation, generous benefits and perks for all eligible employees including:

  • Pay Range:$75,000.00 - $85,000.00. Commensurate on experience.

  • Medical, Dental, Vision

  • 403(b) retirement plan and matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match

  • Hybrid remote work schedule available for applicable positions

  • Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and holidays

  • Discounts for staff in The Huntington Store and restaurants

  • Free admission to various museums and cultural institutions

  • Free passes each month to welcome family and friends to visit the grounds

The Application Process

Please submit a cover letter and CV/resume as a single PDF attachment.

You will have the opportunity to submit additional documents on the "My Experience" section of the application.

Apply