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Contract Museum Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Whitney Museum of American Art

Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$54.67/hr

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement between the Museum and the AFL-CIO ... to ensure that conservation standards HVAC standards, life safety, and aesthetic lighting ...

Whitney Museum of American Art

Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$54.67/hr

This position is governed by a collective bargaining agreement between the Museum and the AFL-CIO ... to ensure that conservation standards HVAC standards, life safety, and aesthetic lighting ...

State of Arkansas

HERITAGE MANAGER I

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$71K - $105K/yr

Key Responsibilities • Provide day-to-day leadership and supervision of museum staff • Oversee ... Oversee heritage site management, conservation efforts, and cultural programs.Ensure compliance ...

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Contract Museum Conservation information

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How much do contract museum conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 17, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract museum conservation in the United States is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Contract Museum Conservator, you need a solid background in conservation science, art history, and hands-on experience with artifact preservation, typically supported by a relevant degree or certification in conservation. Familiarity with tools like microscopes, spectrometers, and specialized conservation software is essential for assessing and treating diverse materials. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills set exceptional conservators apart, especially when collaborating with museum staff or clients. These competencies ensure the effective preservation of cultural heritage, adherence to ethical standards, and successful project outcomes within defined timeframes.

What is the difference between Contract Museum Conservation vs Contract Art Conservation?

AspectContract Museum ConservationContract Art Conservation
CredentialsTypically requires conservation certifications, degrees in conservation or related fieldsSimilar credentials, often requiring art conservation certifications and specialized training
Work EnvironmentMuseums, cultural institutions, conservation labsArt galleries, private collections, conservation labs
Employer & IndustryMuseums, cultural heritage organizationsArt collectors, galleries, private clients
Search & Comparison IntentPeople comparing roles in cultural heritage preservationIndividuals interested in art-specific conservation work

Contract Museum Conservation and Contract Art Conservation share similar credentials and work environments, both focusing on preserving cultural or artistic assets. The main difference lies in their focus: museum conservation emphasizes heritage preservation within institutions, while art conservation centers on individual artworks, often in private settings.

What are contract museum conservators?

Contract museum conservators are professionals who work on a temporary or project basis to preserve and restore objects, artworks, and artifacts in museums. Unlike staff conservators, they are hired for specific projects or periods, providing specialized expertise for conservation tasks such as assessment, cleaning, stabilization, and repair. They often work independently or with conservation firms and may serve multiple institutions. Their work is vital in ensuring the long-term preservation of cultural heritage items according to ethical and scientific standards.

What are some typical challenges faced by contract museum conservators when working on short-term projects?

Contract museum conservators often face challenges such as quickly adapting to new institutional protocols, handling diverse collections within limited timeframes, and balancing the need for thorough documentation with project deadlines. Because contracts are often project-based, conservators may need to coordinate closely with curators, registrars, and other staff to ensure conservation treatments align with exhibit schedules and institutional priorities. Flexibility, strong communication skills, and efficient project management are key to overcoming these challenges and ensuring successful outcomes.
More about Contract Museum Conservation jobs
What cities are hiring for Contract Museum Conservation jobs? Cities with the most Contract Museum Conservation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Conservation jobs? The most popular types of Museum Conservation jobs are:
What states have the most Contract Museum Conservation jobs? States with the most job openings for Contract Museum Conservation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Contract Museum Conservation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Contract Museum Conservation jobs are:
Contract Museum Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Museum Conservation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 50% Full Time, and 50% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $43,215 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Animal Keeper Helper (HG 5001-05)

National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute

Washington, DC • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

Description
OPEN DATE: August 28, 2025                                   
CLOSING DATE: September 11, 2025 (This job will close once 100 applications are received which may be sooner than the closing date.)                           
POSITION TYPE: Trust Fund
APPOINTMENT TYPE:  Permanent/Indefinite    
SCHEDULE: Full Time
DUTY LOCATION: Front Royal, VA
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk
 
Open to all qualified applicants 
What are Trust Fund Positions?
Trust Fund positions are unique to the Smithsonian. They are paid for from a variety of sources, including the Smithsonian endowment, revenue from our business activities, donations, grants and contracts. Trust employees are not part of the civil service, nor does trust fund employment lead to Federal status. The salary ranges for trust positions are generally the same as for federal positions and in many cases trust and federal employees work side by side. Trust employees have their own benefit program and may include Health, Dental & Vision Insurance, Life Insurance, Transit/Commuter Benefits, Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance, Annual and Sick Leave, Family Friendly Leave, 403b Retirement Plan, Discounts for Smithsonian Memberships, Museum Stores and Restaurants, Credit Union, Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center (Child Care), Flexible Spending Account (Health & Dependent Care). 
 
Conditions of Employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Check and Subsequent Background Investigation for position designated as low risk.
  • Complete a Probationary Period
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer.
  • The position is open to all candidates eligible to work in the United States.  Proof of eligibility to work in U.S. is not required to apply.
  • Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this announcement.


OVERVIEW
The Smithsonian Institution is a unique complex of 21 museums and galleries, the National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute and nine research centers. The Smithsonian is a national and world treasure and is dedicated to its founding mission, “the increase and diffusion of knowledge.” The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute play a leading role in the Smithsonian’s global efforts to save wildlife species from extinction and train future generations of conservationists. The Smithsonian Institution is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
 
The Smithsonian’s National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) is a leader in the conservation, care, exhibition, and research of wildlife and habitats.  NZCBI’s employees in the nation’s capital, Virginia, and worldwide and as part of the Smithsonian make it prominent in national and international affairs involving conservation, zoos, wildlife, public outreach, and biological research.
   
This position is located at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) Research Headquarters in Front Royal, Virginia.   It has an onsite employee parking is currently available at no cost. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The Animal Keeper position is located at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute (SCBI) in Front Royal, Virginia. The incumbent is responsible for performing a variety of duties that ensure the proper care, feeding, exhibition, and propagation of a collection of animals.
In this position, you will:
  • Assist higher graded Animal Keepers in performing a variety of tasks associated with the proper care, feeding, exhibition, and propagation of a collection of wild and exotic animals. 
  • Clean animal enclosures by hosing, sweeping, scrubbing, raking, and removing manure, unconsumed food, and other refuse.
  • Receive training and developmental assignments in the receipt, storage, inspection, inventory, preparation and issuance of food and dietary supplements, forage, and bedding materials. Unloads and stores food supplies. As instructed and under close supervision prepares animal diets according to standard procedures.
  • Keep service areas and adjacent public areas clean. 

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
  • Requires the ability to catch and handle docile animals by hand or by using nets without injuring the animals or endangering oneself.
  • Requires familiarity with a range of animal species in order to identify them by natural markings.
  • Requires skill and ability to carry out routine animal keeper duties.
  • Requires ability to understand instructions given by higher-level animal keeper personnel.
Applicants, who wish to qualify based on education completed outside the United States, must be deemed equivalent to higher education programs of U.S. Institutions by an organization that specializes in the interpretation of foreign educational credentials. This documentation is the responsibility of the applicant and should be included as part of your application package.
 
Any false statement in your application may result in your application being rejected and may also result in termination after employment begins.
  
The Smithsonian Institution values and seeks a diverse workforce. Join us in "Inspiring Generations through Knowledge and Discovery."
 
 Resumes should include a description of your paid and non-paid work experience that is related to this job; starting and ending dates of job (month and year); and average number of hours worked per week.  
What To Expect Next: Once the vacancy announcement closes, a review of your resume will be compared against the qualification and experience requirements related to this job. After review of applicant resumes is complete, qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager.
 
Relocation expenses are not paid.
 
The Smithsonian Institution provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact BiagasL@si.edu. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.  To learn more, please review the Smithsonian’s Accommodation Procedures.
 
The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that a workforce comprising a variety of educational, cultural, and experiential backgrounds support and enhance our daily work life and contribute to the richness of our exhibitions and programs. See Smithsonian EEO program information: www.si.edu/oeema.