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Full Time Museum Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Museum of Fine Arts

Registrar Fellow

Boston, MA · On-site

... Conservation, and Curatorial staff to meet the goals and mission of the Museum. Under the general ... Salary: $53,615 Full-Time, 35 hours per week 12.5 month term This position is affiliated with the ...

Shaker Village

Museum Intern

Harrodsburg, KY · On-site

$1.5K/wk

Position: Museum Intern (fall 2026) Status: Full-time (40 hours/week) for 10 weeks To Apply ... SVPH is committed to bridging historic preservation, land conservation, engaged learning and warm ...

Library Systems & Services LLC

Conservator

Landover, MD · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description The Conservator supports a major federal cultural institution in ... Working on-site in Landover, MD, under the direction of the Head of Book Conservation, the ...

Norman Rockwell Museum

Registrar

Stockbridge, MA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

Job Type Full-time Description Our Mission The Norman Rockwell Museum illuminates the power of ... Organizes necessary conservation interventions for collection and potential loan objects in ...

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Full Time Museum Conservation information

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How much do full time museum conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for full time 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 full time museum conservation professional?

To thrive as a Full Time Museum Conservation professional, you need expertise in materials science, art history, and conservation techniques, typically supported by a degree in conservation or a related field. Familiarity with analytical instruments, conservation documentation software, and environmental monitoring systems is often required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication with curators and stakeholders are standout soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential for preserving collections, ensuring the longevity of artifacts, and maintaining the integrity of museum exhibits.

What is the difference between Full Time Museum Conservation vs Museum Curator?

AspectFull Time Museum ConservationMuseum Curator
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Conservation, Art History, or related field; certifications like ISA or AICBachelor's or Master's in Museum Studies, Art History, or related field; often requires experience in curation
Work EnvironmentLaboratory or conservation studio within museums or cultural institutionsExhibition spaces, galleries, and administrative offices within museums
Employer & Industry UsageMuseums, galleries, cultural institutions focusing on preservationMuseums, historical societies, cultural organizations managing collections and exhibitions

Full Time Museum Conservation focuses on preserving and restoring artifacts, requiring specialized conservation skills. Museum Curators manage collections, develop exhibitions, and conduct research. Both roles are essential in museums but differ in daily tasks and expertise areas.

What are some of the typical challenges faced by museum conservation professionals in a full-time role?

Full-time museum conservation professionals often encounter challenges such as balancing the preservation needs of diverse collections with public accessibility. They must stay updated on the latest conservation techniques and materials, while also managing time-sensitive projects and collaborating with curators, registrars, and exhibition teams. Additionally, conservators frequently work under strict environmental and safety protocols to ensure the long-term protection of artifacts. Effective communication and adaptability are key in addressing the varied and sometimes unpredictable needs of different objects and stakeholders.

What is full time museum conservation?

Full time museum conservation jobs involve the preservation, restoration, and care of museum collections, such as artworks, historical artifacts, and natural specimens. Professionals in these roles assess the condition of objects, perform conservation treatments, and implement preventive measures to protect items from damage or deterioration. They may also document their work, conduct research, and collaborate with curators or other specialists to ensure the long-term preservation of cultural heritage. Full time positions typically require specialized education in conservation and may be based in museums, galleries, or cultural institutions.
What cities are hiring for Full Time Museum Conservation jobs? Cities with the most Full Time 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 Full Time Museum Conservation jobs? States with the most job openings for Full Time Museum Conservation jobs include:
Full Time Museum Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Museum Conservation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 68% Full Time, 29% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,215 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Assistant Conservator, Easel Paintings

Seattle Art Museum

Seattle, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Job description

ABOUT THE ROLE
 
The Assistant Conservator will assist with the conservation of Old Master, Modern and Contemporary easel paintings in the Seattle Art Museum (SAM) collection.
 
 
ABOUT SAM 
 
As SAM heads into its second century, we are boldly reimagining what we can and should be. Our goal is to be a model for the future of museums - a bold, dynamic hub of creativity, belonging, and cultural leadership, shaping the future of art and community. Embracing new ways of engaging communities and seeking innovative partnerships - all while keeping art and community at the center of what we do. This ambitious effort represents a transformative shift and radically redefining how art museums operate. This is a pivotal moment for SAM, and we are seeking great talent to join us on our journey. Working at SAM is not just a job-it's a chance to be part of a vibrant, creative community.
 
 
RESPONSIBILITIES 
  • Carry out conservation programs, including preservation, conservation, and restoration of works of art across all Seattle Art Museum sites, with a primary focus on paintings
  • Carry out all facets of examination, documentation, research, treatment, and long-term preservation of paintings in the museum's permanent collection
  • Accurately track and generate documentation of projects to be archived in the museum's collection database
  • Assist in preservation planning for the paintings portion of the collection
  • Assist in preservation planning and emergency preparedness and response as needed
  • Efficiently project manage treatment of works of art throughout the conservation process
  • If requested, serve as courier for at-risk works of art traveling to other institutions, carry out treatments, surveys, inspections and consultations as necessary
  • Research paintings from the museum collections and participate in sharing outcomes of research with the public and colleagues internally and externally. When appropriate present findings in lectures, displays and publications
  • Facilitate access to collections, supporting the museum's outgoing loan activities and exhibition schedule by preparing works of art for loan and display
  • Assist with supervision of conservation interns
  • Interact with a broad range of people, including museum visitors and the general public, donors, students, scholars and lenders, concerning conservation and preservation matters
  • Maintain the highest standards of museum practice through continued education, personal research, and active dialog with colleagues at other museums
  • Answer phone and mail inquiries about the collections preserved at SAM
  • Contribute to an institutional focus of delivering exceptional, welcoming, and inclusive customer service-creating positive, meaningful experiences for all visitors, every time
  • Participate in institutional learning opportunities to grow our collective understanding and integration of antiracism, cultural competency, and equity values into SAM's work
 
 
WE ARE LOOKING FOR 
Required Qualifications 
  • Master's degree or post-graduate diploma in Conservation, or equivalent combination of education and experience
  • Three years' experience in paintings conservation and preventive conservation, and evidence of strong bench skills
  • Knowledge of environmental requirements and controls for handling, storage, exhibition, and transportation of artwork
  • Ability to use hand and power tools and other equipment required in the conservation and transportation of artwork
  • Knowledge of materials used to make works of art and the chemical and physical processes of their deterioration
  • Knowledge of procedures relating to examination and preventive and corrective treatment of art objects, ability to remove unwanted material from delicate surfaces, perform structural repairs, match colors, and execute in-painting
  • Ability to work with extraordinary precision and attention to detail
  • Professional verbal and written communication, with an ability to tailor communications according to audience
  • Successfully assess priorities and work well with deadlines
  • Strong time management, problem solving, and analytical skills
  • Exercise discretion in maintaining confidentiality of sensitive information
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Zoom, Asana, Slack and internet-based research
  • Ability to pass and maintain security background check clearance
 
FLSA Status: Full Time, Non-Exempt 
Reports To: Chief Conservator
Work Location: Seattle Art Museum - Downtown Location
 
 
BENEFITS 
 
Benefits include a fully employer paid HMP medical plan or an employee contribution PPO plan, dental, vision, and basic life insurance/LTD/AD&D, Flexible Spending Account, Short Term Disability, Supplemental Dental Insurance and participation in SAM's 403b retirement plan.
 
Following 1 year of service and 1,000 hours worked, SAM makes a discretionary 3% employer contribution regardless of participation and provides an employer match program. Historically, this contribution has been made annually.
 
Additional benefits include paid time off for vacation, PSST, bereavement leave, and jury duty, 11 scheduled holidays, 1 paid floating holiday, a subsidized unlimited Orca card, onsite fitness facility, and an EAP. FT Staff also receive a Patron level membership to SAM, a Tier III membership to the American Alliance of Museums and discounts to museum shop and programming.
 
Relocation is available for this role. 
 
 
ACCOMODATION 
 
The Seattle Art Museum will consider reasonable accommodations for all employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions/duties of this position. If you need an accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact [email protected]. For candidates, we ask that, if possible, you wait until you're invited to a screen, online technical assessment or interview before requesting an accommodation.

SAM is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming workplace for all employees and volunteers. Guided by our mission to connect art to life and engage diverse communities, we strive to create a sense of belonging for all of the communities we serve. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other protected characteristic

Not sure you check every box? Research shows that candidates from underrepresented backgrounds often only apply if they meet 100% of the criteria. If you believe you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply!   
$69,300 - $84,700 a year
with a target hiring range of $77,000
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