Independent Contractor Textile Conservation Jobs

Are you passionate about textiles, fashion history, and cultural preservation? Do you thrive in museum environments while seeking a role that is both meaningful and creatively inspiring?

Paisley Park invites an experienced Textile Conservator to join our Museum Collections team and play a vital role in preserving one of the most distinctive collections in music history. This full-time position offers the rare opportunity to care for and conserve the iconic garments, costumes, and textile artifacts that reflect the extraordinary creative vision of Prince.

At Paisley Park, art, music, fashion, culture, and history converge. As Textile Conservator, you will help ensure that these remarkable objects continue to educate, inspire, and connect audiences with Prince's enduring legacy for generations to come.

Responsibilities

• Efficiently run conservation work area, including defining protocols and procedures
• Developing, researching, and implementing conservation strategies and treatment plans
• Training and advising museum and collections staff on conservation best practices
• Identify and perform daily conservation tasks
• Performing conservation assessments, stabilization treatments, and preservation work on a diverse range of textile materials
• Preparing detailed conservation reports and collection rotation procedures
• Dressing and mounting garments on custom mannequins for exhibition
• Advising on sustainable preservation methods for both storage and exhibition environments
• Monitoring environmental conditions and recommending improvements to collection care practices
• Participating in exhibition preparation, installations, and special projects
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Textile Conservation
• Professional experience as a conservator within a museum or cultural institution is preferred
• Strong knowledge of textile conservation practices and preventive conservation
• Experience handling a wide range of textile materials and artifact types
• Understanding of environmental impacts on collections and preservation standards
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail and organizational abilities
• Experience working with a team and independently - the ability to develop effective working relationships
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Knowledge of Prince, his artistic legacy, or his impact on fashion and culture is welcomed but not required.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, working hours, including some weekends, evenings, holidays, and overtime as required based on the event schedule. Mandatory staffing for the Prince Celebration event in June.

Physical Requirements

The primary physical requirements of the Museum Conservator include:

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
• Comfortable handling and moving collection storage materials
• Strong manual dexterity and attention to detail
• Excellent vision or corrected vision
• Ability to work with garments and mannequins in exhibition settings
• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds
• Ability to transport mannequins and exhibit materials between workspaces and exhibition areas

Paisley Park is more than a museum-it is a living celebration of Prince's artistry, innovation, and cultural impact. This is an opportunity to work with an extraordinary collection in a place where creativity, preservation, and storytelling come together every day.

• Work with a globally recognized collection of fashion and performance artifacts
• Contribute to the preservation of an internationally significant cultural legacy
• Collaborate with passionate museum, collections, and exhibition professionals
• Enjoy a dynamic environment where creativity and history intersect every day

Comprehensive Benefits Package Includes:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Pet insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Complimentary tour tickets
• Employee discounts

Note: As Prince was a pescatarian, Paisley Park is a pescatarian food environment. Eggs, fish, and cheese are fine; beef, pork, chicken, and other meats can be eaten in your car, or you may take meals off-site.

Chanhassen, MN, USA, Hourly, Full-Time