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Museum Conservation Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position works closely with archivists, curators, volunteers, and interns. IDEAL CANDIDATE ... Principles of museum conservation. Museum standards and techniques for shipping artifacts.

New

Supervises part-time student assistants, vendors, contractors, and interns. Primary Duties ... conservation-related information. * Undertakes cataloging and condition reporting of collection ...

Museum Curator

Washington, DC Ā· On-site +1

$169K - $197K/yr

Oversees installations, object research, cataloguing, conservation priorities, interpretive ... Supervises curatorial staff, fellows, interns, and contractors, and represents the department ...

Museum Curator

Washington, DC Ā· On-site +1

$169K - $197K/yr

Oversees installations, object research, cataloguing, conservation priorities, interpretive ... Supervises curatorial staff, fellows, interns, and contractors, and represents the department ...

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Museum Conservation Internship information

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How much do museum conservation internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum conservation internship in the United States is $15.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.50 and $17.55 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Museum Conservation Intern, you need a foundational understanding of art history, chemistry, and conservation principles, often supported by relevant coursework or a related degree. Familiarity with conservation tools, documentation software, and environmental monitoring systems is typically expected. Attention to detail, patience, and strong communication skills help interns collaborate with conservators and handle delicate artifacts responsibly. These skills ensure the preservation of cultural heritage and the integrity of museum collections for future generations.

What is the difference between Museum Conservation Internship vs Museum Curator?

AspectMuseum Conservation InternshipMuseum Curator
Required CredentialsTypically pursuing or holding a conservation, art history, or related degreeUsually requires a master's degree in museum studies, art history, or related field
Work EnvironmentHands-on conservation labs, museums, and storage areasExhibition planning, collection management, and public engagement spaces
Employer & Industry UsageInternships offered by museums, galleries, and conservation labsMuseums, cultural institutions, and galleries

The Museum Conservation Internship focuses on developing practical conservation skills in a hands-on environment, often for students or early-career professionals. In contrast, a Museum Curator oversees collections, exhibitions, and educational programs, typically requiring advanced degrees and more experience. Both roles are essential in museums but serve different functions within the industry.

What kinds of projects and responsibilities can I expect during a Museum Conservation Internship?

As a Museum Conservation Intern, you can expect to work closely with conservators on the examination, documentation, and treatment of artifacts or artworks. Typical tasks may include assisting with condition assessments, conducting research on materials and techniques, documenting conservation processes, and participating in preventive care such as monitoring environmental conditions. Interns often collaborate with curators, registrars, and exhibition teams, gaining exposure to both hands-on treatment and the broader context of collection care. This experience provides valuable insight into the daily challenges of preserving cultural heritage and builds foundational skills for a career in conservation.

What is a Museum Conservation Internship?

A Museum Conservation Internship is a temporary, hands-on work experience for students or early-career professionals interested in the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage objects. Interns typically work under the guidance of experienced conservators, learning about various conservation techniques, documentation, preventive care, and ethical considerations in the field. The internship provides valuable exposure to museum environments and helps build the practical skills necessary for a career in conservation. Duties may include assisting with condition assessments, treatments, research, and educational outreach. These internships are often offered by museums, galleries, or cultural institutions and may be paid or unpaid.
More about Museum Conservation Internship jobs
What cities are hiring for Museum Conservation Internship jobs? Cities with the most Museum Conservation Internship 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 Museum Conservation Internship jobs? States with the most job openings for Museum Conservation Internship jobs include:
Infographic showing various Museum Conservation Internship 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 $32,333 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Sherman Fairchild Conservator in Charge, Photographs Conservation

100 The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Chicago, IL

$210K - $235K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 25 days ago


Job description

Conservator in Charge – Department of Photograph and Time‐Based Conservation The Conservator in Charge is responsible for the conservation of the collections of photographs and time‐based media in all museum departments, leading a team of five conservators and an administrator. Primary Responsibilities Lead, mentor and inspire a team of conservators, an administrator, fellows, and interns. Responsible for future staffing plans, project allocation, professional development, and operating budgets. Coordinate the examination of photographs and time‐based media for the Museum's extensive loan and exhibition schedule, including installations throughout the permanent collections. Responsible for the conservation of photographs and time‐based media throughout the museum's collections. Advise on decisions relating to the Museum environment, installations, capital projects, exhibitions, acquisition and storage that involve photographs and time‐based media art. Undertake treatment and study of works. Coordinate and oversee the examination of photographs and time‐based media artworks that enter the museum through acquisition, gift, and loan, including loan exhibitions. Coordinate and enhance the department's donor programs. Encourage and support research, publishing, and innovative approaches that reflect the latest advances in the field. Liaise with all other relevant departments, including Conservation & Science, Curatorial, Exhibitions, Registrar, Digital, Buildings, Publications, Education, Design, and Development. Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Master's degree in conservation, or the equivalent, with an emphasis on the examination and treatment of photographs and time‐based media. Demonstrated leadership and management skills in an active museum conservation department with wide‐ranging responsibilities. Demonstrated achievements in conservation treatments, independent research, and publications relating to the conservation of objects and the technical history of artist's materials and techniques. Minimum of ten years' experience in the conservation of photographs or time‐based media, including experience with a major museum collection preferred. Broad understanding of modern conservation practice and its integration with the historical study of objects, proficiency in laboratory methods and familiarity with analytical instrumentation. Excellent record in conservation ethics, philosophy and practice and the use of analytical instrumentation. Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Broad recognition within the field, including internationally. Commitment to encouraging diversity in the field and to supporting interns and fellows. A demonstrated ability in teaching and training emerging professionals. Compensation Pay Range: $210,000.00 – $235,000.00 / Annually. Location At time of employment, employees are expected to be located within commuting distance of the Museum. "Commuting distance" means that they are located in one of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, or Pennsylvania (the "Tri‐state and PA" areas). Benefits Medical, dental, vision and life insurance. 403(b) basic retirement plan and optional matching retirement plan with an outstanding employer match. Considerable paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and 13 Museum holidays. Long‐term disability coverage. Flexible Spending Accounts & Health Savings Account (pre‐tax income for eligible health care expenses). Commuter benefits (pre‐tax income for parking or mass transit expenses). Free financial‐planning services. Financial assistance for relevant coursework, seminars, and training programs. 25% discount for staff in Museum shops. Subsidized staff cafeteria. Access to the Museums Council pass, which grants free admission to various museums and cultural institutions. Equal Opportunity The Metropolitan Museum of Art provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, mental or physical disability, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status or domestic partner status, genetic information, genetic predisposition or carrier status, gender identity, HIV status, military status and any other category protected by law in all employment decisions, including but not limited to recruitment, hiring, compensation, training and apprenticeship, promotion, upgrading, demotion, downgrading, transfer, lay‐off and termination, and all other terms and conditions of employment. #J-18808-Ljbffr