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Museum Conservation Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lakewood

Museum Curator

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$74K - $82K/yr

Recruits, trains, supervises, and evaluates variable collections staff, interns, and volunteers, as ... conservation-wise installation and mount-making. Knowledge of local, state and regional 20th ...

City of Lakewood, CO

Museum Curator

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$74K - $82K/yr

... staff, interns, and volunteers, as appropriate. • Identifies, pursues, and administers ... including conservation-wise installation and mount-making. • Knowledge of local, state and ...

Washington University of St. Louis

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

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How much do museum conservation internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 15, 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.
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Museum Conservation Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Conservation Internship job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 85% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,333 per year, or $15.5 per hour.
Associate Book Conservator (38441)

Associate Book Conservator (38441)

Walters Art Museum

Baltimore, MD

$77K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 4 hours ago

Job description

ABOUT THE WALTERS ART MUSEUM 

The Walters Art Museum is among America's most distinctive museums, forging connections between people and art from cultures around the world and spanning seven millennia. Located in Baltimore’s Mount Vernon neighborhood, the Walters is free for all. The museum’s campus includes five historic buildings and 36,000 art objects. 

Today, the Walters serves Baltimore and Maryland by embracing its role as educator and storyteller, using the collection as a vehicle of knowledge and cultural expression to support learning, dialogue, and community engagement. The museum is committed to public education, offering essential programs that help people to connect art to their lives. The Walters Visitor Promise aligns staff and volunteers across the museum to preserve and share the works in our care for future generations, partner with communities, and create welcoming, accessible experiences for visitors. The museum offers challenging and creative work opportunities by promoting collaboration and teamwork. 

OVERVIEW OF ROLE 

The Associate Book Conservator isresponsible for the preservation and conservation of the Walters’ collections of manuscripts, rare books, and works of art on paper. They will join a team of conservation professionals with specialties in objects, paintings, preventive, and conservation science. They will work collaboratively across the Department of Conservation, Collections, and Technical Research to implement exhibitions, installations, rotations, programs, and other projects. This role reports to the Managing Head of Conservation and Technical Research. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Prepares, examines, treats, and documents the museum’s manuscripts, rare books, and works of art on paper collections for exhibition, loan, and acquisition.  
  • Conducts condition surveys of the collection to establish treatment priorities; carries out emergency treatment on works that are actively deteriorating. 
  • Works with the museum’s Conservation Scientist to perform technical studies and analysis on works in the collections to determine materials, methods of manufacture, and authenticity. 
  • Determines causes of deterioration and develops appropriate treatment methodologies. 
  • Participates in preventive conservation, including evaluating and making recommendations for display, storage and transport, and rehousing. 
  • Evaluates, obtains, and maintains equipment and materials needed to carry out conservation treatment and preventive maintenance to professionally accepted standards. 
  • Assists in writing grant proposals and oversees grant projects to address priority preservation needs. 
  • Works in collaboration with Digital Production and Publication team to support ongoing digitization of the Walters’ book collection. 
  • Coordinates work of contractors in support of book and paper-based materials in preparation for exhibition and loan. 
  • Assists in mentoring fellows, interns, and volunteers entering the conservation profession. 
  • Contributes to the professional conservation field through lectures, publications, and teaching. 
  • Works in the Conservation Window, our public-facing space for engagement. 
  • Acts as a courier for the Walters collection during transit. 
  • All other duties as assigned.
  • MA or MS in art conservation with a specialization in book conservation. 
  • Minimum of five years working in a museum or library setting, inclusive of full-year graduate level internship. 
  • Must have demonstrated experience with structural treatment of bound volumes, preferably manuscripts and rare books. 
  • Comprehensive knowledge of treatment methods, materials, preventive conservation principles, and methodology. 
  • Knowledge of art history and history of the book relevant to specialty. 
  • Knowledge of ethical and practical professional standards. 
  • Familiarity with analytical techniques, uses, and limitations. 
  • Excellent conservation planning, documentation, decision-making, and manual skills for structural and aesthetic treatment; must have demonstrated experience with technical studies materials research as applied to area of specialty; good research, teaching, administrative, oral and written communication skills; skills in research and analytical techniques and interpretation appropriate to specialty. 
  • Proficient in Microsoft Word and Google platforms preferred. 

SCHEDULED SHIFT

Standard workweek is Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with periodic Saturdays to work in the Conservation Window. Event weeks are subject to different hours, as needed. Must have flexibility to work weekends and evenings and to travel as necessary. 

ANNUAL SALARY $77,813 

The Walters Art Museum provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, prescription, vision, subsidized transportation and parking, museum membership, short term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, FSA (flexible spending account), 457b retirement, and free professional financial management counseling. This is a 100% onsite position and is part of the AFSCME-WWU collective bargaining unit. All employees must be legally authorized to work in the United States. The museum does not sponsor work visas.

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