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Museum Conservation Internship Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Shaker Village

Museum Intern

Harrodsburg, KY · On-site

$1.5K/wk

SVPH is committed to bridging historic preservation, land conservation, engaged learning and warm ... This internship is a career development opportunity designed to give college students or recent ...

Museum Of The Bible

Collections Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$65 - $70/hr

... interns. With new leadership in place, it's an exciting time to work at the museum as we plan for ... Collaborate with the Conservation Team to complete weekly checks of permanent collection objects in ...

State of Arkansas

MUSEUM SUPERVISOR/EXPERT

Little Rock, AR · On-site

$52K - $77K/yr

Supervise and provide leadership to museum staff, volunteers, and interns.Serve as a primary point ... Understanding of museum ethics, collections management standards, and conservation best practices.

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

$65 - $90/hr

... conservation is integrated into broader museum practices, with an emphasis on preserving and ... Mentor interns, fellows, and emerging professionals, supporting a culture of shared knowledge and ...

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How much do museum conservation internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 5, 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 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.

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 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.

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Museum Conservation Internship jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Conservation Internship job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 12% Internship, 58% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $32,333 per year, or $15.5 per hour.

Paper Conservator OR Associate Paper Conservator

COFAM- Corporation Of the Fine Arts Museums

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Paper Conservator OR Associate Paper Conservator to support the preservation, conservation treatment, and technical study of the Museums’ extensive collection of prints, drawings, photographs, and artist books. Reporting to the Head Paper Conservator, the Conservator / Associate Conservator will also have duties related to temporary exhibitions and loans of museum collections to other institutions.


Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by Monday, September 21, 2026. We plan to launch the interview process in October. Please see the “Additional” section for information about work sample requirements. 

CONSERVATOR - Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Applies specialized knowledge and skills to the care, handling, and conservation treatment of prints, drawings, photographs, and books. 

  2. Undertakes the examination and technical investigation of prints, drawings, photographs, and books, including the use of a Hirox digital microscope, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, and multi-band imaging system. Collaborates to build capacity for technical analysis and research.

  3. Prepares and archives visual and written documentation of treatments and research.

  4. Responsible for preventative care of the collections and loan items during exhibition, storage, and transport.

  5. May supervise and mentor associate/assistant conservators, fellows, and students.

  6. Confers with curatorial, conservation, exhibitions, and facilities staff on the preparation, conservation, and care of collections.

  7. Shares knowledge of the collections by contributing to exhibitions, online content, professional conferences, publications, tours, and other activities.

  8. Acts as a conservation lead for exhibitions.

  9. May travel domestically and internationally to examine and courier artworks.

  10. May take a lead role in broader conservation and museum initiatives at the request of the Director of Conservation.

  11. May perform other conservation duties as needed for special exhibitions, outgoing loans, acquisitions, preventive conservation, lab upkeep, and other departmental activities.


ASSOCIATE CONSERVATOR - Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Applies specialized knowledge and skills to the care, handling, and conservation treatment of prints, drawings, photographs, and books.

  2. Undertakes the examination and technical investigation of artworks, including the use of analytical techniques such as multi-band imaging, microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

  3. Prepares and archives visual and written documentation of treatments and research.

  4. Responsible for preventive care of the collections and loan items during exhibition, storage, and transport.

  5. Assists with supervision and mentorship of departmental contract conservators, fellows, interns and students.

  6. Confers with curatorial, conservation, exhibitions, and facilities teams on the preparation, conservation, and care of collections.

  7. Shares knowledge and findings by contributing to exhibitions, digital content, publications, professional conferences, tours, and other activities.

  8. May act as their conservation department’s lead for an exhibition.

  9. May travel domestically and internationally to examine and courier artworks.

  10. Participates in museum-wide committees and initiatives as appropriate.

  11. May perform other conservation duties as needed for special exhibitions, outgoing loans, acquisitions, preventive conservation, lab upkeep, and other departmental activities.


CONSERVATOR – Minimum Qualifications 

Education, Training, Experience

  • Master’s degree from a recognized graduate conservation program or the equivalent.

  •  At least ten years of museum experience in the field of paper conservation.

  •  Experience with mentorship and project management. 

  •  Active development of professional skills.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

  •  Advanced knowledge of conservation methods, techniques and procedures involved in the maintenance and care of a museum collection of fine arts.

  •  Ability to perform a wide variety of conservation procedures with manual dexterity, sensitivity to materials, and an ethical approach.

  •  Proficiency with analytical tools used for the examination of prints, drawings, photographs, and books.

  •  Ability to manage complex projects while adhering to institutional priorities, deadlines, and budgets. 

  •  Excellent art-handling skills.