Museum Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mellon Fellowship in Painting Conservation

Why Join Us?

Consider joining our creative and dynamic teams! This is a two-year, full-time fellowship position hosted jointly by the Denver Art Museum and the Clyfford Still Museum in conservation of paintings. The fellowship provides an opportunity to gain valuable treatment and research experience within two distinct institutions- an encyclopedic museum and a single-artist museum. The fellow will work full-time for one year at each institution.

Working under the guidance of both DAM and CSM conservators, the fellow will complete projects and research relevant to each institution's goals and objectives. The fellow will focus on two aspects: treatment of the collection and drawing upon ongoing research to produce a publishable paper or conference presentation. The purpose of the role is to:

• Provide Fellow opportunities for the treatment of paintings in accordance with established procedures.
• Offers avenues for research and professional development in paintings conservation.
• Integrate Fellow in adopting and implementing museum-wide awareness/compliance of policies and procedures that affect and uphold the care and conservation of collections.

This position reports tothe Director of Conservation and Senior Paintings Conservator, Conservation and Technical Studies Department, Denver Art Museum and the Chief Conservator at the Clyfford Still Museum.

Pay, Benefits & Perks:

• Pay:The hourly/salary for the position is$53,000per year with $2,000 allocated annually for research and travel.

• Benefits:Fellows are eligible for the full-time benefits plan provided by each institution during their period of employment, benefits currently include:
  • A comprehensive medical/dental/vision plan available to extend to domestic partner, spouse, and/family
  • Life STD/LTD
  • Paid sick and vacation time
  • Paid parental leave
  • Retirement Plan
  • ECO Pass
  • Museum membership

What You'll Do

• Perform conservation treatment and evaluations of museum artifacts in accordance with established procedures.
• Create, maintain, and file accurate records of treatments.
• Attend assigned meetings on behalf of the Conservation Department at the Denver Art Museum and the Clyfford Still Museum.
• Conduct relevant surveys of museum collections.
• Develop and conduct research projects in consultation with supervisors.
• Prepare and execute lectures, tours, and educational programs in accordance with departmental priorities.
• Order laboratory supplies and equipment as required.
• Maintain laboratory and library cleanliness and order.
• Uphold museum values and maintain a collegial, respectful, and inclusive work environment.
• Present research and projects to general audiences, board, etc. as well as to professional peers.
• Adhere to safety guidelines in all workspaces.
• Adhere to the AIC Code of Ethics.
• Maintain current knowledge about the conservation field through reading and conference participation.

What We're Looking For

• Recent graduate from an accredited art conservation graduate program.
• Demonstratedcommitment to specialization in paintings conservation.

• Experience with conservation laboratory equipment including binocular microscope, polarizing microscope, cameras, fume hood, as well as small tools.
• Professional: dependable, accountable, communicative, focused, organized, takes initiative.
• Work independently and collaborate with conservation staff and other departments.
• Ability to learn institutional collections databases. Proficient in Microsoft and Google suites of products.

Work Environment & Activities

• Location:Onsite
• Hours:Standard office hours (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm); offices are open 7am-7pm
• Physical Requirements:
  • Use of precision tools, hand tools, and imaging equipment to perform conservation treatments and general laboratory work.
  • Occasional moderate lifting (25-50 pounds), including setup of tables, chairs, exhibition items, and event equipment.
  • Extended standing or frequent walking throughout museum and collections spaces.
  • Frequent computer use and hand-eye coordination tasks, including extended periods of typing, data entry, and screen use.
  • Work at heights or in confined spaces as needed, including use of ladders, lifts, scaffolding, crawl spaces, or other restricted areas.
• Workspace Conditions:
  • This position is performed in conservation laboratories, collections storage spaces, museum galleries, and modern collaborative workspaces-including open-plan shared spaces and private and shared offices; the work environment typically has a moderate noise level.
  • The position isnot covered by a collective bargaining agreement.
  • Please note: Parking at the museum is paid-only.

Our Hiring Process & What to Expect

We know job searching can be overwhelming, so here's a transparent look at our process:

• Application close date: June 20, 2026.
• Position start date: September 23, 2026.
• Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to phone calls or emails regarding application status. Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted directly.
• The interview process includes a phone/video interview and an in-person interview.

Who We Are

At the Denver Art Museum, we work together to build a world where art sparks creativity, and connects, inspires, and empowers people and communities. We are deeplycommitted to standingagainst discrimination, violence, and hate in allforms against any individual or group. We remain focused onfostering inclusion, equal opportunity, and belonging inside and out.

Home to one of the world's most intact public collections of any major artist, the Clyfford Still Museum offers nine beautiful galleries of Still's art, historic photos, objects and letters from the Clyfford Still Archives, interactive features, tranquil outdoor terraces, views into storage and conservation areas, a hands-on art creation studio, shopping, exciting programs and events, and more.

The Clyfford Still Museum is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful environment. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment based on race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, disability, political affiliation, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law, ordinance, or regulation.