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Museum Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Veitusa

Vintage Car Museum Curator

Rogers, MN

Oversee the care, documentation, and conservation of antique automobiles and related artifacts ... Represent the museum through speaking engagements, community presentations, and partnerships.

Brown County, WI

Museum Director

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$95.71K/yr

Continuous Job Summary Oversees the museum operations, provides for the collection and preservation/conservation of relevant and significant objects of art, history, and science from or used in ...

Brown County

Museum Director

Green Bay, WI

$95.71K/yr

Job Summary Oversees the museum operations, provides for the collection and preservation/conservation of relevant and significant objects of art, history, and science from or used in Northeast ...

SIRIS LLC

Museum Specialist

Greensboro, NC · On-site

$70K - $90K/yr

Collection Care/ Preventative Conservation Certifications Experience * The applicant is required to have three (3) years of full-time work or its part-time equivalent in museum curation and ...

The Pennsylvania State University

POSITION SPECIFICS The Palmer Museum of Art is seeking a Museum Preparator to assist with ... Participate in gallery maintenance and preventative conservation (e.g., care of outdoor sculpture)

SIRIS LLC

Museum Specialist

Greensboro, NC

$70K - $90K/yr

Collection Care/ Preventative Conservation Certifications Experience * The applicant is required to have three (3) years of full-time work or its part-time equivalent in museum curation and ...

SIRIS

Museum Specialist

Greensboro, NC

$70K - $90K/yr

Collection Care/ Preventative Conservation Certifications Experience * The applicant is required to have three (3) years of full-time work or its part-time equivalent in museum curation and ...

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How much do museum conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for museum conservation in the United States is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Museum Conservation job?

A museum conservation job involves preserving, restoring, and protecting artifacts, artworks, and historical objects. Conservators assess the condition of items, conduct research, and apply specialized techniques to prevent deterioration. They work with materials like paintings, textiles, sculptures, and documents, often using scientific analysis to guide their efforts. Their goal is to ensure cultural and historical artifacts remain intact for future generations while maintaining ethical restoration standards.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Museum Conservation position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Museum Conservation, you need a strong background in chemistry, materials science, art history, and hands-on conservation techniques, typically supported by a relevant degree or graduate qualification. Proficiency with specialized analytical instruments, conservation documentation software, and familiarity with international conservation standards or certifications (such as AIC) is often required. Attention to detail, effective communication, and collaborative problem-solving are standout soft skills in this field. These abilities are crucial to ensure the long-term preservation of cultural artifacts while working efficiently within multidisciplinary museum teams.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Museum Conservation professional?

A Museum Conservation professional's typical day involves examining and assessing the condition of artifacts, performing conservation treatments to stabilize and restore objects, and meticulously documenting all procedures. They often collaborate with curators, exhibition planners, and scientists to develop appropriate care plans and advise on display or storage conditions. Additionally, conservators may conduct research into new materials or conservation methods and help train staff or volunteers on proper handling techniques. This role requires a balance of hands-on technical work and communication, making each day diverse and intellectually engaging.
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Museum Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Conservation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,215 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Conservation Science Fellow

Conservation Science Fellow

The Mariners' Museum and Park

Newport News, VA • On-site

$55K/yr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a full-time Conservation Science Fellow to conduct research focused on electron microscopy and column chromatography. This two-year, grant-funded position is supported by an IMLS Leadership Grant for Museums. The successful candidate will join our growing conservation research program, located in the state-of-the-art, 20,000-square-foot Batten Conservation Complex. For more details about the laboratory's equipment, research, and publications, please visit the link below.
The Mariners' Museum and Park - Conservation Science Research
Project Details:
The primary focus of this fellowship is to contribute to fundamental research and help improve the treatment of waterlogged organic artifacts such as those recovered from wooden shipwrecks. During burial, historical ships spend centuries submerged in a marine environment often surrounded by sulfur-reducing bacteria. Over time, these organisms produce hydrogen sulfide which reacts with the organic materials onsite, forming compounds which can severely damage wooden artifacts after they are dried. Therefore, extracting sulfur compounds from wood prior to drying is critical to help mitigate the potential for long-term debilitating issues. Through previous research funding from a National Center for Preservation Technology and Training grant in 2023, initial background research and preliminary sulfur extraction tests via chromatography on cellulose coupons were conducted with promising results.
To build off and expand this foundational work, this fellowship is centered on scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and column chromatography of sulfur containing compounds in organic matrices. The fellow will work with the Assistant Research Scientist under the direct supervision of the Research Scientist and Senior Archaeological Conservator who are overseen by the Director of Conservation and Chief Conservator.
Application:
In addition to a cover letter and CV, candidates must include at least one reference letter from a scientist familiar with your work experience.
The intended start date for this fellowship is on or before June 1, 2026
This is a full-time, salary-exempt position with a salary of $55,000; applicants must be able to work in the United States. No phone calls, please - only applicants being considered for interviews will be contacted.
Requirements
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:
  • Designing experiments, evaluating results as well as writing reports and peer-reviewed publications.
  • Experience with microscopy, specifically Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy.
  • Experience with chromatography and other separation techniques.
  • Familiarity with analytical equipment and methodology specific to conservation science.
  • Working knowledge of Microsoft Office.
  • Organizational skills necessary for planning/organizing professional seminars, lectures, workshops, and publications.
  • Experience in public outreach is preferred.
  • Attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Familiarity with accepted practices for achieving and ensuring safety in the laboratory.
  • Consistent capacity for respectful and professional interpersonal relations.

Education and Experience:
  • The scientist eligible for this position is a postgraduate (Master's degree) or postdoctoral (PhD) with at least two years of research laboratory experience, ideally in materials science, organic chemistry, sulfur chemistry, analytical chemistry, or related fields required.
  • Cultural heritage related experience is preferred, but not required.

Conditions of Employment:
  • Must be able to pass a background check and drug screen prior to employment.

Salary Description
$55,000 / year

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