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Museum Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

James Madison's Montpelier

Museum Technician

Orange, VA

$37K - $46K/yr

As a member of the Curatorial and Collections Department, the Museum Technician provides the primary support for the routine maintenance and preventative conservation activities for the Fine and ...

James Madison's Montpelier

Museum Technician

Orange, VA

$37K - $46K/yr

As a member of the Curatorial and Collections Department, the Museum Technician provides the primary support for the routine maintenance and preventative conservation activities for the Fine and ...

Collier County

Museum Curator

Naples, FL

$66K - $107K/yr

Maintains museum's research library holdings and extensive vertical files; ensures collections are ... Performs minor repairs and conservation on objects, polishes exhibit cases. Tends to historic ...

Brown County

Museum Director

Green Bay, WI

$95K/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 ...

Tidewater and Big Bend Foundation

VA · On-site

Museum Curator & Manager of Outreach New Kent, VA Cumberland Estat e is an expansive rural property ... Provide for the security and conservation of delicate or high-value it * ems.Conduct extensive ...

New

Brown County, WI

Museum Director

Green Bay, WI · On-site

$95K/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 ...

Casper College

Museum Assistant

Casper, WY · On-site

$16.75 - $18.43/hr

The Museum Assistant is responsible for visitor relations as guests, students, faculty and staff ... Maintain records of tours and visitors. * Assist with the maintenance and conservation of the ...

Collier County, FL

Museum Curator

Naples, FL · On-site

$66K - $107K/yr

... conservation on objects, polishes exhibit cases. • Tends to historic buildings and structures ... As assigned to Museum Education: • Plans, presents, and evaluates museum programming; plans age ...

Chrysler Museum Of Art

Art Preparator I

Norfolk, VA · On-site

$21 - $24.04/hr

Compliance with Museum Standards & Protocols - Adhering to conservation-approved handling methods, safety regulations, and environmental controls. * Timely Execution of Projects - Completing ...

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 ...

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All JobsMuseum Conservation Jobs

Museum Conservation information

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$12

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$33

How much do museum conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 17, 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.

More about Museum Conservation jobs
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Museum Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Conservation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,215 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Conservation Ecologist - Keller Science Action Center

Conservation Ecologist - Keller Science Action Center

Field Museum

Chicago, IL • On-site

$62K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position: Conservation Ecologist, Chicago Region
FLSA Status: Exempt
Department: Keller Science Action Center
Our Mission: Since the 1893 World Columbian Exposition, our organization has aimed to connect people to the natural environment and human history.
Join our team and enjoy a benefits package that truly supports your well-being and lifestyle:
  • Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including medical, dental, vision plans, and even pet insurance.
  • Financial Security: Life and disability benefits plus a 403(b) savings plan to help you plan for the future.
  • Work-Life Balance: Generous paid time off, paid sick leave, and paid holidays to ensure you have time to recharge and spend with loved ones.
  • Exclusive Perks: Enjoy great employee discounts and complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions.

We're dedicated to enhancing your life both at work and beyond!
The Field Museum's Keller Science Action Center translates museum science and expertise into action for conservation and quality of life. We are seeking a Conservation Ecologist to support work in the Chicago Wilderness region, where we collaborate with a wide network of partners to advance conservation on the ground in Chicago, Kankakee County, and Northwest Indiana, with the potential to extend into other areas.
The successful candidate brings strong knowledge of regional conservation context and natural and human communities, a passion for collaborative interdisciplinary research and fieldwork, and taxonomic expertise in at least one focal group, and a dedication to quick and tangible results. This experienced conservation ecologist will contribute to the strategy, methods and future direction of the Chicago Program, and will work with team members to develop and implement effective, collaborative approaches oriented to decision-making for conservation and people's well-being.
This position is hired on a 3-year term with potential for renewal, is based at the Field Museum in Chicago and reports to the Sr. Director of the Keller Science Action Center. The work involves regular local field work, and 10-20% of the year devoted to regional travel.
Review of candidates will begin June 8 and continue until the position is filled.
Duties and Responsibilities:
  • Provide ecological and taxonomic expertise to Action Center conservation efforts.
  • Lead initiatives within the Chicago program with an interdisciplinary team that includes ecologists, social scientists, and educators.
  • Collaborate as a lead scientist in the Chicago region including planning, fieldwork, and technical reporting to establish and sustain conservation that benefits local communities.
  • Manage key relationships with partners and help establish new partnerships that advance our conservation and well-being goals.
  • Work closely with Action Center staff and partners to synthesize insights and outcomes across particular experiences and generate understanding to leverage results at larger landscape scales.
  • Support the monitoring, evaluation, and iterative improvement of the program.
  • Contribute to grant proposals, technical reports, and other materials for dissemination, including peer-reviewed publications, that support the creation or management of conservation landscapes.
  • Support the creation of conservation tools and training opportunities for conservation professionals, scientists, and other stakeholders.
  • Integrate ecological expertise into the development of long-term conservation strategies in collaboration with other Action Center scientists and partners, identifying and implementing opportunities to expand conservation programming and funding.

Experience and Qualifications (Required):
  • Advanced degree in ecology, conservation biology, wildlife science, or related conservation science field
  • Minimum 4 years of experience in applied conservation science, including fieldwork and project implementation
  • Demonstrated experience working in the Chicago region or a similar large metropolitan ecosystem where conservation occurs across an urban-natural mosaic and at corridor/landscape scales.
  • Experience managing projects and competent working both independently and in a team
  • Strong writing, editing and verbal communication skills: able to structure ideas clearly and to communicate them in English to a wide range of audiences
  • Proficiency with digital work platforms such as MS Office and Google Workspace
  • Willingness to work in a fast-paced environment

Preferred
  • Experience receiving input from local communities to shape their research.
  • Fluency in Spanish
  • Experience working with diverse partners and stakeholders

Applications must include the following:
• Resume
• Cover Letter
• A minimum of three professional references
Equity Commitment
The Keller Science Action Center is committed to a workforce that is diverse and inclusive and the Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Field Museum strives to create a working environment that is free of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation and that promotes human dignity among all staff. Realizing that good relations between co-workers are an integral part of job satisfaction, the Field Museum strives to create a climate of mutual respect among all employees.
Supervision Received:
Receives general supervision by Keller Science Action Sr. Director
Supervision Exercised:
The position has no direct supervisory responsibilities.
Work Hours and Shift:
35 hours
Hybrid Eligibility:
Eligible
Location:
1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Chicago, IL 60605
Union Representation: This position is represented by Field Museum Workers' United, AFSCME Council 31, AFL-CIO.
Pay Range: $62,000-$70,000
PLEASE READ: *When you apply for multiple positions, please make sure to delete your previous resume and cover letter and upload the latest version of your resume and cover letter that is relevant to the job you are applying for, every time you apply. This will help our hiring managers access the correct documents. Please note that removing the resume and cover letter will not delete any previously submitted resumes and cover letters.
The Field Museum is an equal-opportunity employer. We are committed to providing a workplace free from discrimination, embracing diversity, and fostering mutual respect. We value the unique perspectives each team member brings, which empowers our ability to innovate and overcome challenges.
At the Field Museum, we are dedicated to making our career website and recruitment process accessible to everyone. If you encounter any difficulty when using or accessing our online application, or if you need a reasonable accommodation for completing your application, participating in interviews, or any other part of the selection process, please reach out to us at recruitment@fieldmuseum.org.

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