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Museum Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

VA ยท 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 ...

Museum Director

Green Bay, WI ยท 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 ...

Art Preparator I

Norfolk, VA ยท 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 ...

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 ...

Museum Specialist

Greensboro, NC ยท 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 ...

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC ยท On-site +1

$121K - $158K/yr

Examples of qualifying specialized experience include collections management, registration, cataloging, research, preservation, restoration, or conservation of collections of museum material, or ...

Museum Specialist

Greensboro, NC ยท 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 ...

Cost Consciousness - Conserves organizational resources. Adaptability - Manages competing demands ... museum or teaching experience/training preferred; or equivalent combination of education and ...

Museum Specialist

Washington, DC ยท On-site +1

$121K - $187K/yr

Learn more about this agency Duties Help The Painting Conservation (CL-PT) at the National Gallery ... Degree: museum work; or in an applicable subject-matter field. OR 2. Combination of education and ...

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Museum Conservation information

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How much do museum conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 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?

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 museum conservation, 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 does a museum conservation do?

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
What cities are hiring for Museum Conservation jobs? Cities with the most Museum Conservation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Conservation jobs? The most popular types of Museum Conservation jobs are:
What states have the most Museum Conservation jobs? States with the most job openings for Museum Conservation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Museum Conservation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,215 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Museum Curator & Manager of Outreach

Tidewater and Big Bend Foundation

VA โ€ข On-site

Other

Posted 22 days ago


Job description

Museum Curator & Manager of Outreach


New Kent, VA



Cumberland Estate is an expansive rural property with 10 historic and 5 contemporary residences dating back to the 18th Century in Tidewater, Virginia as well as 6,300 acres of forests, farmland and wildlife habitat. Cumberland has been a significant fixture in Virginiaโ€™s history since the 17th century. In recent years, this landmark site has had new life breathed into it as a result of its acquisition by Criss Cross Properties and the attention of the other residences and acreage. For more information on Cumberland Estate: https://cumberlandestate.com/


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The Tidewater and Big Bend Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of historical structures, art, furnishings, and artifacts as well as rural land conservation in New Kent, Virginia and West Texas. The Foundation is a Texas 501(c)3 nonprofit, founded and endowed by John Poindexter in late 2020. The Foundation acquires, restores, and preserves significant historical structures and expansive rural landscapes in the Big Bend region of West Texas and Tidewater, Virginia. For more information on Tidewater and Big Bend Foundation: https://tidewaterandbigbend.org


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Job Overv

iewWe are looking for an energetic and self-starting professional to manage our collections of early American art, artifacts and furnishing and set up new displays and programs for our visito


rs.

Responsibili

  • tiesFurnish sites and arrange exhibitions that illustrate the mission of the Tidewater and Big Bend Founda
  • tionAccumulate, catalog, and organize collections including nineteenth century artifacts, paintings, furniture, civil war implements and m
  • ore.Provide for the security and conservation of delicate or high-value it
  • ems.Conduct extensive research, negotiate for and buy items that can add value to the collec
  • tionCollaborating with other institutions, research, compile and prepare written information about the collections of the foundat
  • ion.Help develop programming and publications regarding our collections and structures including signage, online resources, tour materials, seminars, classes, and the l


ike.

Qualifications for Museum Cu

  • ratorBachelorโ€™s degree in history, art history, archeology, museum studies or related discipline. Graduate degree in similar fields is a strong
  • plus.Five yearsโ€™ experience with museum exhibitions and programming involving collections of historical objects, decorations for historical buildings and collections that amplify the mission of the foundation or similar collect
  • ions.Excellent project management and organization skills with demonstrated follow-through and a strong eye for de
  • tail.Ability to thrive in a fast-paced organiza
  • tion.Exceptional research and verbal and written communication s


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