ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Museum Conservator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

WISCONSIN CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

Faculty

Milwaukee, WI

$33 - $51/hr

JOB TITLE Wisconsin Conservatory of Music Faculty EMPLOYMENT TYPE Part-time LOCATION WCM Faculty ... Museum, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and a highly active ...

WISCONSIN CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC

Faculty

Milwaukee, WI · On-site

$33 - $51/hr

JOB TITLE Wisconsin Conservatory of Music Faculty EMPLOYMENT TYPE Part-time LOCATION WCM Faculty ... Museum, the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater, and a highly active ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsMuseum Conservator Jobs

Museum Conservator information

See salary details

$31.5K

$44.2K

$56K

How much do museum conservator jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for museum conservator in the United States is $44,195.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,500.00 and $48,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do art conservators make a year?

Art conservators, including museum conservators, typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, with salaries increasing with experience, specialization, and geographic location. Senior conservators or those working in major institutions can earn over $100,000 per year. Certification and advanced skills in conservation techniques can also impact salary levels.

What is a Museum Conservator job?

A Museum Conservator is responsible for preserving and restoring artifacts, artworks, and historical objects to prevent deterioration. They analyze materials, assess damage, and use specialized techniques to clean, repair, and stabilize items. Conservators often work in museums, archives, or historical sites, collaborating with curators and researchers. Their role ensures that cultural heritage remains accessible for future generations through careful preservation and documentation.

What is the highest paying conservation job?

The highest paying conservation jobs are often senior roles such as Chief Conservator or Conservation Director, typically found in large museums, cultural institutions, or private collections. These positions require extensive experience, advanced certifications, and leadership skills, and they can offer salaries exceeding $80,000 annually depending on the institution and location.

How do you become a museum conservator?

To become a museum conservator, typically a bachelor's degree in art conservation, chemistry, or a related field is required, followed by a master's degree in conservation or a specialized program. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships and obtaining professional certification can improve job prospects. Strong skills in chemistry, art history, and attention to detail are essential for success in this field.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Museum Conservator?

Museum Conservators spend their days assessing the condition of artifacts and artworks, performing restoration treatments, and documenting their work in detail. They often collaborate with curators, registrars, and exhibit designers to ensure items are safely displayed and stored according to best practices. Routine tasks can include scientific analysis, preventive conservation planning, and responding to potential risks such as environmental changes or pest infestations. This role often requires both hands-on laboratory work and written reporting, making it dynamic and intellectually engaging. Those in the position also frequently participate in research, professional development, or public outreach activities to stay current in the field.

What does a conservator do at a museum?

A museum conservator is responsible for preserving, repairing, and maintaining artworks, artifacts, and historical objects to ensure their long-term stability. They assess the condition of items, perform treatments using specialized techniques and tools, and document conservation processes, often working closely with curators and scientists. Conservation work requires knowledge of materials, chemistry, and proper handling procedures to prevent deterioration.

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

To thrive as a Museum Conservator, you need specialized knowledge in materials science, conservation techniques, and art history, typically supported by an advanced degree in conservation or a related field. Familiarity with scientific analysis tools, conservation lab equipment, and digital documentation systems is crucial, along with relevant professional certifications like the American Institute for Conservation (AIC) membership. Attention to detail, problem-solving skills, and effective communication make candidates stand out in collaborative and multidisciplinary environments. These competencies are essential to ensure the long-term preservation, restoration, and interpretation of priceless artifacts and artworks.

More about Museum Conservator jobs
What cities are hiring for Museum Conservator jobs? Cities with the most Museum Conservator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Conservator jobs? The most popular types of Museum Conservator jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Museum Conservator jobs? The top employers for Museum Conservator jobs are:
What states have the most Museum Conservator jobs? States with the most job openings for Museum Conservator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Museum Conservator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Museum Conservator jobs are:
Museum Conservator jobs near you
3D Objects Conservator - Full Time

3D Objects Conservator - Full Time

Paisley Park

Chanhassen, MN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

Are you passionate about cultural preservation and museum collections? Do you thrive in a dynamic museum environment where art, music, and fashion intersect? Paisley Park invites an experienced 3D Objects Conservator to join the Museum Collections team and play a vital role in preserving Prince Rogers Nelson's historical collection.

This full-time position offers the rare opportunity to care for and conserve a diverse collection of artifacts. As the 3D Objects Conservator, you will help ensure these remarkable objects continue to educate, inspire, and connect to guests who visit Paisley Park for future generations to come.

Responsibilities

  • Efficiently manage and maintain the 3D objects conservation work area, including developing and implementing conservation protocols, procedures, and best practices.
  • Assess, document, research, and provide treatments to a wide range of mixed media and three-dimensional collection objects, including awards, personal effects, framed artworks, performance props, and other culturally significant artifacts.
  • Develop and implement conservation strategies, treatment plans, and preventative conservation measures
  • Perform condition assessments, stabilization treatments, cleaning, repair, and preservation work to support the long-term care of the collection
  • Prepare detailed conservation reports, treatment records, condition assessments, collection rotation procedures, and inventory checks
  • Train and advise museum and collections staff on proper object handling, storage, packing, transportation, and conservation practices
  • Collaborate with collections staff on artifact care, display, and long-term preservation planning
  • Advise on sustainable preservation methods for both storage and exhibition environments
  • Monitor environmental conditions and recommend improvements to collections care, storage, and exhibition practices
  • Participate in exhibition planning, installation, deinstallation, and special projects
  • Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Conservation, Object Conservation, Preventive Conservation, or a related conservation specialty from a recognized conservation training program
  • Demonstrate knowledge of conservation theory, ethics, documentation standards, and preventive conservation practices
  • Experience assessing and treating mixed-media and three-dimensional objects composed of materials such as metals, wood, plastics, glass, ceramics, leather, textiles, paper components, painted surfaces, composites, and material combinations
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively across departments
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Knowledge of Prince, his artistic legacy, or his impact on music, fashion, and culture is welcome but not required

Schedule

Monday-Friday, 8:30AM - 5:00PM, with some weekends, evenings, holidays, and overtime required based on operational and event schedules. Mandatory staffing for Prince Celebration event in June.

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to sit or stand for extended periods
  • Comfortable handling, moving, and working with collection materials and storage systems
  • Strong manual dexterity and attention to detail
  • Excellent vision or corrected vision
  • Ability to safely handle a variety of artifact types and materials
  • Ability to work on ladders or elevated platforms when installing exhibition materials
  • Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds
  • Ability to transport exhibit materials, mounts, mannequins, and collection-related equipment between workspaces and exhibition areas

Why Join Paisley Park?

Paisley Park is a living celebration of Prince's artistry, innovation, and legacy. This is an opportunity to work with an extraordinary collection in a place where creativity, preservation, and storytelling come together every day.

  • Work with a globally recognized collection
  • Contribute to the preservation of an internationally significant cultural legacy
  • Collaborate with passionate museum, collections, and exhibition professionals
  • Enjoy a dynamic environment where creativity and history intersect every day

Comprehensive Benefits Package Includes

  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Pet insurance
  • 401(k) with company match
  • Health Savings Account (HSA)
  • Complimentary tour tickets
  • Employee discounts

Note: As Prince was a pescatarian, Paisley Park is a pescatarian food environment. Eggs, fish, and cheese are permitted on-site. Other meats may be consumed off-site or in personal vehicles.

Location: Chanhassen, Minnesota Position Type: Full-Time

Apply