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Museum Conservator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Library Systems & Services LLC

Conservator

Landover, MD · On-site

$80K - $95K/yr

Description The Conservator supports a major federal cultural institution in preserving nationally ... Experience supporting library or museum digitization initiatives. * Experience treating parchment ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Museum Conservator information

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$31.5K

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$56K

How much do museum conservator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 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.

What is a museum conservator?

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 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a museum conservator?

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.

How do you become a museum conservator?

To become a museum conservator, individuals typically need a bachelor's degree in conservation, art history, chemistry, or a related field, followed by a master's degree in conservation or a specialized program. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships and obtaining professional certification, such as from the American Institute for Conservation, can enhance job prospects. Strong attention to detail, knowledge of preservation techniques, and familiarity with conservation tools are essential for success in this field.

What does a museum conservator do in 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 to protect cultural heritage. Conservation work often requires knowledge of chemistry, art history, and the use of protective environments like climate-controlled storage.
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Museum Conservator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Museum Conservator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $44,195 per year, or $21.2 per hour.

Supervisory Chief Conservator

Smithsonian Institution

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$121K - $158K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Smithsonian Institution rating

8.6

Company rating: 8.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

2nd of 29 rated museums

Job description

Summary
The Smithsonian Institution is the world's largest museum, education, and research complex, with 21 museums and the National Zoo. This position is located in conservation laboratory of the Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden (HMSG), Smithsonian Institution (SI). The conservation laboratory is an integral part of the Collections Care and Management Department, charged with the stewardship of the collections of the Museum.
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Duties
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The Supervisory Chief Conservator supervises and manages a professional team of conservators who hold experience in areas such as paper, photographs, paintings, variable media, sculpture, and installations. In addition, the Chief Conservator plans, directs, and coordinates conservation activities of the Laboratory and leads professional staff in carrying out the objectives of the conservation laboratory and the HMSG.
In this position, you will:
  • Manage and supervise the activities of the professional, para-professional, and technical staff in the lab, delegating work, tracking progress, and establishing priorities as necessary in line with museum programs.
  • Perform a full range of technical examinations of works of art to identify their structure and components, their condition, and/or conduct appropriate treatment according to your conservation specialty.
  • Establish procedures and direct work related to the examination, documentation handling and movement of objects in preparation for acquisition, loan, exhibition within the lab and during installation periods.
  • Manage the conservation laboratory and its programs: safety, equipment maintenance, and education.
  • Develop and monitor annual budgets for the lab, oversee procurement for all conservation equipment, including identifying needs for contract and fellow/interns to support work of the lab.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • Pass Pre-employment Background Investigation
  • May need to complete a Probationary Period
  • Maintain a Bank Account for Direct Deposit/Electronic Transfer
  • Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered with Selective Service.

Conditions of Employment
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of the announcement.
For information on qualification requirements, see Qualification Standards Handbook for General Schedule Positions on OPM website.
Qualifications
Experience: You qualify for this position if you have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-12 level in the Federal Service. For this position, specialized experience is defined as demonstrated experience examining and treating fine art objects; documenting object conditions and conservation treatments; monitoring environmental conditions and identifying potential risks to collections; managing project budgets; and supervising and/or mentoring conservation staff.
Your resume must be no more than two (2) pages and should clearly demonstrate how your experience aligns with the responsibilities and specialized experience required for this position. Do not copy language directly from the vacancy announcement, as you will be deemed ineligible for consideration. Instead, provide detailed, descriptive information about your actual experience.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.
Part-time and/or unpaid experience related to this position will be considered to determine the total number of years and months of experience. Be sure to note the number of paid or unpaid hours worked each week.
Education
This position does not have a positive education requirement.
Additional information
This position is not included in the bargaining unit.
Recruitment Incentive: Recruitment incentive(s) may be authorized for this position. However, approval for incentives are contingent upon various availability. If authorized, certain incentives will require the incumbent to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a certain time period.
Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid.
Selections may be made for vacancies across the Smithsonian Institution (SI). By applying to this position, you agree to allow your application and other personal information to be shared with one or more SI hiring officials for employment consideration for same/similar positions within the location(s) identified in this announcement.
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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The Smithsonian offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options.
Please see Benefits at https://www.si.edu/OHR/benefits for a complete description.
Flexible Spending Accounts - https://www.fsafeds.com/
Health Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/health/index.asp
Leave - http://www.opm.gov/oca/leave/index.asp
Life Insurance - http://www.opm.gov/insure/life/index.asp
Long Term Care Insurance - http://www.ltcfeds.com
Retirement Program - https://www.opm.gov/retirement-services/

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