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Painting Conservator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Conservatory (17,000 sq. ft.) * Horticulture Complex with four greenhouses (25,000 sq. ft ... Execute repairs in carpentry, woodworking, drywall, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, painting, and other ...

Exhibits Fabricator

Jackson, MS ยท On-site

$43K - $50K/yr

... sanding, painting, laminating, and detailing components to achieve a specific high-end aesthetic ... The position works closely with the conservator, collections staff, exhibits staff, and other ...

General Maintenance I

Columbia, MO ยท On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

Perform basic repairs involving carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, drywall, flooring, doors ... Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College. Ranked (over and over again) as one of ...

General Maintenance I

Columbia, MO ยท On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

Perform basic repairs involving carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, drywall, flooring, doors ... Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College. Ranked (over and over again) as one of ...

General Maintenance I

Columbia, MO ยท On-site

$16.25 - $22/hr

Perform basic repairs involving carpentry, plumbing, electrical, painting, drywall, flooring, doors ... Conservatory for the Performing Arts at Stephens College. Ranked (over and over again) as one of ...

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Painting Conservator information

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How much do painting conservator jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for painting conservator in the United States is $21.82, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.55 and $24.04 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a painting conservator?

Painting conservators are professionals who specialize in the preservation, restoration, and care of paintings. They use scientific analysis and traditional techniques to repair damage, stabilize materials, and protect works of art from further deterioration. Their work ensures that paintings, whether old or modern, can be enjoyed by future generations while maintaining their historical and artistic integrity. Painting conservators often work in museums, galleries, or private studios and collaborate with curators, scientists, and art historians.

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

To thrive as a Painting Conservator, you need a solid background in art history, chemistry, and conservation techniques, usually supported by a graduate degree in conservation or a related field. Familiarity with analytical tools such as microscopy, spectroscopy, and documentation software is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and strong communication skills help conservators make careful decisions and collaborate with museum staff or clients. These abilities are crucial for ensuring the integrity, preservation, and ethical treatment of valuable artworks.

What are some typical challenges a painting conservator may face when working with historical artworks?

Painting Conservators often encounter challenges such as deteriorated materials, previous restoration attempts, and environmental damage like humidity or light exposure. Each artwork presents unique conservation needs, requiring careful examination and customized treatment plans. Collaborating closely with museum curators, scientists, and other conservators is common to ensure ethical and effective preservation. Attention to detail and patience are key, as treatments can be time-consuming and demand a high level of precision.

What is the difference between Painting Conservator vs Art Restorer?

AspectPainting ConservatorArt Restorer
CredentialsConservation certifications, art history degreesConservation training, art history background
Work EnvironmentMuseums, galleries, conservation labsRestoration studios, museums, private collections
Industry UsagePreserving paintings' integrity and longevityRepairing and restoring damaged artworks

Painting Conservators focus on preserving and maintaining the original condition of paintings, ensuring their longevity. Art Restorers often work on repairing damaged artworks, sometimes involving more invasive techniques. Both roles require conservation training and work in similar environments, but their primary goals differ: preservation versus restoration.

How do you become a painting conservator?

To become a painting conservator, individuals typically earn a bachelor's degree in art conservation, art history, 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 and expertise.

How much do painting conservators earn?

Painting conservators typically earn between $40,000 and $70,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and employer. Senior conservators or those working in specialized institutions may earn higher salaries, and certifications can influence earning potential.
More about Painting Conservator jobs
Infographic showing various Painting Conservator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Contract, 1% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,394 per year, or $21.8 per hour.

Seasonal Holiday Exhibitions Assistant

Franklin Park Conservatory

Columbus, OH โ€ข On-site

$16/hr

Temporary

Posted 16 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist with the installation and de-installation of holiday exhibitions, including installing lights, securing props, and addressing issues.

  • Perform daily opening procedures such as lighting walkthroughs, adjusting display props, and checking signage and equipment to ensure display quality and safety.

  • Support preparation of exhibition spaces, organize props and lights, and transport materials between storage and the Conservatory.


Job description

ABOUT US
Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens offers world-class horticulture, art & nature-based exhibitions and educational programs. The 13-acre indoor and outdoor facility๏ฟฝsituated two miles from downtown Columbus๏ฟฝfeatures glasshouses including the historic John F. Wolfe Palm House; botanical gardens including the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children's Garden and Scotts Miracle Gro-Foundation Community Garden Campus; and event venues. The Conservatory is home to the largest collection of Chihuly glass in a botanical garden and Light Raiment II by internationally renowned artist James Turrell. Committed to the community, the Conservatory strives to provide an accessible and welcoming experience to all.
MISSION
As a premier botanical garden destination, we connect people to nature and create life enhancing experiences.
VISION
Envision a world that celebrates nature as essential to the human experience.
JOB SUMMARY
The Seasonal Holiday Exhibitions Assistant is an important member of the Horticulture and Exhibitions team responsible for the daily operations, maintenance, and quality control of the annual in-house exhibitions Pumpkins Aglow and Conservatory Aglow. The Seasonal Holiday Exhibitions Assistant will support installation and de-installation before and after the exhibition period, as well as perform opening duties prior to extended evening hours. The Assistant supports departmental and facility goals, mission, and values with a strong emphasis on customer service.
This is a temporary position with an expected start date of 9/28/2026 and an end date of 12/31/2026, consisting of an average of 16-24 hours per week.
Compensation: $16/hr + tips
RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Works hands-on within seasonal holiday exhibitions (Pumpkins Aglow and Conservatory Aglow) to ensure a high quality of displays and a positive visitor experience.
  • Assists with tasks to prepare props prior to each exhibition period, including painting, assembly, basic construction, and wrapping string lights.
  • Completes assigned installation and deinstallation tasks to support holiday exhibitions by working with other staff members to install lights, secure props, and address issues.
  • Performs daily opening procedures and troubleshoots found problems for the Aglow exhibitions, including a full lighting walkthrough, adjustment of display props, music and projector checks, signage and stanchion checks, etc.
  • Prepares exhibition spaces for installation projects, in addition to packing and unpacking objects as well as organizing storage spaces when appropriate.
  • Supports organizing and transporting of props and lights between offsite storage and the Conservatory.
  • Operates equipment and tools safely and correctly to efficiently accomplish work, including but not limited to: carts, drills, saws, blowers, trucks, tractors, etc.
  • Follows proper use and wear of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Promptly observes and reports concerns regarding exhibition displays or safety issues, or addresses situations when appropriate.
  • Performs other duties as assigned and demonstrates focus on serving the visitors and guests of the Conservatory.

CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
  • High School Diploma or equivalent is required; some relevant higher education or vocational training is preferred.
  • 1 year of experience constructing set designs, working with audio-visual components, and/or installing exhibitions within a relevant cultural institution, including repair and maintenance with the use of power tools or performance of similar duties in a technical role.
  • Valid Driver's License with the ability to provide own transportation to and from work?sites if needed.
  • Ability and willingness to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends, holidays and special events as needed.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
  • Knowledge of basic software programs (Word, Excel, and Microsoft workspace).
  • Ability to translate exhibition designs into realized displays with project guidance.
  • Ability to implement effective maintenance routines with strong attention to detail and quality.
  • Ability to safely operate and maintain tools and machinery such as electrical equipment, power tools, saws, lifts, trucks, etc.
  • Team focused with the ability to follow directions and work independently.
  • Frequently lifts, carries, or otherwise moves materials weighing up to 50lbs to accomplish plant or exhibition installations and maintenance with or without accommodation.
  • Ability to work in a variety of settings ranging from outdoors, office environment, and warehouses.
  • Ability to operate lifts and ladders to ascend spaces for exhibition installation.
  • Ability and willingness to perform hands-on labor in all types of weather, indoors and outdoors: heat and humidity, freezing temperatures, wind and rain.
  • Ability to support the mission and values of Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.

EEO Statement: Franklin Park Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Conservatory does not discriminate in its employment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, pregnancy, lactation status, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, or any other protected status. The Conservatory values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.