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Preservation Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Preservation Sandblaster

National City, CA

$18 - $21.75/hr

SOUTH BAY SANDBLASTING & TANK CLEANING, INC. located in San Diego, CA shipyard related subcontractor looking to hire a Sand Blaster for our Preservation Department Job Summary A Sand Blaster has ...

Maintenance & Historic Preservation Manager- Yosemite

CA ยท On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Historic Preservation Maintenance Manager (HPMM) evaluates detailed work parameters; the skills, time, material, and equipment required; and the conditions and accessibility of the work site for ...

$90K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Historic Preservation Maintenance Manager (HPMM) evaluates detailed work parameters; the skills, time, material, and equipment required; and the conditions and accessibility of the work site for ...

$90K - $100K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Historic Preservation Maintenance Manager (HPMM) evaluates detailed work parameters; the skills, time, material, and equipment required; and the conditions and accessibility of the work site for ...

Preservation Painter

National City, CA

$18.75 - $25.25/hr

SOUTH BAY SANDBLASTING & TANK CLEANING, INC. located in San Diego, CA shipyard related subcontractor looking to hire a Painter for our Preservation Department Job Summary Under general supervision, a ...

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Showing results 1-20

Preservation information

See California salary details

$15

$29

$47

How much do preservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for preservation in California is $29.20, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.14 and $35.10 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Preservation vs Conservation?

AspectPreservationConservation
CredentialsOften requires specialized training in preservation techniques, certifications varySimilar credentials, often overlapping with preservation certifications
Work EnvironmentTypically involves working in museums, archives, or historic sites to maintain artifactsIncludes active repair, restoration, and sustainable management of collections
Industry UsageUsed in museums, archives, libraries, and historic preservation sectorsCommonly used in similar settings, emphasizing active intervention

Preservation focuses on maintaining and protecting artifacts in their current state, preventing deterioration. Conservation involves active repair and restoration to stabilize and restore items. While both roles aim to extend the lifespan of collections, preservation emphasizes protection, whereas conservation emphasizes intervention and repair.

How do I become a preservationist?

To become a preservationist, typically a bachelor's degree in history, archaeology, conservation, or a related field is required. Gaining experience through internships or entry-level positions, developing skills in conservation techniques and tools, and obtaining relevant certifications can improve job prospects in the field.

What is a preservation job?

Preservation jobs involve protecting, conserving, and maintaining historical sites, artifacts, documents, or natural resources for future generations. Professionals in this field work in museums, libraries, government agencies, or non-profit organizations to ensure that culturally or environmentally significant items and places are properly cared for. Their responsibilities can include restoration, documentation, research, and advocacy work. These roles often require a background in history, conservation science, or related fields and a passion for safeguarding heritage.

What are the typical challenges faced in a preservation role, and how can candidates prepare to address them?

Professionals in preservation often encounter challenges such as balancing the historical integrity of materials or sites with modern safety codes and accessibility requirements. Additionally, working within limited budgets and navigating complex regulatory environments can require creative problem-solving and strong project management skills. Prospective candidates can prepare by gaining familiarity with relevant local, state, and federal preservation guidelines, and by developing collaborative skills to work effectively with architects, contractors, and community stakeholders. Staying up to date on best practices and continuing education in preservation techniques is also highly beneficial.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a preservation specialist?

To thrive as a Preservation Specialist, you need expertise in conservation techniques, art or historical artifact handling, and typically a degree in museum studies, conservation, or a related field. Familiarity with preservation tools, archival management systems, and environmental monitoring equipment is commonly required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving, and communication skills help professionals excel in protecting and documenting valuable items. These competencies are crucial for maintaining the longevity and integrity of cultural, historical, or scientific collections.

What are the most commonly searched types of Preservation jobs in California?

The most popular types of Preservation jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Preservation jobs?

Cities in California with the most Preservation job openings:

Infographic showing various Preservation job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $60,746 per year, or $29.2 per hour.

Heritage Preservation Coordinator

National Experienced Workforce Solutions

Richmond, CA โ€ข On-site

$58.30/hr

Full-time

This job post hasย expired today.ย Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Heritage Preservation CoordinatorID:NPSJOMU-001-013Location:RichmondProgram:NPS
Wage/Hr:$58.30Hours/Week:16Minimum Age:55

For over 25 years, National Experienced Workforce Solutions (NEW Solutions) has specialized in connecting experienced workers (ages 55+) with full-time and part-time job opportunities that support the critical missions of Federal Agencies across the United States.

NEW Solutions connects experienced workers (ages 55+) with the National Park Service (NPS). These experienced professionals provide administrative expertise, facilities management, natural and cultural resource planning, and a broad array of other professional skills that support the National Park Service through the Experienced Services Program (ESP).

Positions listed here do not guarantee employment for any definite period. Enrollment in the Experienced Worker Programs administered by NEW Solutions is temporary. The enrollment relationship between NEW Solutions and the Enrollee is an ?at-will? relationship. This means that an Enrollee is free to terminate enrollment at any time during the enrollment period, and NEW Solutions and the Agency have the right to terminate the relationship with the Enrollee.

PLEASE NOTE: An ?Enrollee? is not a federal employee, nor an employee of NEW Solutions. An ?Enrollee? is a participant in a grant program established through a Cooperative Agreement funded by the agency and administered by NEW Solutions.

This opportunity applies to applicants legally eligible to work in the United States.

Qualifications:

Minimum of 5 year(s) of experience in working with local government officials, community groups, and stakeholders in a collaborative setting. Familiarity with grant writing and securing funding for preservation initiatives. OR MA/MS Degree in History, Historic Preservation, Public History, Urban/ Community Planning or related field

  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and build strong professional relationships. Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to engage and inform a variety of audiences Experience in public speaking and advocacy, with the ability to represent the park and preservation efforts in public forums.
  • Experience required with Windows, MS Word, MS Excel, MS PowerPoint, MS Teams, MS Outlook, MS SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat
Duties:

The enrollee will support Rosie the Riveter/WWII Home Front National Historical Park will serve as the primary point of contact between Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park and local city officials, community leaders, and stakeholders. This position will focus on promoting and facilitating the preservation of WWII-era historic resources within the city, ensuring alignment with national preservation standards and objectives. The coordinator will also foster collaborative efforts to enhance public awareness, educational outreach, and community engagement related to the city?s WWII heritage.

  • Act as a point of contact between the park and local city officials, community organizations, and stakeholders, fostering strong relationships and facilitating communication on preservation matters. Collaborate with other national and local historic preservation organizations to strengthen the city?s inclusion in broader preservation initiatives, including those related to the WWII Home Front and military history.   30%
  • Create and implement public education campaigns, familiarization tours, and events that engage the community and raise awareness of the city?s WWII heritage, historic preservation efforts, and park resources such as oral histories, archives and historic artifacts.   20%
  • Identify and pursue funding opportunities for historic preservation projects, including grants, partnerships, and federal programs, to support the preservation of WWII-era sites in the city.   20%
  • Research and synthesize background information about park WWII assets as they pertain to nation and local preservation policies, laws, legislation and resolutions. Advocate for and advise on policies that support the preservation of WWII-era sites and structures, ensuring that preservation is a priority in future city planning and development.   30%

Other:
  • Physical requirements: The work may involve some walking, standing, bending, or carrying of items such as files, computer reports, or office supplies. Work is primarily performed in an office setting with adequate light, heat, and ventilation, and may occasionally be outdoors, for special events or other community activities. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

NEW Solutions is committed to promoting equal opportunity and to an environment free from discrimination and harassment in any form administering Experienced Worker Programs under cooperative agreements with federal agencies. It is NEW Solutions' policy to comply with all applicable laws that provide equal opportunity and to prohibit unlawful discrimination in enrolling participants in the federal programs.