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Preventive Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Motown Museum

Museum Collections Internship

Detroit, MI · On-site

$2K/wk

Gain hands-on experience with professional standards for object handling, storage, and preventive conservation for historic artifacts and garments. * Learn how museums organize and maintain physical ...

Sauk County

Conservation Agronomist

Baraboo, WI · On-site

$31.75 - $34.29/hr

The purpose of the Conservation Agronomist is to support landowners, producers, agriculture ... prevent soil erosion and agricultural runoff. Conduct site visits with landowners to determine ...

Motown Museum

Applebaum Internship

Detroit, MI · On-site

$16.50 - $21.50/hr

Gain hands-on experience with professional standards for object handling, storage, and preventive conservation for historic artifacts and garments. * Learn how museums organize and maintain physical ...

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Preventive Conservation information

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$90.5K

$114.5K

$126.5K

How much do preventive conservation jobs pay per year?

As of May 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for preventive conservation in the United States is $114,499.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $110,000.00 and $121,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Preventive Conservation specialist, and why are they important?

To thrive in Preventive Conservation, you need a solid background in conservation science, environmental monitoring, and collection care, often supported by a degree in conservation or museum studies. Familiarity with tools like data loggers, integrated pest management systems, and relevant certifications such as PAC (Preventive Conservation) is common. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication help professionals collaborate across departments and implement preventive measures. These skills are crucial to safeguarding collections, minimizing deterioration, and ensuring the long-term preservation of cultural heritage.

What are some common challenges faced in a Preventive Conservation role, and how are they typically addressed?

Professionals in Preventive Conservation often encounter challenges such as managing environmental controls, balancing limited resources, and coordinating with various departments to ensure collection safety. Addressing these challenges involves implementing effective monitoring systems for factors like humidity, light, and pests, as well as developing clear protocols and engaging in ongoing staff training. Collaboration with curators, facilities teams, and external specialists is key to proactively identifying risks and maintaining optimal conditions for preservation.

What is preventive conservation?

Preventive conservation refers to the measures and actions taken to avoid or minimize future deterioration or loss of cultural heritage objects and collections. Instead of directly treating damaged items, preventive conservators focus on controlling environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, light, and pollutants. They also work to improve storage, handling, and display practices to extend the life of artifacts. The goal is to prevent damage before it occurs, ensuring the long-term preservation of valuable collections.

What is the difference between Preventive Conservation vs Conservation Technician?

AspectPreventive ConservationConservation Technician
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in conservation, museum studies, or related fieldOften requires a diploma or associate degree in conservation or related area
Work EnvironmentFocuses on monitoring, environmental control, and preventive measures in museums or archivesInvolves hands-on restoration, cleaning, and repair of artifacts
Employer & IndustryMuseums, archives, cultural institutionsMuseums, conservation labs, cultural organizations
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding roles in preservation and protection of collectionsLearning about hands-on conservation work

Preventive Conservation focuses on safeguarding collections through environmental monitoring and preventive measures, while Conservation Technicians perform direct restoration and repair tasks. Both roles are essential in preservation but differ in scope and daily activities.

More about Preventive Conservation jobs
What cities are hiring for Preventive Conservation jobs? Cities with the most Preventive Conservation job openings:
What states have the most Preventive Conservation jobs? States with the most job openings for Preventive Conservation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Preventive Conservation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Preventive Conservation jobs are:
Preventive Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Preventive Conservation job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 89% Physical, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,499 per year, or $55 per hour.
Conservator - Tennessee State Library and Archives

Conservator - Tennessee State Library and Archives

Tennessee Secretary of State

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Conservator / Conservation Lab Supervisor
Tennessee Department of State
The Tennessee State Library & Archives
Mission: The mission of the Office of the Secretary of State is to exceed the expectations of our customers, the taxpayers, by operating at the highest levels of accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and accountability in a customer-centered environment.
Supervisor: Director of Archival Collection Services
Summary: Located in Nashville, Tennessee, the Tennessee State Library & Archives is the official repository for the permanent state records of Tennessee and collects privately donated materials that provide insight into the lives of Tennesseans and the history and culture of Tennessee. The Library & Archives is committed to the preservation and accessibility of the materials in its collections and encourages and promotes library and archives development throughout the state, including guidance on preservation. The Library & Archives has 554,888 records in its catalog, including approximately 33,000 cubic feet of archive materials. All Tennesseans have access to our online repositories and catalog, and anyone can research on-site with a Library & Archives library card.
The Conservator/Conservation Lab Supervisor oversees the operations of the Library & Archives' Conservation Lab, which include conservation treatments, the creation of custom enclosures, housings, and supports, and institution-wide preservation programs including integrated pest management and environmental monitoring. The position supervises one full-time technician and two part-time assistants, plans training and outreach programs, and manages a calendar of production in concert with the Director of Archival Collection Services and the Assistant State Archivist.
Duties/Responsibilities:
  • Manages and supervises all lab staff, and all activities supported by the conservation lab. Trains staff as needed on new tasks.
  • Performs conservation treatments on library and archives collections, maintaining written and photographic documentation of all work.
  • Designs and creates housings and exhibit mounts/supports for collections.
  • Recommends standards and procedures for the preservation, treatment, handling, and storage of collections.
  • Implements the preventive conservation programs, including the integrated pest management program and environmental monitoring program.
  • Requisitions supplies and equipment for the conservation lab; operates required equipment and updates procedural documentation for the equipment.
  • Provides training and education for Library & Archives' staff, as well as for staff of archives, libraries, and governmental agencies statewide on environmental monitoring and control, disaster preparedness, housings, and care and handling of collections.
  • Keeps up-to-date on best practices by establishing and maintaining working relationships with other conservation departments and/or conservators, as well as engagement with professional organizations, publications, and continuing education and research.
  • Assists with emergency/disaster response planning and training.
  • Performs other related work as required.
Minimum Qualifications
  • Master's degree from a recognized graduate program in art conservation, specializing in paper, photographs, or library and archives, or equivalent.
  • A minimum of two years' professional conservation experience, or commensurate qualification and experience.
  • Experience and expertise in the treatment and preservation of works of art on paper, photographic materials, and/or books.
  • Knowledge of the materials, characteristics, and historic and current methods of manufacture of paper, photographs, and books.
  • Experience creating enclosures for the safe storage of collections.
  • Familiarity with appropriate exhibition and environmental standards for collections, emergency/disaster planning and response, and the surveying of collections.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills.
  • An analytical, adaptable, and creative approach to problem solving.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with allied professionals, associates, public officials, private groups, and the public.
  • Ability to draft and implement policies and procedures.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Supervisory experience.
  • Experience working across different departments and with cross-departmental preservation programs.
Salary: Commensurate with experience, plus the State of Tennessee Benefits Package.

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