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Preventive Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

$200 - $225/hr

Objects and Textiles (including mount making and preventive conservation) * Paintings and Frames * Paper, Photography, and Media (including books and Asian paintings) * Scientific Research Members of ...

University of Arizona

Assistant Conservator

Tucson, AZ · On-site

Preventive Conservation: * Perform preventive conservation activities to ensure the long-term preservation and accessibility of collections. * Assist with environmental monitoring and integrated pest ...

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Preventive Conservation information

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$90.5K

$114.5K

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How much do preventive conservation jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 5, 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 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 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 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.

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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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,499 per year, or $55 per hour.

Assistant Preparator PT

Farnsworth Art Museum

Rockland, ME • On-site

$24 - $26/hr

Part-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Assistant Preparator
Part-time: up to 28 hours/week
The Assistant Preparator at the Farnsworth Art Museum supports the installation of exhibitions, care of the permanent collection, and maintenance of the museum's historic houses. Reporting directly to the Preparator, the Assistant Preparator works closely with the Curatorial and Registration departments to assist with exhibition installations, artwork handling, collection care, and gallery maintenance. This position plays an important hands-on role in ensuring the safe movement, installation, packing, and storage of artworks while helping maintain museum facilities and exhibition spaces according to museum and American Alliance of Museums (AAM) best practices. The position is on-site and works collaboratively with Curatorial, Registration, Facilities, Security, Operations, and the Wyeth Study Center staff to support the successful execution of exhibitions, gallery rotations, and collection projects.
The ideal candidate has experience in art handling, exhibition installation, basic carpentry, painting, matting and framing, gallery lighting, and safe operation of hand and power tools. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, flexibility, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced museum environment.
Responsibilities:
Art Handling and Installation
  • Assist with the safe handling, installation, deinstallation, movement, and transportation of artworks, including paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, and time-based media.
  • Assist in preparing galleries for exhibitions, including painting, patching walls, installing hardware, exhibition graphics, labels, and vinyl.
  • Install and adjust gallery lighting under the supervision of the Preparator.
  • Assist with fabrication and installation of pedestals, mounts, vitrines, platforms, casework, and other exhibition support materials.
  • Assist with audiovisual equipment installation and maintenance for exhibitions.
  • Support the Preparator with all phases of exhibition installation and deinstallation.
  • Help fabricate exhibition furniture and custom display solutions as directed.

Preventive Conservation and Collections Care
  • Follow established object handling procedures to ensure the safe care of the permanent collection and incoming/outgoing loans.
  • Assist with environmental monitoring in galleries, storage areas, and historic houses, including temperature, humidity, and light monitoring.
  • Support Integrated Pest Management (IPM) by monitoring traps and reporting activity.
  • Assist with emergency response and collection recovery efforts when needed.
  • Participate in routine gallery inspections and preventive conservation activities.

Collection and Departmental Support
  • Assist Registrars and the Preparator with collection inventories and storage organization projects.
  • Support seasonal maintenance and object rotations within the museum's historic houses.
  • Assist with gallery rotations and collection moves as needed.

Maintenance and Department Support
  • Maintain an organized workshop and preparation areas.
  • Organize and inventory tools, hardware, framing supplies, exhibition materials, and equipment.
  • Assist with packing crate maintenance and storage furniture organization.
  • Research and help procure exhibition materials and supplies under the supervision of the Preparator.
  • Maintain museum equipment and report repair needs.

Administrative
  • Maintain accurate inventory of exhibition supplies, equipment, and casework
  • Assist with coordinating deliveries, shipments, and vendor services.
  • Ensure smooth coordination by responding promptly and professionally to both internal and external communications
  • Assist the Preparator in supervising contract art handlers during installations when needed.

Requirements / Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Art, Art History, Museum Studies or a related field preferred.
  • 2-3 years of museum, gallery, exhibition preparation, art handling, or related experience preferred.
  • Experience handling works of art using museum standards and best practices.
  • Familiarity with basic woodworking, construction, painting, matting and framing, and gallery lighting.
  • Experience operating hand and power tools safely.
  • Familiarity with SketchUp or willingness to learn.
  • Basic understanding of museum environmental monitoring and preventive conservation practices preferred.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work independently while taking direction and collaborating as part of a team.
  • Ability to lift up to 70 pounds, work on ladders and personnel lifts, stand for extended periods, and perform physically demanding tasks.
  • Valid driver's license required.
  • OSHA 10 certification preferred or willingness to obtain after hire.

Founded as a bequest of Lucy Copeland Farnsworth, the Museum opened its doors in 1948 in Rockland, Maine, with a singular mission to celebrate Maine's role in American art. The Farnsworth's primary purpose is to be a repository for American art objects related to Maine and a resource for all, including local and state residents, as well as tourists visiting from throughout the United States and abroad.
Throughout the Museum's history, it has championed the unique role that Maine plays in the larger story of American art. The Farnsworth's collection of approximately 15,000 works focuses on American art from the 18th century to the present, in all media, with a special emphasis on artists with deep connections to Maine. From purchasing works by a young Andrew Wyeth-becoming the first museum to do so-to collecting pieces by pivotal Maine artists such as Fitz Henry Lane, George Bellows, Rockwell Kent, Lynne Drexler, Lois Dodd, Daniel Minter, Ann Craven, and Jeremy Frey, the Museum has and will continue to represent the excellence of the arts in Maine. We are also broadening and diversifying collections to more fully reflect the breadth of Maine artists working today and the interests of our growing and multicultural audience.
The Museum also cares for two historic properties: the Farnsworth Homestead, listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1973, and the Olson House, joining the campus in 1991 and designated as a National Historic Landmark in 2011.
Welcoming approximately 75,000 visitors each year, the Farnsworth has a $58 million economic impact on the mid-coast and surrounding areas and has revitalized the creative capital of Rockland. It is the first art museum in Maine to receive accreditation by AAM.

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