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Temporary Museum Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

McNay Art Museum

Preparator

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$19.06/hr

... temporary walls, bases, mounts, and gallery furniture, and assists with gallery lighting and graphics to ensure the safe and effective presentation of artworks in accordance with museum conservation ...

Veit

Vintage Car Museum Curator

Rogers, MN · On-site

Oversee the care, documentation, and conservation of antique automobiles and related artifacts ... Design, plan, and curate permanent and temporary exhibits highlighting automotive history ...

Veitusa

Vintage Car Museum Curator

Rogers, MN · On-site

Oversee the care, documentation, and conservation of antique automobiles and related artifacts ... Design, plan, and curate permanent and temporary exhibits highlighting automotive history ...

Lakewood

Museum Curator

Lakewood, CO

$74K - $82K/yr

Essential Duties and Responsibilities Leads temporary exhibit development. Plans, researches ... conservation-wise installation and mount-making. Knowledge of local, state and regional 20th ...

City of Lakewood, CO

Museum Curator

Lakewood, CO · On-site

$74K - $82K/yr

Essential Duties and Responsibilities • Leads temporary exhibit development. Plans, researches ... including conservation-wise installation and mount-making. • Knowledge of local, state and ...

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How much do temporary museum conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary museum conservation in the United States is $20.78, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.35 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are temporary museum conservation jobs?

Temporary museum conservation jobs are short-term positions focused on the preservation and restoration of artifacts, artworks, or historical objects within museums. These roles often involve assisting with conservation treatments, environmental monitoring, documentation, and preparing objects for exhibitions or storage. Temporary conservators may be hired for specific projects, to cover staff absences, or during busy periods such as exhibition installations. These jobs require a background in conservation science or a related field and are ideal for gaining hands-on experience in museum settings.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Temporary Museum Conservation professional, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Museum Conservation professional, you need a background in conservation, art history, or museum studies, along with hands-on experience in handling and preserving artifacts. Familiarity with conservation tools, condition reporting software, and environmental monitoring systems is typically required. Strong attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication are important soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure the proper care and documentation of collections, preserving cultural heritage and supporting museum operations.

What is the difference between Temporary Museum Conservation vs Museum Conservator?

AspectTemporary Museum ConservationMuseum Conservator
CredentialsTypically requires a conservation or related degree, certifications varyRequires a conservation degree and professional certification
Work EnvironmentShort-term projects, temporary assignments within museums or galleriesLong-term, ongoing preservation work within museums or institutions
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for specific projects or seasonal work in museumsFull-time staff responsible for ongoing collection care
Search & Comparison IntentOften searched for when looking for short-term conservation rolesMore general, for permanent conservation positions

Temporary Museum Conservation roles focus on short-term, project-based work requiring specialized conservation skills, often for specific exhibitions or collections. Museum Conservators hold permanent positions, overseeing ongoing preservation efforts. Both roles require similar credentials but differ mainly in duration and scope of work.

What are some common challenges faced in a temporary museum conservation role?

One of the primary challenges in a temporary museum conservation position is acclimating quickly to the institution’s specific protocols and workflows, as each museum may have unique procedures and documentation practices. Temporary conservators often work on targeted projects with tight deadlines, such as preparing artifacts for special exhibitions or assisting with emergency treatments. Working collaboratively with curators, registrars, and other conservation staff is essential for success, as is being adaptable to shifting priorities. The role provides a valuable opportunity to expand your conservation skills and network within the museum field, although the short-term nature of the contract may require flexibility regarding long-term planning.
More about Temporary Museum Conservation jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Museum Conservation jobs? Cities with the most Temporary Museum Conservation job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Conservation jobs? The most popular types of Museum Conservation jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary Museum Conservation jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Museum Conservation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Temporary Museum Conservation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary Museum Conservation jobs are:
Temporary Museum Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Museum Conservation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 5% Full Time, 77% Part Time, 6% Temporary, and 11% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,215 per year, or $20.8 per hour.
Preparator

Preparator

McNay Art Museum

San Antonio, TX • On-site

$19.06/hr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

PREPARATOR
FULL-TIME
HOURLY RATE $19.06
Position Overview
Reporting to the Curator of Exhibitions, safely handles, moves, houses, installs, stores, and packs/unpacks the permanent collection and all objects on loan. Assists with the preparation, installation, maintenance, and de-installation of temporary exhibitions and permanent collection installations. Fabricates exhibition components including temporary walls, bases, mounts, and gallery furniture, and assists with gallery lighting and graphics to ensure the safe and effective presentation of artworks in accordance with museum conservation and security standards.
Essential Job Functions
  1. Safely handles, moves, installs, packs/unpacks, and stores works of art in accordance with proper conservation and security standards.
  1. Assists with the installation and de-installation of temporary exhibitions and permanent collection rotations, including layout, placement, and presentation of artworks.
  1. Fabricates and maintains temporary walls, exhibition furniture, bases, vitrines, mounts, and other installation components for galleries and public spaces, including museum grounds.
  1. Assists with installation and adjustment of gallery lighting in accordance with conservation standards and curatorial presentation goals.
  1. Assists with the installation and upkeep of exhibition graphics and signage throughout the museum.
  1. Maintains the appearance and safety of galleries, exhibition furniture, lighting, and storage areas, including regular cleaning and minor repairs.
  1. Works with the Registrar for Collections and Registrar for Exhibitions to ensure the safe movement and storage of artworks and related materials.
  1. Operates and maintains tools, equipment, lifts, dollies, and other preparatory equipment safely and effectively.
  1. Assists with packing, crating, and preparation of artworks for transportation and storage.
  1. Coordinates day-to-day installation priorities and workflow as assigned by the Lead Preparator and Curator of Exhibitions.
  1. Provides guidance to contractors during installation and de-installation periods as assigned.
  1. Performs other duties as required.
Requirements:
Thorough knowledge of art handling and preparation techniques required. Educational and experiential background should demonstrate the ability to safely handle works of art and familiarity with museum conservation, exhibition, and storage standards.
Strong carpentry and fabrication skills preferred, including experience with construction tools, mount making, and exhibition furniture fabrication. Experience with gallery lighting systems and exhibition installation practices preferred.
Other Skills:
  • Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to adapt to changing schedules, deadlines, and exhibition priorities.
  • Familiarity with safety procedures, proper lifting techniques, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
  • Experience operating lifts, pallet jacks, dollies, and other installation equipment preferred.
  • Knowledge of museum standards for art handling, packing, and display.
  • Must be able to operate a motor vehicle, maintain a valid operator’s license, have proof of insurance, and maintain a good driving record.
  • Must be flexible as to working hours; evening and/or weekend duty may be required.
  • Ability to lift a minimum of 50 pounds on a regular basis. Must pass physical examination.
Education:
Degree in art, museum studies, studio art, construction, or a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Work Experience:
Minimum of two years of museum, gallery, exhibition, or related preparatory/construction experience preferred, including demonstrated experience in art handling, installation, fabrication, and museum-quality construction practices.

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