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Temporary Museum Conservation Jobs in Reston, VA

Museum of the Bible

Collections Manager

Washington, DC

$65K - $70K/yr

... Conservation, and Exhibition Teams. * Maintain collections records including object documentation ... Catalog and document Museum special collections according to Museum documentation standards * Move ...

Museum of the Bible, Inc.

Collections Manager

Washington, DC · On-site

$65K - $75K/yr

... Conservation, and Exhibition Teams. * Maintain collections records including object documentation ... Catalog and document Museum special collections according to Museum documentation standards * Move ...

All JobsMuseum Conservation JobsTemporary Museum Conservation JobsTemporary Museum Conservation Jobs in Reston, VA

Temporary Museum Conservation information

See Reston, VA salary details

$13

$21

$35

How much do temporary museum conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average hourly pay for temporary museum conservation in Reston, VA is $21.61, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.02 and $23.51 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is temporary museum conservation?

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 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.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary museum conservation professional?

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.

Temporary Museum Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Museum Conservation job openings in Reston, VA as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 69% Full Time, 27% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,959 per year, or $21.6 per hour.

Collections Manager

Washington, DC

Museum of the Bible
See more jobs at Museum of the Bibleexternal

$65K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

Date: 08/14/2026
Job Title: Collections Manager
Division / Department: Curatorial - Collections
Location: Washington DC
FLSA: Exempt
Schedule: Full-Time
Reporting Manager: Senior Collections Manager
Travel: Approximately 25%
Salary: $65,000-$70,000. Depending on Experience
Salary adjusted to local market rates*
POSITION SUMMARY
The Collections Manager will support the Collection Management Team in the record keeping, care, and handling of Museum of the Bible collections and is responsible for the care, storage, movement and documentation of objects from Museum special collections.
DUTIES amp; RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Coordinate collections management projects in the DC office by serving as project manager for the DC Collections Management Team and collaborating with the Registration, Curation, Digitization, Conservation, and Exhibition Teams.
  • Maintain collections records including object documentation, condition reports, location changes, insurance records, and collection inventories for collections.
  • Catalog and document Museum special collections according to Museum documentation standards
  • Move objects to and from storage as required for preparation, exhibit, conservation, photography, loan, and routine maintenance/rotation; packing collections objects; and serving as object courier as needed.
  • Collaborate with curatorial and exhibit staff in installation and de-installation of permanent, temporary, and traveling exhibitions and events.
  • Maintain appropriate storage conditions for collections, working collaboratively with conservators to preserve and care for collections via implementation of IPM, security procedures, and regular cleaning and maintenance of collections storage areas.
  • Collaborate with the Conservation Team to complete weekly checks of permanent collection objects in the galleries, including location verification and general condition checks. Follow up on incident reports.
  • Positively communicate with other Museum departments, curators, donors, vendors, lenders, and other museum professionals, as well as the public, in a professional manner.
  • Uphold policies and procedures and assist with developing and revising these policies and procedures.
  • Lead special projects as assigned.
  • Champion the Museum of the Bible’s mission to invite all people to engage with the transformative power of the Bible.
  • As required, inclusion in official or incidental photographs and videos for MOTB and/or guests.
  • Other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS amp; REQUIREMENTS
Knowledge
  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university and MA in museum studies or a related field from an accredited college or university.
  • Five years of work experience in museum registration or collection management.
Skills
  • Thorough knowledge of operations, services and activities of a museum collection management policy.
  • Thorough knowledge and implementation of museum collection management duties including: documentation, accessioning, deaccessioning, collection storage, object handling, photography, fine arts insurance, preservation, record-keeping, exhibit installation, collection transportation methods, and pertinent laws, codes and regulations.
  • Experience with historical manuscript, book, and ephemera collections preferred.
Abilities
  • Highly organized, detail-oriented, and possess strong communication skills, both oral and written.
  • Ability to successfully create and implement strategic planning.
  • Thorough knowledge of and efficient mastery of software and databases including applications such as Microsoft Office, Outlook, and collections management database systems.
  • Knowledge of current registration and collections management best practices, procedures, and operations.
  • Object handling skills.
  • Familiarity with conservation concepts, procedures and terms. Skill and awareness concerning the sensitive handling of objects, including current best practices in packing, crating, and transportation of objects.
  • Ability to work successfully as part of a team; excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and attend to multiple assignments simultaneously.
  • Able to work evenings and weekends as needed, travel to the Museum as needed, and be flexible in context of a changing schedule.
  • Stand for extended periods of time and lift 50 lbs.

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