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Temporary Museum Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Norman Rockwell Museum

Registrar

Stockbridge, MA · On-site

... conservation needs, as well as the physical movement of any works in the Museum's care. The ... Familiarity with managing temporary/traveling exhibitions, loan contracts, budget preparation and ...

Norman Rockwell Museum

Registrar

Stockbridge, MA · On-site

$75K - $80K/yr

... conservation needs, as well as the physical movement of any works in the Museum's care. The ... Familiarity with managing temporary/traveling exhibitions, loan contracts, budget preparation and ...

The Frick Collection

Conservator of Paintings

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$59.52/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... temporary home, Frick Madison. The museum and library reopened to the public in April 2025. In ... Candidates should have expertise in the conservation of European paintings from the 15th to early ...

The Frick Collection

Conservator of Paintings

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$59.52/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... temporary home, Frick Madison. The museum and library reopened to the public in April 2025. In ... Candidates should have expertise in the conservation of European paintings from the 15th to early ...

The Frick Collection

Conservator of Paintings

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$59.52/hr

  • Retirement

  • PTO

... temporary home, Frick Madison. The museum and library reopened to the public in April 2025. In ... Candidates should have expertise in the conservation of European paintings from the 15th to early ...

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Temporary Museum Conservation information

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How much do temporary museum conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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 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 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.

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 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:

Temporary Museum Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Museum Conservation job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 70% Full Time, 26% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 82% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 17% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $43,215 per year, or $20.8 per hour.

Museum Intern

Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill

Harrodsburg, KY • On-site

$1.5K/wk

Full-time, Temporary, Internship

Re-posted 20 hours ago

Job description

Position: Museum Intern (fall 2026)
Status: Full-time (40 hours/week) for 10 weeks
To Apply
Applications must include a resume, a cover letter, and two professional or academic letters of reference. Applicants may apply via Shaker Village’s employment portal (package documents as a single file and upload under “Apply with a Resume”) or by submitting their application directly to the Collections Manager at ewrightson@shakervillageky.org. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, with a final deadline of August 30. Applications will only be reviewed if they are complete and include all requested materials.
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill
Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill (SVPH) is on a mission to inspire generations through DISCOVERY, by sharing the legacies of the Kentucky Shakers. SVPH is committed to bridging historic preservation, land conservation, engaged learning and warm hospitality to present an unrivaled destination experience.
Home to the third largest Shaker community in the United States from 1805 until 1910, SVPH manages the country’s largest private collection of original 19th century buildings and is the largest National Historic Landmark in Kentucky. Onsite amenities at SVPH include overnight accommodations, dining and catering services, retail shops, event and meeting venue, historical exhibitions and tours, farm and garden area, nature preserve, multi-use trail system, equestrian stable and an extensive calendar of special programs, activities and events.
Museum Intern Job Summary
Intern/s will work under the direction of the Collections amp; Education Director and the Collections Manager, assisting with projects in both the Collections and Program Departments and gaining an understanding of the scope and breadth of museum operations. After an initial training and orientation period, intern/s will divide their time between general collections work and public-facing programming. Collections work may include entering biographical information about Pleasant Hill Shakers, scanning/describing historic photographs, cataloging institutional archives, and assisting with other collections management tasks. Time and interest permitting, intern/s may also work on a research project to further departmental priorities (such as researching and compiling content for a new public program or exhibit). As part of the Program Team, intern/s will be trained to give dynamic, engaging tours on various topics and may assist with other special events (such as the annual Harvest Fest).
This internship is a career development opportunity designed to give college students or recent graduates (2 years or less out from graduation) a venue for learning and improving museum-related skills. This is a temporary position (10 weeks @ 37.5 hours/week) that includes a $1500 stipend. Exact dates to be discussed, but the internship will likely run from Tuesday, September 22 through Saturday, December 5. Interns will generally work Tuesday-Saturday; excused absences will be granted for specific Saturdays as needed.
Responsibilities and Duties
Complete assigned project/s responsibly, with care and attention to detail
Develop accurate, in-depth knowledge of Shaker life, culture, and history
Behave in a professional manner at all times
Follow the SVPH Employee Handbook, particularly with regard to policies for harassment/discrimination, drugs, weapons, and workplace bullying
Assist with projects as directed by the Collections amp; Education Director
Work courteously and cooperatively with fellow interns, employees, and volunteers
Maintain open communication with the Collections amp; Education Director about work assignments and expectations, the internship process, and any issues that may arise
Skills and Qualifications
Currently enrolled or recently graduated college student with a strong interest in museum programming, studying history or other relevant fields (students from non-traditional majors are encouraged to apply; please use your cover letter to explain how museum work is relevant to your field of study or your professional aspirations)
Enthusiasm for Shaker Village’s mission
Willingness to learn new skills quickly
Articulate and confident when speaking; outgoing personality comfortable interacting with the public
Precise and attentive to details; good at performing repetitive tasks (like scanning photos or entering content into collections database) without losing focus
Comfortable working outdoors and in indoor spaces that have only minimal heating/cooling
Optional: Prior experience interning, working, or volunteering at a museum, special collections library, or archive
Optional: Prior experience with databases, data entry, or other similar, computer-based operations
Optional: Prior experience leading tours, speaking with the public, or a theatrical background
Physical Requirements
Ability to maintain visual attention for considerable lengths of time
Ability to sit and stand for considerable lengths of time
Must be able to ascend and descend stairs on a frequent basis
Ability to operate computers and general office equipment
Regularly lift and/or move up to 40 lbs. and lift and/or move heavier loads as needed
Working Environment and Conditions
This position involves working in both indoor and outdoor environments, during all seasons and types of weather conditions.
This position may require some evening and weekend work.
This position is subject to a background check and drug testing.

Apply