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Temporary Museum Conservator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Temporary Gardener

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$28/hr

Manager of Horticulture & Conservatory Foreperson Compensation: $28 per hour Schedule: Monday ... Museum Pass, which provides employees the opportunity to enter many museums in New York City for ...

State of Mississippi

Exhibits Fabricator

Jackson, MS · On-site

$43K - $50K/yr

... conservator, collections staff, exhibits staff, and other museum personnel to ensure exhibit components meet established museum standards and project specifications and to develop ideas for temporary ...

Jackson HealthPros

Cath Lab Tech - Travel Job

Detroit, MI · On-site

$2.0K - $2.7K/wk

... Museum within a short drive. Belle Isle Park is a 982-acre island park with an aquarium and conservatory, and downtown sports venues include Comerica Park and Ford Field. For regional travel, Detroit ...

Jackson HealthPros

Cath Lab Tech - Travel Job

Detroit, MI · On-site

$2.6K/wk

... Museum within a short drive. Belle Isle Park is a 982-acre island park with an aquarium and conservatory, and downtown sports venues include Comerica Park and Ford Field. For regional travel, Detroit ...

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Temporary Museum Conservator information

See salary details

$28K

$76.3K

$135.5K

How much do temporary museum conservator jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for temporary museum conservator in the United States is $76,262.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $84,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a temporary museum conservator do?

A Temporary Museum Conservator is responsible for the care, preservation, and restoration of artworks and historical objects on a short-term basis. They assess the condition of items, perform conservation treatments, and ensure artifacts are stored and displayed in ways that minimize deterioration. These professionals often work on specific projects, such as preparing items for exhibition or stabilizing collections during renovations. Their work is crucial for maintaining the integrity and longevity of museum collections, even if their role is not permanent.

What are some common challenges faced by temporary museum conservators, and how can they effectively integrate with the existing conservation team?

Temporary museum conservators often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new workflows, learning institution-specific protocols, and managing a diverse range of artifacts within a limited timeframe. Effective integration involves clear communication with permanent staff, participating in team meetings, and proactively seeking guidance on collection priorities and documentation standards. Building rapport and demonstrating flexibility helps ensure smooth collaboration and successful project outcomes, even during short-term assignments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a temporary museum conservator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Temporary Museum Conservator, you need expertise in conservation science, art history, and hands-on experience with object preservation, typically supported by a relevant degree or certification. Familiarity with conservation lab equipment, condition reporting software, and environmental monitoring systems is commonly required. Attention to detail, strong communication, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for collaborating with museum staff and addressing diverse conservation challenges. These skills ensure the preservation and integrity of collections while supporting the museum's mission during time-limited projects.

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

AspectTemporary Museum ConservatorMuseum Conservator
CredentialsTypically requires a conservation degree and relevant certificationsSame as temporary, often with additional specialization
Work EnvironmentShort-term projects within museums or cultural institutionsLong-term employment in museums or galleries
Employer & Industry UsageUsed for project-based roles in museums, galleries, or cultural organizationsFull-time roles in similar settings
Search & Comparison IntentOften compared for contract vs permanent rolesCompared for career progression or specialization

The main difference is that a Temporary Museum Conservator works on short-term, project-based assignments, while a Museum Conservator holds a permanent or long-term position. Both roles require similar credentials and work in similar environments, but their employment duration and career paths differ.

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Temporary Museum Conservator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Museum Conservator job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 15% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,262 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Paper Conservator OR Associate Paper Conservator

COFAM- Corporation Of the Fine Arts Museums

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$85K - $130K/yr

Full-time

Posted 13 days ago

Job description

The Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco has an exciting opportunity for an experienced Paper Conservator OR Associate Paper Conservator to support the preservation, conservation treatment, and technical study of the Museums’ extensive collection of prints, drawings, photographs, and artist books. Reporting to the Head Paper Conservator, the Conservator / Associate Conservator will also have duties related to temporary exhibitions and loans of museum collections to other institutions.


Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Priority will be given to applications received by Monday, September 21, 2026. We plan to launch the interview process in October. Please see the “Additional” section for information about work sample requirements. 

CONSERVATOR - Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Applies specialized knowledge and skills to the care, handling, and conservation treatment of prints, drawings, photographs, and books. 

  2. Undertakes the examination and technical investigation of prints, drawings, photographs, and books, including the use of a Hirox digital microscope, X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, and multi-band imaging system. Collaborates to build capacity for technical analysis and research.

  3. Prepares and archives visual and written documentation of treatments and research.

  4. Responsible for preventative care of the collections and loan items during exhibition, storage, and transport.

  5. May supervise and mentor associate/assistant conservators, fellows, and students.

  6. Confers with curatorial, conservation, exhibitions, and facilities staff on the preparation, conservation, and care of collections.

  7. Shares knowledge of the collections by contributing to exhibitions, online content, professional conferences, publications, tours, and other activities.

  8. Acts as a conservation lead for exhibitions.

  9. May travel domestically and internationally to examine and courier artworks.

  10. May take a lead role in broader conservation and museum initiatives at the request of the Director of Conservation.

  11. May perform other conservation duties as needed for special exhibitions, outgoing loans, acquisitions, preventive conservation, lab upkeep, and other departmental activities.


ASSOCIATE CONSERVATOR - Duties and Responsibilities:

  1. Applies specialized knowledge and skills to the care, handling, and conservation treatment of prints, drawings, photographs, and books.

  2. Undertakes the examination and technical investigation of artworks, including the use of analytical techniques such as multi-band imaging, microscopy, and X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

  3. Prepares and archives visual and written documentation of treatments and research.

  4. Responsible for preventive care of the collections and loan items during exhibition, storage, and transport.

  5. Assists with supervision and mentorship of departmental contract conservators, fellows, interns and students.

  6. Confers with curatorial, conservation, exhibitions, and facilities teams on the preparation, conservation, and care of collections.

  7. Shares knowledge and findings by contributing to exhibitions, digital content, publications, professional conferences, tours, and other activities.

  8. May act as their conservation department’s lead for an exhibition.

  9. May travel domestically and internationally to examine and courier artworks.

  10. Participates in museum-wide committees and initiatives as appropriate.

  11. May perform other conservation duties as needed for special exhibitions, outgoing loans, acquisitions, preventive conservation, lab upkeep, and other departmental activities.


CONSERVATOR – Minimum Qualifications 

Education, Training, Experience

  • Master’s degree from a recognized graduate conservation program or the equivalent.

  •  At least ten years of museum experience in the field of paper conservation.

  •  Experience with mentorship and project management. 

  •  Active development of professional skills.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills:

  •  Advanced knowledge of conservation methods, techniques and procedures involved in the maintenance and care of a museum collection of fine arts.

  •  Ability to perform a wide variety of conservation procedures with manual dexterity, sensitivity to materials, and an ethical approach.

  •  Proficiency with analytical tools used for the examination of prints, drawings, photographs, and books.

  •  Ability to manage complex projects while adhering to institutional priorities, deadlines, and budgets. 

  •  Excellent art-handling skills.