ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Temporary Museum Conservator Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Brooklyn Botanic Garden

Temporary Gardener

Brooklyn, NY · On-site

$28/hr

Temporary Gardener, Conservatory Department: Horticulture Reports to: Manager of Horticulture ... Museum Pass, which provides employees the opportunity to enter many museums in New York City for ...

Jackson HealthPros

Cath Lab Tech - Travel Job

Detroit, MI · On-site

$2.6K/wk

Choose from a variety of career options including direct hire, temp-to-hire, and travel contracts ... aquarium, conservatory, and beach access. Downtown Detroit features Comerica Park and Ford Field ...

Jackson HealthPros

Cath Lab Tech - Travel Job

Detroit, MI · On-site

$2.0K - $2.7K/wk

Choose from a variety of career options including direct hire, temp-to-hire, and travel contracts ... aquarium, conservatory, and beach access. Downtown Detroit features Comerica Park and Ford Field ...

Jackson HealthPros

Travel Cath Lab Technologist

Detroit, MI · On-site

$2.0K - $2.7K/wk

Choose from a variety of career options including direct hire, temp-to-hire, and travel contracts ... conservatory, and beach access. Downtown Detroit features Comerica Park and Ford Field within about ...

All JobsTemporary Museum Conservator Jobs

Temporary Museum Conservator information

See salary details

$28K

$76.3K

$135.5K

How much do temporary museum conservator jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 25, 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 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 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 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.

More about Temporary Museum Conservator jobs
What cities are hiring for Temporary Museum Conservator jobs? Cities with the most Temporary Museum Conservator job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Museum Conservator jobs? The most popular types of Museum Conservator jobs are:
What states have the most Temporary Museum Conservator jobs? States with the most job openings for Temporary Museum Conservator jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Temporary Museum Conservator jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Temporary Museum Conservator jobs are:
Temporary Museum Conservator jobs near you
Infographic showing various Temporary Museum Conservator job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 4% As Needed, 20% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 72% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $76,262 per year, or $36.7 per hour.

Associate Conservator of Decorative Arts Conservation

J. Paul Getty Trust, The

Los Angeles, CA • On-site

$83K - $110K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Getty is committed to creating a welcoming workplace that reflects the various backgrounds of the communities we serve. We value differences in the pursuit of inquiry and knowledge, mutual understanding, respect, trust, transparency, and cooperation. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Job Summary
Our Mission
The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks to inspire curiosity about, and enjoyment and understanding of, the visual arts by collecting, conserving, exhibiting, and interpreting works of art of outstanding quality and historical importance and is one of four programs of the J. Paul Getty Trust. The Museum operates two facilities, the Getty Villa in Malibu, which exhibits its collection of Greek and Roman antiquities, and the Getty Center in Brentwood, which displays its collections of European art: Medieval and Renaissance illuminated manuscripts, paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, drawings to 1900, and photographs to the present day (including non-European works). The Museum mounts approximately 25 temporary exhibitions a year across its two sites; maintains an annual permanent gallery improvement program and offers wide-ranging and ambitious programming for its visitors.
The Opportunity
The J. Paul Getty Museum seeks a limited term (2-year) qualified furniture conservator to join the Department of Decorative Arts and Sculpture Conservation located at the Getty Center. The position will be filled at the Assistant Conservator or Associate Conservator level, based on qualifications. The targeted hiring range for Assistant Conservator is $72,380.88 - $95,895.28 annually; for Associate Conservator is $85,422.48 - $113,185.28 annually.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for Getty, without the need for current or future visa sponsorship.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in furniture conservation and in the technical study of works of art, along with a commitment to advancing knowledge and practices in this field. A collegial and engaged team member, the limited term 2-year Assistant or Associate Conservator's primary responsibilities include developing and executing major conservation treatments on several masterworks of ébénisterie in the Getty's collection of French 17th and 18th century furniture, in support of the J. Paul Getty Museum's major reinstallation of the Decorative Arts collections. Advanced training in specialized conservation techniques will be provided through a series of master classes led by visiting European experts.
Major Job Responsibilities
  • Conservation treatment of French furniture in the collections of the J. Paul Getty Museum, focusing on works of ébénisterie, in preparation for their installation in the newly renovated Decorative Arts galleries at the Getty Center.
  • Close collaboration with Getty conservators, curators and scientists as well as expert consultants to develop treatment goals and specific proposals. This may include the design and coordination of technical studies necessary for treatment planning and evaluation.
  • Preparation of written and visual documentation of treatment and research.

Qualifications
  • Assistant Conservator
    • Bachelor's degree; MA in conservation or equivalent degree preferred
    • 2-4 years experience in conservation
  • Associate Conservator
    • MA in conservation or equivalent degree
    • 5-7 years experience in conservation

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
  • Prefer Masters level degree in conservation from a recognized graduate training program
  • Working knowledge and experience in furniture conservation
  • Demonstrated abilities in the examination, analysis, documentation and treatment of furniture
  • Highly developed hand skills and attention to detail
  • Sound knowledge of the development of design and fabrication techniques of historic furniture
  • Ability to operate and knowledge of technical, analytical, and imaging equipment
  • Proven research capabilities
  • Good knowledge of the chemistry of collection materials and their deterioration processes
  • Strong organizational skills including the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines
  • Strong interpersonal skills including written, verbal and listening skills
  • Creative thinking and solutions-based problem-solving abilities
  • Proven ability to work both independently and as part of a team
  • Knowledge of personal safety equipment and standards

Benefits and Perks
Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:
  • Medical, Dental and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
  • 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan - with up to 5% Getty Match
  • Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
  • Educational Assistance and professional development
  • Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Days
  • 12 Paid Holidays
  • Many positions have bi-weekly Off-Fridays
  • On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
  • Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR.

Apply