4 Art Conservator jobs in the United States

• Lead and manage the fine art conservation department and its staff.
• Perform complex treatments on a wide range of fine art objects, including paintings, sculptures, and works on paper.
• Conduct thorough condition assessments and develop detailed conservation treatment proposals.
• Implement preventative conservation strategies to protect the collection from environmental damage.
• Oversee the maintenance and operation of the conservation laboratory and its equipment.
• Mentor and train junior conservators, fellows, and interns.
• Collaborate with curatorial, exhibition, and registration departments on collection care and display.
• Maintain accurate and comprehensive conservation records, including photographic documentation.
• Research new conservation materials, techniques, and technologies.
• Contribute to grant applications and fundraising efforts for conservation initiatives.

• Master's degree in Art Conservation from a recognized program, or equivalent training and experience.
• Minimum of 8 years of post-graduate experience in art conservation, with a specialization in fine art.
• Demonstrated proficiency in a wide range of conservation treatments and techniques.
• In-depth knowledge of art materials, historical manufacturing processes, and degradation mechanisms.
• Strong understanding of preventative conservation principles and environmental monitoring.
• Excellent documentation, research, and analytical skills.
• Proven leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively.
• Proficiency in digital imaging and database management for conservation records.
• Adherence to the AIC Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice is mandatory.

• Lead conservator preparing an annual exhibition, generally 15 - 30 textile objects, to include treatment and mount planning and execution, rehousing, packing for transit, interdepartmental coordination, and installation and de-installation. Project management, workflow efficiency, and inter-departmental coordination skills will be developed. Assignments on other exhibitions may be added to support skill-building.
• Executing a research project utilizing the TM collection and/or the Avenir Conservation and Collections Resource Center's equipment. Research can be directed by the department, proposed by the fellow, or as a continuation of graduate thesis research. The fellow will utilize the lab's equipment, such as a wet cleaning system, freezer, anoxic system, dye machine, portable XRF, stereo and polarized light microscopes, multiband imaging system, and fiber optics reflectance spectroscopy (FORS). Additional instrumentation may be available via GW Chemistry. The fellow will produce a technical report to document their research and will be encouraged to employ statistical analysis in processing collected data where appropriate, with support from the GW Libraries Academic Innovation department. Research findings will be disseminated through various outlets, and publication is highly encouraged.
• The fellow may collaborate with conservation interns or student positions to build supervision skills or aid the department in supporting other collections in the museum to build collaboration and time-management skills
• In some terms, the fellow will serve as an emerging professional's liaison for the lab, to support efforts for that cohort, including workshops.
• Performs other duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning additional responsibilities that are logically related to the position.
• Fellow will be eligible for research and conference-related travel support.

• In the current cycle of the fellowship, applicants with research interests in wet cleaning or light assessment implementation are desired, but not required.

How is pay for new employees determined at GW?

GW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit

• Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status
• Travel between the Virginia Science & Technology (VSTC) and Foggy Bottom, Washington DC Campus.
• The Limited term of this appointment is one year from the start date, with the potential of one renewal. Total of 2 years only from the start date. Individuals may hold an appointment for no more than two consecutive years.

The university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.