careers at preservation arts

 

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Assistant Objects Conservator

REPORTS TO: Head of Objects Conservation and Vice President

CLASSIFICATION: Full-time, 5 Days/Week, hourly with benefits

COMPENSATION: $70,000-$85,000/year

DATE POSTED:        November 5, 2025

Summary: Preservation Arts is offering a full time position of Assistant Objects Conservator to join our objects and sculpture team. This position will focus primarily on the treatment of objects and sculpture, both in the studio and outdoor environment, and is designed to be a heavily mentored position for a graduate of a Masters level conservation program.  

The position will provide an opportunity for an emerging conservator to work in a large objects team while developing treatment skills and conservation knowledge. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on learning new skills, enjoys working with a variety of materials and techniques, collaborates and communicates effectively in team settings, and feels comfortable transitioning between studio and outdoor environments. They will be responsible for the treatment of artworks from a wide array of historical periods, encompassing both modern and contemporary works. The projects frequently entail close collaboration with artists, artist studios, and foundations, and engagement with a broad spectrum of clients—among them leading museums, galleries, and corporate, public, and private collections nationwide.

The conservator will primarily work with the object and outdoor sculptures departments, although interdisciplinary projects with other Preservation Arts departments, such as the paintings and mural department, are as needed.

Responsibilities: 

  • Carry out a range of treatments to the highest professional standards and in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics. 

  • Prepare comprehensive and precise reports accompanied by thorough photographic documentation, including on-site condition reports.

  • The conservator will participate in collections management recommendations, collections maintenance, research into artists and materials, collection surveys and disaster remediation.

  • Participate in collaborative treatments, as necessary, with conservators in other departments.

Requirements: 

  • Master’s degree in conservation with a specialty in objects and/or sculpture. 

  • Experience with the treatment and documentation of artworks.

  • Excellent documentation and assessment skills. 

  • Possess a wide range of hand skills, impeccable inpainting skills, and the ability to perform physical tasks both in an indoor and outdoor setting. 

  • Must be able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds and stand for long periods of time while working in an open studio environment or outdoors and sometimes work on elevated equipment.

  • Occasional travel and overnight stays may be required. 

  • The ability to safely perform physical tasks in indoor and outdoor settings, including some warm weather conditions. The ability to sit, stand, and kneel for prolonged periods, and to lift objects from 25-50 lbs.

Compensation and Benefits:

The Assistant Conservator compensation range is $70,000-$85,000/year. Preservation Arts offers 100% healthcare coverage for employees & 50% dependents, 100% Dental coverage for employees, optional Vision, and a health and dependent care FSA. Employees are eligible to enroll in the company’s 401(k) plan after 6 months of employment with an automatic 3% company contribution and additional profit sharing and pension contributions. Employees are eligible for annual educational reimbursements for professional development.

Interested applicants should send PDF versions of a letter of intent, resume including contact information for three professional references, and a link/pdf of your portfolio to jobs@preservation-arts.com

Please Note: You must be eligible to work in the United States, we cannot sponsor work visas at this time.