Senior Conservator (18-month Contract)

royalontariomuseum; Toronto; On-site; CAD 88,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits coverage

Employer-matched pension plan

Free ROM membership for staff

Job summary

The Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto, Ontario, seeks a Senior Conservator of Organic Objects to lead advanced preservation, investigation, and treatment for the museum’s organic collections. You will oversee the conservation laboratory, set priorities, and provide mentorship to the team while ensuring access and interpretive goals are balanced with preservation requirements.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Conservation, you will guide complex projects, collaborate with curators, and advance

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Conservation; minimum 8 years in organic object conservation
• Advanced expertise in Organic Object conservation including materials and fabrication techniques
• Knowledge of conservation ethics and CAC/CAPC Code of Ethics and Guidance for Practice
• Ability to assess complex problems, exercise professional judgment and independently plan treatments
• Experience coordinating analytical work and interpreting findings for conservation decisions
• Strong documentation using digital/image management and collections databases

Responsibilities

• Examine collection objects, assess condition and conservation needs, and document treatments
• Establish preventive conservation standards for environmental conditions, handling, storage, mounting, display, packing, transportation, and loans
• Conduct technical examination and conservation research, coordinating analytical work
• Provide conservation expertise for exhibitions, acquisitions, loans, and storage improvements
• Collaborate with curators, designers, and collections staff to balance preservation with access
• Survey collections, assess risks, set priorities, and contribute to emergency readiness
• Lead the conservation laboratory operations, workflows, budgets, and resources
• Mentor junior conservators, interns, volunteers, and project staff
• Advance conservation knowledge through research, publications, and outreach

Skills

Organic Object conservation

Materials & fabrication techniques

Deterioration processes

Conservation treatment

Scientific analysis coordination

Documentation skills

Leadership/mentorship

Education

Master's Degree in Conservation

Tools

TMS

p-XRF

Digital X-radiography

Image management software

Collections database tools

Job description

WHO WE ARE

Opened in 1914 and welcoming over 1.3 million visitors annually, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) is Canada's most-visited museum. At ROM, we are dedicated to building and sharing global collections, sharing knowledge, inspiring learning, and fostering community engagement. As a globally recognized field research institute, ROM houses an impressive collection of over 18 million artworks, cultural objects, and natural history specimens, showcased in over 40 galleries and exhibition spaces. We are committed to creating a space where art, culture, and nature intersect, connecting people and communities to the past, present and shared future.

As we continue to work toward our goals to transform and evolve as one of the world’s foremost museums, we seek passionate and dynamic team members who embody our mission and values.

WHO WE NEED

We are seeking a Senior Conservator of Organic Objects to provide advanced conservation expertise and leadership in the preservation, examination, treatment, and preventive care of objects in ROM’s collections and temporary custody.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Conservation, you will independently assess complex conservation needs, develop and execute treatments, establish preservation standards, conduct and interpret technical research, and provide expert guidance across the Museum. You will play an integral role in exhibitions, galleries, acquisitions, loans, collections care, emergency response, and major institutional projects while balancing preservation requirements with access, interpretation, and operational needs.

As a senior member of the Conservation team, you will also oversee the effective operation of a conservation laboratory, establish priorities and workflows, and provide guidance and supervision to conservators, interns, volunteers, and project staff as required. This is an opportunity for an accomplished conservation professional to contribute deep technical expertise, sound judgment, and leadership to the stewardship of internationally significant collections.

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT

• Examine collection objects, assess their condition and conservation needs, and develop and perform appropriate treatments supported by thorough written and photographic documentation
• Establish and apply preventive conservation standards for environmental conditions, handling, storage, mounting, display, packing, transportation, exhibitions, and loans
• Conduct technical examination and conservation research into object materials, manufacture, deterioration, treatment methods, and conservation materials, including coordinating and interpreting scientific analysis
• Provide conservation expertise for exhibitions, galleries, acquisitions, loans, collections moves, storage improvements, and other major museum initiatives
• Collaborate with curators, designers, collections professionals, and project teams to balance preservation requirements with access, interpretation, and operational needs
• Survey collections, assess risks, establish conservation priorities, and contribute to preventive conservation, emergency preparedness and emergency response
• Lead the effective operation of the conservation laboratory, managing workflows, priorities, equipment, supplies, budgets, and resource requirements
• Supervise, mentor, and provide technical guidance to junior conservators, interns, volunteers, and project staff as required
• Advance conservation knowledge and practice through research, professional development, publications, presentations, consultations, and public or educational programming

WHAT YOU BRING

• Master's Degree in Conservation with a minimum of 8 years of relevant experience, specializing in the conservation of organic objects; at least 3 years in a museum setting preferred. Alternatively, a combination of education and experience deemed acceptable.
• Advanced expertise in Organic Object conservation specialization, including object materials and fabrication techniques, deterioration processes, examination, preservation, and treatment
• Excellent knowledge of conservation treatment theory and practice, preventive conservation, and professional standards and ethics, including the CAC/CAPC Code of Ethics and Guidance for Practice
• Demonstrated ability to assess complex conservation problems, exercise sound professional judgment, and independently plan and execute treatments
• Experience with scientific examination and analysis, including coordinating analytical work and interpreting findings to inform conservation decisions
• Strong conservation documentation skills, including written and photographic documentation and the use of relevant digital, image management, and collections database tools
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, priorities, resources, budgets, and deadlines while providing leadership or mentorship to staff, interns, or volunteers
• Proficiency in conducting and interpreting scientific analyses such as e.g. p-XRF and digital X-radiography
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, communication, consultation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines
• Experience with conservation documentation in a digital content management system. Familiarity with TMS is an asset.
• Ability to safely perform precise, physically demanding conservation work, travel with collection objects when required, and respond to urgent conservation needs outside regular working hours

WHAT WE OFFER

• Comprehensive benefits coverage: For permanent and full-time contract positions (conditions apply), enjoy paid benefits for individuals and families, a health spending account, and an Employee Assistance Program.
• Worry-free retirement savings: With our optional pension plan, you benefit from an employer-matched Defined Benefit contribution plan, which provides predictable lifetime retirement income, survivor benefits, and early retirement options without the stress of investment decisions.
• Perks: Free ROM membership for permanent full-time and part-time staff, plus discounts to over 200 attractions through Attractions Ontario.
• And more!

SALARY & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

• START DATE: Start date negotiable
• OPEN DATE: September 16, 2026
• CLOSE DATE: October 9, 2026
• STATUS: Full-time Contract
• EMPLOYEE GROUP: OPSEU Local 543
• EXPECTED COMPENSATION: $87,870 - $100,423
• SCHEDULE: 35 hours weekly
• PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Six (6) months
• LOCATION (onsite): Toronto, ON

WHAT TO EXPECT IN OUR INTERVIEW PROCESS

1. Initial conversation: A 30-minute virtual conversation** with a Recruiter to discuss your interest in the role and ROM and how you can make an impact.
2. Second interview: A 1-hour in-person meeting with the Hiring Manager and relevant team members. You may be asked to present a pre-assigned case study and discuss scenarios relevant to your role. Depending on the position, you might also be given a tour of ROM and receive a preview of your responsibilities and interactions.
3. Third Interview (if required): a final interview with key stakeholders.

The above-listed process may change or vary based on the nature and scope of the position.

**All virtual conversations and interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams and may be recorded.

WHY PEOPLE CHOOSE ROM

• Cultural engagement: Daily interactions with Toronto's diverse culture and international visitors offer insights into social and cultural trends. We champion inclusive community programs and connections through diverse experiences.
• Continuous learning: At ROM, expertise and continuous skill development are paramount. Our culture of curiosity and open-mindedness fosters growth beyond traditional career paths.
• Passion & fulfillment: Our work in preserving and curating cultural narratives brings deep satisfaction. We are passionate about the arts, global history, cultural diversity, and leveraging digital technologies to enhance accessibility.
• Team & culture: ROM promotes a positive workplace with collaborative, supportive teams that encourage creativity and innovation. We value new ideas and collective problem-solving.
• Academic collaboration: We are committed to education, partnering with universities and providing student resources, underscoring our dedication to research and accessibility.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, & ACCESSIBILITY

At ROM, we embrace diversity in our exhibits, communities, and teams. We encourage applications from racialized persons, Indigenous Peoples, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and those who can further diversify our ideas. We are committed to equitable employment opportunities and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.

We welcome and accommodate candidates with disabilities throughout the selection process. Please contact us at [e-mail] for assistance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• ROM does not require “Canadian experience.” International applicants with equivalent experience are encouraged to apply.
• ROM uses technology-assisted tools (including JazzHR TalentFit) to support the review and screening of applications. All hiring decisions are made by human reviewers.
• This posting is for an existing vacancy.

Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. Please note that all candidates receiving a verbal job offer will be subject to a background check. This includes a criminal background check and verification of professional references, and, other checks depending on the role.