Assistant, Associate or Full Conservator - Objects

National Museum of Wildlife Art; St. Louis (MO); On-site; USD 60,561 - 110,377; Full time

Job summary

The National Museum of Wildlife Art in St. Louis is seeking skilled conservators to examine, document, and treat artworks. Positions available include Assistant Conservator, Associate Conservator, and Conservator, each requiring a Master’s degree and relevant experience.

Successful candidates will be responsible for ensuring proper care of the collection, working collaboratively with curatorial staff, and providing documentation in adherence to professional standards. A range of salaries based on experience is offered for each role.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree from an accredited conservation program.
• Full-time post-graduate experience in conservation.
• Familiarity with AIC's Code of Ethics and Guidelines.

Responsibilities

• Examine and treat artworks in the Museum’s collection.
• Design and carry out conservation treatments.
• Provide documentation of condition and treatments.

Skills

Conservation techniques

Documentation

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Education

Master’s Degree in Conservation

Tools

The Museum System (TMS)

Digital documentation software

Job description

Summary

Produces examinations, proposals, and other related documentation for collections objects, considered acquisitions, and loans from other entities. Conducts treatment on collection objects and provides recommendations for care and risk reduction. Consults with curators and external clients on preservation and treatment strategies. Assesses and reports the suitability of collection objects for loan and when necessary acts as a courier. Collaboratively advises museum staff and contractors on packing, handling, storage, installation, and environmental conditions required for collection objects. Assists with departmental planning, exhibition proposal review, and policy development & establishment. Assists with supervision of technicians, interns, and volunteers. Performs other duties according to the priorities assigned by senior staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Examine, document and treat art works in the Museum’s permanent collection and on loan under supervision of senior staff.
• Design and carry out conservation treatment in consultation with Curators and stakeholders.
• Provide written and photographic documentation to record condition of objects, treatments proposed, and treatments performed according to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Carry out and/or facilitate study and analysis of works in the collection in support of curatorial, treatment, or research projects.
• Produce presentations and/or publications for the advancement of the field and to highlight research initiatives.
• Maintain professional networks and continuing education opportunities to remain current with best practices and philosophies.
• Identify, solicit, and contract specialized vendors to supplement the museum’s in-house equipment or analytical capabilities.
• Recommend other Conservators outside their field of expertise to consult and/or contract on projects, as needed.
• Assist with the supervision of technicians, interns, and volunteers.
• Advise on preventative maintenance in the Museum as a whole in the areas of environment, pest management, display, handling, packing, storage, and installation.
• Work collaboratively with the Curator, Designer, Mountmaker and Preparators on the design of appropriate measures for display and/or storage.
• Examine artworks prior to acquisition to aid the Curatorial staff in determining their physical and aesthetic condition, as well as their authenticity.
• Examine works requested for loan to determine suitability for travel and to document their condition and advise on any special packing and shipping considerations.
• Act as a courier for works of art, particularly objects with condition or handling concerns.
• Monitor stock and order conservation supplies for the lab and specific projects.
• Assist with public outreach, programs, and fundraising initiatives.

Assistant Conservator

• Master’s Degree from an accredited conservation program or its equivalent and full-time post‑graduate experience practicing conservation in their field of specialty.
• Familiarity with and adherence to the American Institute for Conservation’s (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Experience in The Museum System (TMS) collections database or equivalent content management system, facility in digital documentation and productivity software, and experience.

Pay Range: $60,561 – $74,187/year, commensurate with experience

Status: Regular, Full‑Time

Associate Conservator

• Master’s Degree from an accredited conservation program or its equivalent and minimum of 5 years full‑time post‑graduate experience practicing conservation in their field of specialty.
• Familiarity with and adherence to the American Institute for Conservation’s (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Experience in The Museum System (TMS) collections database or equivalent content management system, facility in digital documentation and productivity software.

Pay Range: $68,131 – $83,461/year, commensurate with experience

Status: Regular, Full‑Time

Conservator

• Master’s Degree from an accredited conservation program or its equivalent and 8 or more years full‑time post‑graduate experience practicing conservation in their field of specialty.
• Familiarity with and adherence to the American Institute for Conservation’s (AIC) Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Experience in The Museum System (TMS) collections database or equivalent content management system, facility in digital documentation and productivity software.
• Experience working in a Fine Arts museum is preferred.

Pay Range: $88,302 – $110,377/year, commensurate with experience

Status: Regular, Full‑Time

The Museum is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to treating all applicants and employees fairly based on their abilities, achievements, and experience, without regard to sex, race, age, disability, religion, national origin, color, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other classification protected by law.