Associate Conservator of Modern and Contemporary Art

Denver Art Museum Inc; Denver (CO); On-site; USD 56,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

Life Insurance & Disability

Paid time off & holidays

403(b) retirement with match

Telehealth

Family membership

Job summary

The Denver Art Museum seeks an Associate Conservator of Modern and Contemporary Art to supervise and perform conservation treatments for modern and contemporary works. This role develops preventative care policies and collaborates with the Director of Conservation and Technical Studies to uphold collection care.

Qualifications include a Master’s in Conservation and at least five years in a museum setting, with hands-on experience with lab equipment and documentation.

Qualifications

• Master's in Conservation or equivalent training and experience.
• At least five years working in a museum conservation laboratory or equivalent.
• Experience with conservation laboratory equipment including microscopes, cameras, X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, and related tools.

Responsibilities

• Assures accuracy and completeness of records and reports.
• Develop and conduct research projects related to conservation in consultation with supervisors and stakeholders.
• Conduct relevant surveys of museum collections to help establish conservation needs and priorities.
• Attend museum meetings as assigned on behalf of the conservation department.
• Adheres to the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Assist Director of Conservation with departmental growth and development.
• Prepare and deliver lectures, tours, and educational programs as required.

Skills

Manual dexterity

Color matching

Collaboration

Documentation

Education

Master's in Conservation

Tools

ARGUS

MS Word

MS Excel

P-XRF spectroscopy

Stereo binocular microscope

Polarizing microscope

Job description

Associate Conservator of Modern and Contemporary Art, Full-Time (Exempt)Why Join Us?Consider joining our creative and dynamic team! As an associate conservator of modern and contemporary art you will supervise and perform conservation treatments of modern and contemporary museum objects as assigned. Advocate within the museum for the preventative care of the collections, by developing and implementing museum-wide awareness/compliance of policies and procedures that affect and uphold the care and conservation of the collections.This position reports to and collaborates with the Director of Conservation and Technical Studies.Position type: This position will be covered by a Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME-CWU.Pay: The hiring salary range for the position is $55,700 - $74,200 based on experience.Benefits: A comprehensive medical/dental/vision plan, that can be extended to domestic partner, spouse, and children. DAM 100% paid Life Insurance, and Short/Long Term Disability. Generous sick and vacation paid- time off, and one personal day. Ten paid holidays. 403(b) Retirement Plan with immediate eligibility to contribute and those who meet the requirements after one year will qualify for the 3% non-elective contribution and 2% match program Free Telehealth and Employee Assistance Program. Free DAM Family Membership and many perks, free yoga for one. This position is based at the Denver Art Museum, which only has a pay-to-park option. Discounted parking is available. Free RTD Eco Pass.What You’ll DoResponsibilitiesAssures accuracy and completeness of records and reports.Develop and conduct research projects related to conservation in consultation with supervisors and stakeholders.Conduct relevant surveys of museum collections to help establish conservation needs and prioritiesOrder laboratory supplies and equipment as requiredMaintain cleanliness and order in laboratory and libraryAttend museum meetings as assigned on behalf of the conservation department.Adheres to the AIC Code of Ethic and Guidelines for Practice.Adhere to safety guidelines in the laboratory and maintains or assigns filing of the MSDSMaintain conservation education through reading, workshop and conference attendancePerforms additional duties as needed to support departmental and organizational goals.Consistent usage of the Racial Equity Lens in day-to-day operations as well as program development and decision-making.Assist Director and Associate Director of Conservation in selection of staff and interns.Preparation and execution of lectures, tours, and educational programs in accordance with departmental and institutional prioritiesAssist Director of Conservation with departmental growth and developmentAssist Director of Conservation in grant preparation and implementation.Serves as courier as needed for loan objects.What We’re Looking For:Masters in Conservation or equivalent training and experience; specialized training and specific conservation skills may be required for employment.At least five years working in a museum conservation laboratory, or equivalentHigh level of manual dexterity, including good hand/eye coordination, sewing, inpainting, alignment, modeling, manipulation of small tools, etc.Solid color matching abilitiesExperience with applicable conservation laboratory equipment including: stereo binocular microscope, polarizing microscope, cameras, fume extraction, vacuum suction table, etc.Good work habits, personal initiative, and organizational skillsCollegial and collaborative working relationships with conservation staff and other departmentsProficient computer skills with, but not limited to, ARGUS, MS Word, MS ExcelExperience with applicable conservation laboratory equipment including: stereo binocular microscope, polarizing microscope, various lighting used for examination and documentation photography; digital cameras, fume extraction, vacuum suction table, P-XRF spectroscopy, etc.; use of mechanical lifting equipment and ladders; work with hazardous materials.Work Environment:Some moderate to heavy lifting. Ability to be flexible in routine to meet institutional needs and priorities.What to Expect from Our Hiring ProcessWe know that searching for a job can be stressful so we would like to give you an overview of the process.This role may require a phone/video screen and interview with the hiring manager held in-person at the DAM.Due to the high volume of applications, we are unable to respond to phone calls or emails regarding application status. Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted directly.Application Deadline: October 2 2026Who We AreAt the Denver Art Museum, we are deeply committed to standing against discrimination, violence, and hate in all forms against any individual or group. And we remain focused on fostering inclusion, equal opportunity, and belonging inside and out.The museum serves as a platform for creative expression and community well-being by collecting and presenting work by artists from diverse backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences, including those communities that have been historically underrepresented in museums. We give space to a wide range of artist voices by sharing the work of and collaborating with artists and creatives from all races, backgrounds, and identities.We believe that art and creativity have the power to promote mutual understanding and highlight our shared humanity—connecting, inspiring, and empowering people and communities. The museum’s board of trustees, volunteers, and staff remain committed to being an anti-racist organization and making the Denver Art Museum an inclusive and diverse place where everyone always feels welcome.