Collections Conservator

George Washington's Mount Vernon; Mount Vernon (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

George Washington's Mount Vernon is seeking an experienced Collections Conservator to care for its Fine and Decorative Arts Collection. The role combines hands‑on treatment, preventive conservation, exhibition support, and project management within a historic site environment.

The successful candidate will bring strong technical expertise and collaborative spirit to work with curators and collections staff, ensuring access to artifacts for generations to come.

Qualifications

• MA or MS in conservation with an objects specialization.
• Minimum six years museum experience in a similar role.
• Solid knowledge of conservation and collections care practices.
• Experience managing conservation projects and budgets.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to meet deadlines.
• Experience with collections management databases; TMS preferred.
• Ability to successfully pass a security background check.

Responsibilities

• Perform and document conservation treatments on objects in the Fine and Decorative Arts Collection.
• Assess objects for exhibition, storage, and movement.
• Apply professional conservation practices and maintain standards per guidelines.
• Collaborate with curators and staff to determine conservation approaches.
• Manage the daily operations of the Object Conservation Lab.
• Organize conservation equipment, materials, and supplies; ensure safety.
• Provide exhibition conservation support for objects on loan and display.
• Support preventive conservation and IPM strategies.
• Maintain conservation documentation and reports; coordinate testing as needed.
• Train and mentor staff and interns in proper collection care.

Skills

Conservation expertise

Collaboration skills

Organization

Laboratory knowledge

Project management

Budget management

Education

MA/MS in conservation

Tools

TMS

Job description

Preserve Objects. Protect History. Shape the Future.

George Washington’s Mount Vernon is seeking an experienced Collections Conservator to care for and preserve an exceptional Fine and Decorative Arts Collection at one of the nation's most significant historic sites.

This is an opportunity to do meaningful conservation work in a setting where history is not simply studied—it is experienced every day. The Collections Conservator will work hands‑on with a diverse collection spanning paintings, prints, sculpture, furniture, metals, ceramics, textiles, and other historic materials, helping ensure these objects remain accessible and meaningful for generations to come.

The Collections Conservator will have an important role in both the hands‑on treatment and long‑term preservation of Mount Vernon’s collections. This position combines conservation treatment, preventive conservation, exhibition support, collections care, vendor and project management, and collaboration with curatorial and collections professionals.

The successful candidate will bring strong technical expertise, sound professional judgment, and a collaborative approach to the care of historic objects.

About Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon, the former home of George and Martha Washington, is owned and maintained by the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association of the Union, the oldest national historic preservation organization in the United States.

Founded in 1853 by Ann Pamela Cunningham, the Mount Vernon Ladies’ Association pioneered the preservation of a historic American site for future generations. Today, the Association works to preserve, restore, and manage the Mount Vernon estate to the highest standards while educating visitors and people around the world about the life and legacies of George Washington.

The Historic Preservation and Collections Department plays a central role in that mission by preserving and restoring Mount Vernon to its 1799 appearance and caring for original, period, and reproduction objects that support the organization's educational mission.

What You’ll Do

Conservation Treatment & Object Care

• Perform and document conservation treatments on objects within the Fine and Decorative Arts Collection.
• Assess objects and prepare them for exhibition, analysis, storage, and movement.
• Apply accepted professional conservation practices and maintain treatment standards consistent with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Collaborate with curators and collections staff to determine appropriate conservation approaches and priorities.

Objects Conservation Lab

• Manage the daily operations of the approximately 600-square-foot Objects Conservation Lab.
• Organize and maintain conservation equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Ensure appropriate health and safety practices are followed within the lab and during conservation activities.
• Work safely and appropriately with conservation equipment and chemicals.

Exhibition & Loan Support

• Provide exhibition conservation support for objects displayed throughout Mount Vernon, including the Museum and Education Center, Library, and Mansion.
• Collaborate with exhibition designers, contractors, curators, and other Mount Vernon staff to ensure appropriate conditions for the display and care of artifacts.
• Research and test exhibition materials to evaluate their suitability for use with collection objects.
• Support the safe care and preparation of objects traveling to and from other institutions on loan.

Preventive Conservation

• Monitor the condition of objects on display and in storage in collaboration with Collections Management staff.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies.
• Participate in planning for object movement and recommend appropriate methods for packing, handling, and rehousing artifacts.
• Review materials used for packing and rehousing and recommend improvements or upgrades when appropriate.
• Recommend, direct, and monitor conservation treatments performed by contract conservators.
• Solicit proposals and evaluate estimates for conservation and collections care projects.
• Select and manage vendors and contractors as needed.
• Generate and manage project and operational budgets related to conservation activities.

Documentation & Collections Support

• Maintain complete and accurate conservation documentation, including treatment proposals, treatment reports, photographic documentation, and invoices.
• Assist curators with acquisitions as needed.
• Coordinate analytical testing of objects with appropriate institutions or specialists.
• Collaborate with curators and collections staff in training new team members in proper collections care and object handling.

Emergency Preparedness & Professional Engagement

• Represent the Collections Department in institutional disaster and emergency preparedness activities.
• Contribute to conservation education and professional development through activities such as hosting interns, giving presentations, and participating in professional organizations and activities as schedules permit.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for an experienced conservation professional who combines strong technical expertise with excellent judgment, organization, and collaboration skills.

Required Qualifications

• MA or MS degree in conservation from a recognized training program, with an objects specialization or another specialization relevant to the Fine and Decorative Arts Collection.
• At least six years of museum experience in a similar position.
• Solid knowledge of conservation and collections care practices.
• Working knowledge of conservation laboratory equipment and chemicals.
• Experience managing conservation or collections care projects and budgets.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.
• Flexibility and reliability, including the ability to work extended hours or beyond a normal work week when necessary.
• Ability to work with collections management databases; experience with TMS is preferred.
• Ability to successfully complete a security background check.