Paintings Conservator - Associate/Full, Modern & Historic

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off and holidays

Retirement plan with employer contrib

Professional development support and a

Relocation assistance and travel funds

Job summary

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) seeks an Associate or Full Conservator of Paintings to join the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation. The role focuses on examining, documenting, and treating paintings across historical and contemporary materials in a vibrant, cross-disciplinary museum setting.

The successful candidate will have graduate training in conservation and at least five years (Associate) or ten years (Full) of post-graduate experience, with strong English

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Conservation from a recognized program, or equivalent education and professional training.
• Minimum five years (Associate) or ten years (Full) of post-graduate experience in painting conservation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of museum standards, collections care protocols, and ethical guidelines.
• Demonstrated record of professional achievement, including significant treatment projects and scholarly contributions.
• Experience with modern and contemporary paintings strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills; proficiency with museum databases, imaging systems, and standard software.
• Ability to manage a complex workload and meet institutional deadlines.
• Legal eligibility to work in the United States.
• For appointment at the Full Conservator level, demonstrate sustained professional commitment and mentoring experience.

Responsibilities

• Examine, document, and treat paintings in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Develop and execute treatment plans for works ranging from historical to contemporary materials.
• Produce thorough documentation, including technical analysis, material descriptions, and exhibition and handling recommendations.
• Provide condition assessments for acquisitions and loans, advising on long-term preservation strategies.
• Contribute to preventive conservation planning, storage design, and exhibition preparation.
• Collaborate closely with Conservation Science to pursue analytical research that clarifies fabrication methods, material behavior, and deterioration mechanisms.
• Participate in collection-based research and contribute to the field through publications, lectures, and conference presentations.
• Mentor interns, fellows, and emerging professionals, supporting a culture of shared knowledge and professional growth.
• Engage in public-facing initiatives, including gallery talks and educational programming, to advance understanding of conservation practice.
• Contribute to departmental planning, emergency preparedness, and strategic institutional initiatives.

Skills

English communication

Documentation

Project management

Education

Graduate degree in Conservation

Equivalent education and professional training

Tools

Museum databases

Imaging systems

Standard software

Job description

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) seeks an Associate or Full Conservator of Paintings to join the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation. The role focuses on examining, documenting, and treating paintings across historical and contemporary materials in a vibrant, cross-disciplinary museum setting.

The successful candidate will have graduate training in conservation and at least five years (Associate) or ten years (Full) of post-graduate experience, with strong English