Paintings Conservator — Modern & Contemporary Masterworks

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

Professional development support

Relocation assistance and travel funds

Job summary

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston seeks an Associate or Full Conservator of Paintings to join the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation. The role combines technical rigor with cultural stewardship in a cross-disciplinary environment.

You will work on a diverse collection, emphasizing modern and contemporary works, and contribute to publications, lectures, and public programming. The position requires graduate training in conservation, 5–10 years of post-graduate painting

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Conservation or equivalent education and training.
• Five years (Associate) or ten years (Full) of post-graduate painting conservation experience.
• Knowledge of museum standards, collections care protocols, and ethical guidelines.
• Experience with modern and contemporary paintings preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal English communication.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills; proficient with databases, imaging systems, and standard software.

Responsibilities

• Examine, document, and treat paintings per 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 and material descriptions.
• Provide condition assessments for acquisitions and loans and advise on preservation strategies.
• Collaborate with Conservation Science on analytical research and methods.
• Mentor interns, fellows, and emerging professionals; contribute to field publications and talks.
• Engage in public-facing initiatives, gallery talks, and educational programming.

Skills

Painting conservation

English communication

Project management

Mentoring

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Education

Graduate degree in Conservation

Tools

Museum databases

Imaging systems

Standard software

Job description

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston seeks an Associate or Full Conservator of Paintings to join the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation. The role combines technical rigor with cultural stewardship in a cross-disciplinary environment.

You will work on a diverse collection, emphasizing modern and contemporary works, and contribute to publications, lectures, and public programming. The position requires graduate training in conservation, 5–10 years of post-graduate painting