Senior Conservator, Fine & Decorative Arts

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

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.