Conservator, Special Projects

Conservator, Special Projects

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Posting Details

Position Information
Position Title
Conservator, Special Projects

Department
Dean of Science - 033

Position Summary
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world's preeminent scientific and cultural institutions, and has as its mission to discover, interpret and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education and exhibition.

The Museum is seeking a Conservator to support the day-to-day functions and management of the AMNH Science Conservation lab, specifically related to exhibition, preservation, and documentation of anthropology and natural science collections. Partnering with Museum staff representing the scientific disciplines as well as the facilities, construction, and exhibitions teams, the Conservator will pursue a collaborative and interdepartmental approach to the care of the collections.

Please see the Science Conservation webpage for examples of the scope of projects that come through the lab. .

Job responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Exhibitions and Loans: Support management of exhibition projects and loans involving planning, condition assessments, deinstallation implementation, and large-scale renovations.
• Documentation and Treatment: Following processes developed for the needs of anthropology and natural science collections, carry out conservation treatment and documentation supporting permanent and temporary exhibitions as well as loans, both incoming and outgoing.
• Preventive Conservation: Support collections-wide preventive conservation efforts with particular emphasis on collections risk assessment as well as condition and environmental surveys.
• Research and Materials Testing: Carry out research and testing of materials for storage and display, implementing and interpreting results from methods such as microchemical testing, Oddy testing, and/or analytical procedures including pXRF, FTIR, accelerated aging, and digital microscopy.

The expected salary range for Conservator, Special Projects is $85,000/annual - $95,000/annual. The AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our dedicated and diverse community.

Pay will be determined based on several factors. The hiring range for the position at commencement is based on the type of work and the scope of responsibilities. The salary and placement offered is based on a number of individualized factors, including, but not limited to, skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in art conservation.
• 7+ years of experience in a museum or private conservation lab.
• Strong knowledge of principles, concepts, and methodology of conservation applicable to full range of procedures for preservation and treatment of anthropological and natural science collections.
• Excellent communication, project management, and interactive skills for frequent collaboration on projects with other museum teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Active Membership in the American Institute for Conservation and relevant professional organizations.
• Application of instrumental analysis, including XRF, FTIR, and/or spectrophotometry, to answer questions in conservation or materials research.
• Digital photography, multi-band-imaging, Adobe Creative Suite, and/or image analysis software and workflows as used in conservation documentation or research.

Physical Demands

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods. Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to move about the Museum campus.
• Positioning/change of positioning: Must be able to frequently position oneself/body to accomplish job duties.
• Balancing: Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.

Category
Full-Time/Term

Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period
70

Union Status
Non-Union

FLSA
Exempt

Expected Salary Minimum
$85,000/annual

Expected Salary Maximum
$95,000/annual

EEO Statement
The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law. Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.

Quick Link

Posting Detail Information
Posting Number
GS967P

Open Date
01/29/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled
Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

1. *
   Do you have a master's degree in art conservation?
   • Yes
   • No
   
   
2. *
   Do you have 7+ years of experience in a museum or private conservation lab?
   • Yes
   • No
   
   
   
   

Documents Needed To Apply

Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents