Assistant Conservator

Assistant Conservator


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Posting Details

Position Information
Position Title
Assistant Conservator

Department
Registrar - 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 an Assistant Conservator to support conservation and collection care efforts related to the deinstallation of the collections displayed in the AMNH cultural halls and preparations for long term storage. The assistant conservator will work as part of a larger Cultural Halls Conservation and Collection Care team including conservators, collection professionals, cultural liaisons, facilities & construction professionals and exhibit preparators.


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:

• Deinstallation : Support the removal of a wide range of object materials and types from display, many requiring careful handling guided by special procedures for culturally sensitive objects.
• Collection Care :
  • IPM: Carry our processes related to items organic by nature that require special preparations, providing support and isolation to freeze for potential pest activity. Assist with coordination of bulk freezing and thawing and participating in monitoring for pests in halls.
  • Rehousing: Most items will require some level of physical support for safe handling, freezing and long-term storage. Conservator will assist in creating both standardized and customized supports.
• Treatment and Documentation : Some items may require limited conservation stabilization. All will require some level of documentation written and/or photographic. Following specific procedures, conservator will carry out these efforts.
• Administrative Duties:
  • Support the set up and maintenance of equipment and supplies.
  • Enter conservation and collections data into project database including location tracking, treatment specifics, and project status.
  
  
  
  
  

The expected salary range for the Assistant Conservator is $65,000/annual - $75,000/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.
• Three years of experience in a conservation lab (museum or private)
• Strong knowledge of principles, concepts, and methodology of conservation applicable to the full range of procedures for preservation and treatment of anthropological and natural science collections

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with collections from North American Indigenous communities
• Active Membership in the American Institute for Conservation and relevant professional organizations.

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
$65,000/annual

Expected Salary Maximum
$75,000/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
GS978P

Open Date
03/05/2026

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 three years of experience in a conservation lab (museum or private)?
   • Yes
   • No
   
   
   
3. *
   Do you have a strong knowledge of principles, concepts and methodology of conservation applicable to the full range of procedures for the preservation and treatment of anthropological and natural science collections?
   • Yes
   • No
   
   
   
   
   

Documents Needed To Apply



Required Documents

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter

Optional Documents