Associate Conservator of Costumes and Textiles

Job Description

Job Description

We Are Committed to an Inclusive Workplace

At the Philadelphia Museum of Art, we actively seek to employ a diverse group of people who embody our organizational values. We welcome and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, especially those from marginalized and underrepresented groups in the museum field, who are inspired by our shared purpose and enjoy working collaboratively with others.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, citizenship or immigration status, color, disability, ethnicity, familial status, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected status.
Reporting to the Senior Conservator of Costume and Textiles, the Associate Conservator will take part in the preservation, conservation treatment, research and presentation of the museum’s renowned textile holdings, which include global dress and fashion, flat textiles, textile art, tapestries, carpets, and composite works of art from all museum curatorial departments. Candidates must possess outstanding visual and manual aptitudes, strong written and oral communication skills, a sound historical and technical knowledge of costume and textiles, and demonstrated ability to deal with the complexities and dynamic pace of a large cultural institution.
Specifically, you will:

• Examine, conduct research, and perform conservation treatment on a range of textile-based objects
• Evaluate and document the condition of works of art requested for loan, exhibition, or acquisition consideration
• Collaborate with and advise colleagues across the museum on housing, installation, storage, mount-making, handling, packing, and the transport of works of art
• Conduct technical and historical research to advance understanding of textile objects and as a basis for preservation, treatment, or display decisions
• Collaborate with conservation scientists on chemical and instrumental analysis and characterization of textile materials. Assist in mentoring and training post-graduate fellows, interns, and technicians
• Maintain the data collection tracking system for the museum's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program, and co-ordinate and advise on mitigation activities Work to educate the museum staff about IPM
• Promote public awareness of the role and work of the museum’s Conservation Division, in part through developing content for presentation and outreach
• Engage professionally within the fields of costume and textile conservation and history, taking opportunities to publish work and to attend and present at conferences, colloquia, scholar’s days, and the like
• Pursue continuing education opportunities within the profession to expand and refine knowledge and skills
• Perform other duties as assigned

Your background and experience include:

 

• Graduate degree from a recognized art conservation training program, or equivalent training, with a specialization in textile conservation
• Minimum of 5 years of postgraduate experience in textile conservation in a museum setting, as well as experience with mannequin dressing
• Proven ability to plan and execute a variety of complex textile conservation treatments on flat and three-dimensional objects
• Experience with carrying out IPM in a museum setting
• Experience working cooperatively with staff at large to meet departmental and institutional goals
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and Adobe Photoshop

Position and Compensation Details

 

• The salary for this position is $70,040
• This position is full-time, Exempt, and 35 hours per week.
• This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.
• This position reports to the Penny and Bob Fox Senior Conservator of Costumes and Textiles
• Physical Requirements:

• Ability to access all public and staff areas of the museum campus, with or without accommodation.

• Ability to move up to 30 pounds.
• Manual dexterity and exceptional fine motor skills.
• Excellent corrected eyesight, color discrimination and spatial perception

Institutional Requirements

• Upholds the professional standards of the field, always acts in a manner that is consistent with the best interests of the museum and protects and enhances its reputation and standing within the community of museums.
• Adheres to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook and avoids any real or perceived conflicts of interest.
• Shows respect for co-workers and visitors and an understanding of and appreciation for the diversity of the museum’s staff, volunteers, and audiences.
• Maintains confidentiality.
• Adheres to all museum protocols, procedures, rules, and policies.

Application Timeline

Application deadline is June 12, 2026.

Please submit a resume and cover letter highlighting your interest in the role and relevant experience via the PMA website

What We Offer

Our employees are at the center of the museum. As an employee, you will have access to numerous museum perks including, but not limited to:

• Free general admission to the museum for you and your immediate family
• Discounted guest tickets for admission
• Discounts on gift memberships
• Special staff tours and presentations from our curatorial and conservation teams
• Discounts at the museum restaurant, museum cafés, and museum retail and online stores

We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees including:

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Fully paid short-term disability insurance, long-term disability insurance, and life insurance
• Health savings or flexible spending account program
• Retirement savings program with museum match
• Paid vacation, personal days, sick days, and holidays

*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.

 

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