Associate Conservator of Costumes and Textiles

About the role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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
• Pursue continuing education opportunities within the profession to expand and refine knowledge and skills
• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• 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

Qualifications

• Outstanding visual and manual aptitudes
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• A sound historical and technical knowledge of costume and textiles
• Demonstrated ability to deal with the complexities and dynamic pace of a large cultural institution

Skills

• Excellent corrected eyesight, color discrimination and spatial perception

Benefits

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

The Associate Conservator will uphold the professional standards of the field, adhere to the museum’s code of ethics and Employee Handbook, show respect for co-workers and visitors, maintain confidentiality, and adhere 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.