Museum Curator (Paintings Conservator)

About the role

The Museum Curator (Paintings Conservator) serves as the Paintings Conservator for the DAF Art Division at the National Museum of the United States Air Force (NMUSAF), providing conservation oversight for the DAF Art Collection and ensuring long-term preservation through condition assessment, risk management, preservation treatments, and exhibition support.

Responsibilities

• Serve as NMUSAF art conservator: perform full range of conservation work including condition assessment, risk management, preservation treatments, and proper exhibition of museum objects.
• Examine incoming objects to evaluate condition and determine needed treatment.
• Conduct periodic inspections of items in storage and on exhibit; monitor environmental controls and lighting levels; check for deterioration.
• Apply collection preservation procedures, methods, and standards to complete treatment projects aligned with museum strategic and exhibition plans.
• Research technical methods to determine most effective and efficient care approaches.
• Apply appropriate conservation treatment for short-term care and long‑term preservation of DAF Heritage Program artifacts.
• Provide guidance to DAF Heritage Program staff on proper object handling and damage prevention for movement and storage.
• Consult with NMUSAF collection management staff to evaluate and enhance storage methods; coordinate rehousing plans.
• Retain thorough knowledge of pertinent laws, regulations, policies, and precedents; apply DAF, DoD, public law, federal statutes, and museum industry guidelines.
• May drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery to transport collection items on and off‑site, following safety procedures.
• Research and evaluate new concepts and techniques for improving conservation procedures; synthesize conflicting technical information to select best methods.
• Conceptualize, develop, prioritize, and manage conservation projects; create innovative solutions to problems considered insoluble by traditional methods.
• Maintain accurate reports documenting assessments and treatments to preserve historical integrity.
• Maintain and operate a fully functional conservation laboratory; use meters, lights, microscopes, hydro‑thermographs, environmental monitoring devices, and other tools.
• Review budget and recommend purchase, installation, maintenance of lab equipment and supplies (chemicals, solvents, sealers, waxes).
• Plan for laboratory modifications due to new scholarly/technical research, technological advancements, or expanding collection needs.
• Review exhibition designs to ensure responsible care of objects on display; work with exhibit planning, interpretive planning, and educational programming teams.
• Determine appropriate exhibit materials, lighting, and display mounts; provide technical guidance on display techniques, environmental concerns, lighting levels, and preservation issues.
• Conduct analyses and resolve problems related to proper installation of exhibits.
• Develop and provide guidance for the DAF Heritage Program on establishing and maintaining conservation practices and procedures; provide written and oral guidance on conservation inquiries.
• Provide training and lectures on collection care, proper handling, and basic conservation methods; participate in site assistance visits to assess compliance with preservation policies.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship required.
• Position designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the Air Force Civilian Drug Demand Reduction Program; must pass initial and periodic short‑notice drug testing.
• Extensive experience in hands‑on conservation of fine art, with a specialized focus on paintings.
• Background must include scientific analysis of artists' materials, condition assessment of canvases and supports, and application of advanced preservation treatments.
• Key competencies: pigment stabilization, surface cleaning, varnish removal and application, structural repair of canvas and panel supports, ethical inpainting techniques.
• Adept at researching and evaluating new concepts in art conservation.
• Ability to create and manage a fully functional conservation laboratory, including procurement and safe handling of specialized chemicals, solvents, and adhesives.
• Proven experience developing, managing, and completing complex conservation projects for paintings and other works of art, from initial assessment to final documentation.
• Experience collaborating with curatorial and exhibition design teams to ensure safe display of light‑sensitive artworks.
• Demonstrated ability to provide expert guidance on appropriate environmental controls, lighting levels, and mounting solutions for paintings.
• Experience developing and delivering training on proper handling and care of fine art to diverse audiences.

Pay

This position is in NH‑1015‑III with a typical 2026 salary range of $92,841‑$120,696 (including locality pay