Paintings Conservator

Position Overview

The Associate / Full Conservator will:

• Examine, document, and treat paintings in accordance with the AIC Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice.
• Develop and execute treatment plans for works ranging from historical to contemporary materials.
• Produce thorough documentation, including technical analysis, material descriptions, and exhibition and handling recommendations.
• Provide condition assessments for acquisitions and loans, advising on long-term preservation strategies.
• Contribute to preventive conservation planning, storage design, and exhibition preparation.
• Collaborate closely with Conservation Science to pursue analytical research that clarifies fabrication methods, material behavior, and deterioration mechanisms.
• Contribute to collection-based research and contribute to the field through publications, lectures, and conference presentations.
• Mentor interns, fellows, and emerging professionals, supporting a culture of shared knowledge and professional growth.
• Engage in public-facing initiatives, including gallery talks and educational programming, to advance understanding of conservation practice.
• Contribute to departmental planning, emergency preparedness, and strategic institutional initiatives.

Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Conservation from a recognized program, or equivalent education and professional training.
• Minimum five years (Associate) or ten years (Full) of post-graduate experience in painting conservation.
• Comprehensive knowledge of museum standards, collections care protocols, and ethical guidelines.
• Demonstrated record of professional achievement, including significant treatment projects and scholarly contributions.
• Experience with modern and contemporary paintings strongly preferred.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Strong organizational and documentation skills; proficiency with museum databases, imaging systems, and standard software.
• Able to manage a complex workload and meet institutional deadlines.
• Legal eligibility to work in the United States.

About The Conservation Environment

The Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation is home to a team of 21 conservation professionals specializing in paintings, works on paper, photographic materials, sculpture and objects, textiles, time-based media art, and conservation science, supported by imaging specialists, technicians, fellows, and interns. The team cares for an encyclopedic collection of nearly 80,000 objects spanning 5,000 years. Our work is grounded in interdisciplinary collaboration, material research, and responsible stewardship. We prioritize mentorship, open dialogue, and equitable professional development. The Center is one of the most diverse conservation laboratories in the United States.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
• Manual dexterity required for the handling of delicate materials and tools.
• Activities may include standing, sitting, bending, kneeling, and climbing.
• Use of appropriate PPE for chemical or analytical processes.

Compensation & Benefits

• Associate Conservator: $65,000 - $75,000
• Full Conservator: $75,000 - $90,000
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid time off, holidays, and volunteer leave.
• Retail plan with employer contribution.
• Professional development support and museum membership.
• Relocation assistance and research-related travel funds may be available.

About The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH) seeks an Associate or Full Conservator of Paintings to join the Sarah Campbell Blaffer Foundation Center for Conservation. This is a full-time position within a collaborative, cross-disciplinary environment where conservation is integrated into broader museum practices, with an emphasis on preserving and expanding understanding of 5,000 years of global visual art creation. The MFAH holds an extensive and increasingly diverse collection, with ongoing growth in modern and contemporary art.