Project Assistant Conservator American Art Galleries
Philadelphia, PA
Part Time
Experienced
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.
How You Will Contribute
The Project Assistant Conservator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture for American Art Galleries will survey and assess condition, develop treatment plans, and perform conservation examinations and treatments on the museum’s collection of sculpture, decorative arts, in a wide range of materials including ceramics, glass, metal, stone, plaster, wood and other organics. The Assistant Conservator will also help develop and participate in preventive conservation evaluation and measures for case design, silica gel, and environmental monitoring. This work supports newly redesigned and renovated galleries of American Art showcasing artworks and exploring themes from the mid-19th century to the modern period.
The Project Assistant Conservator will work under the supervision of the Senior Conservator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture.
Specifically, you will:
Your background and experience include:
Position and Compensation Details
Institutional Requirements
Application Timeline
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.
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:
We offer a comprehensive benefits package for employees including:
*Eligibility for certain benefits is based on a variety of factors including the employee’s regular schedule and tenure.
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.
How You Will Contribute
The Project Assistant Conservator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture for American Art Galleries will survey and assess condition, develop treatment plans, and perform conservation examinations and treatments on the museum’s collection of sculpture, decorative arts, in a wide range of materials including ceramics, glass, metal, stone, plaster, wood and other organics. The Assistant Conservator will also help develop and participate in preventive conservation evaluation and measures for case design, silica gel, and environmental monitoring. This work supports newly redesigned and renovated galleries of American Art showcasing artworks and exploring themes from the mid-19th century to the modern period.
The Project Assistant Conservator will work under the supervision of the Senior Conservator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture.
Specifically, you will:
- Survey condition and develop treatment scheduling and priorities in conjunction with Senior Conservator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture.
- Examine, document, and carry out treatment of select artworks.
- Advise on mount-making, display requirements, and handling for select artworks
- Work collaboratively across departments for exhibition planning and installation.
- Work effectively in a small team that may include staff conservators, contract conservators, and conservation technicians.
- Participate in planning and preservation activities for preventive care of museum collections and artworks on loan.
- Document work using a daily log, imaging, and writing reports.
- Work steadily and cooperatively as part of a small team, or alone, for the proper execution of the tasks and the safety of the works of art.
- Other duties as assigned.
Your background and experience include:
- Graduate degree from a recognized Art Conservation training program, with a specialization in objects conservation.
- Experience in objects conservation with a minimum of two-years post-graduate experience.
- Demonstrated visual, manual, and scholarly aptitudes. Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and Adobe Photoshop
Position and Compensation Details
- The hourly rate for this position is $34.15.
- This position is Part-Time, Non-Exempt, and 21 hours per week.
- This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.
- This position reports to the Senior Conservator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture
- This position is required to be performed fully onsite at Philadelphia Museum of Art locations.
- This is a term position, ending July 31, 2026
- Physical requirements:
- Able to remain focused for extended periods of time on repetitive tasks
- Able to work on a ladder, a single- or double-person MEWP platform lift after safety training.
- Able to move up to 30 pounds
- Manual dexterity and exceptional fine motor skills.
- Excellent corrected eyesight, color discrimination and spatial perception.
- Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
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
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage candidates to apply early as the position will close once we have a robust applicant pool or a candidate has been selected.
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.
Apply for this position
Required*