Project Conservator, Paintings

Role overview

The Conservation Center at LACMA is seeking a Project Conservator focused on paintings. Reporting to the Senior Conservator, Paintings, this position supports the care, preservation, and restoration of works in the museum’s collection. The role is brought on for specific conservation assignments as projects become available.

Core responsibilities

The conservator will assess the condition of paintings, plan appropriate treatments, and carry out restoration work to stabilize and preserve artworks. This includes cleaning, repairs, and re-framing when necessary. The position also involves managing conservation projects end-to-end, coordinating with curators, researchers, and other museum staff, and keeping work aligned with scope, timing, and budget requirements.

Additional duties include researching materials, techniques, and historical context to guide treatment decisions; producing detailed written and photographic records; contributing to publications and exhibition materials; supporting educational content for museum audiences; and participating in lectures, workshops, tours, and stakeholder discussions about conservation work.

Qualifications and experience

Candidates should have a master’s degree in Conservation, Art History, or a closely related discipline, with paintings conservation preferred. A minimum of 2 years of experience in paintings conservation is required, including direct treatment work and project management. Strong knowledge of conservation methods and materials for paintings is expected, along with awareness of modern conservation standards, ethical practices, and research methods.

Terms and compensation

The role is covered by AFSCME District Council 36, and employment terms may be affected by negotiations with the union. The expected hourly pay for this Los Angeles-based position is $65.00, subject to change.

Additional information

This is a regular part-time, onsite position in Los Angeles, CA. The project conservator works as needed to handle available conservation projects.