Pay/Hours/Benefits: The role is full-time, salaried position with benefits and an annual salary of $95,000. The Commonwealth of Virginia offers a comprehensive total compensation package that includes health benefits, paid leave, and flexible work schedules.

Institution/Work Location/s: Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, 200 N. Arthur Ashe Boulevard, Richmond, VA 23220

Application Deadline: December 4, 2026

Brief Description: 

The VMFA is pleased to announce a job opening for the Margaret H. and William E. Massey Senior Conservator of Paintings.  We are currently seeking applications for an experienced, adaptable, and inspirational individual to join our Conservation Department as the Head of the Painting Conservation Department.

The Margaret H. and William E. Massey Senior Conservator of Paintings provides leadership, oversight, and expertise in the conservation and preservation of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts’ collection of paintings on canvas and panel, in support of the museum’s mission and strategic plan. Working collaboratively with colleagues within Conservation and across the museum, the Senior Conservator of Paintings oversees all aspects of the care of paintings in the permanent collection and, as appropriate, works on loan to the Museum. Responsibilities include examination, documentation, treatment, technical research, preventive conservation, and the development and implementation of priorities for the long-term preservation of the collection.

The Senior Conservator of Paintings works closely with curators and other museum colleagues, applying established conservation standards and ethical principles to preserve the physical integrity, aesthetic qualities, and historical significance of each work while supporting the museum’s exhibition, loan, acquisition, and programmatic needs. The position partners with the Chief Conservator to provide leadership, vision, and management of the paintings conservation staff and collaborates with the Chief Conservator and other Senior Conservators on departmental strategic planning, priorities, and budget management.

The Senior Conservator of Paintings also contributes to the museum’s public engagement and educational programs through activities such as laboratory tours, presentations to visiting groups and museum audiences, responses to public inquiries, and presentations of conservation projects and activities. The position may also contribute to fundraising and development initiatives by communicating the significance and impact of conservation work to donors and other stakeholders.

National and international travel may be required for research, conferences, workshops, teaching opportunities, and activities related to exhibitions, loans, and new acquisitions.

Contact Info/Link to Online Application: 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and other application materials via the Margaret H. and William E. Massey Senior Conservator of Paintings – Richmond, Virginia, United States

The post Margaret H. and William E. Massey Senior Conservator of Paintings and Head of Painting Conservation (Virginia Museum of Fine Arts) appeared first on Washington Conservation Guild.

Pay/Hours/Benefits: This is a full-time, two-year term fellowship with an annual salary of $85,447. For more information about benefits, please visit: Employee Benefits | Smithsonian Institution

Institution/Work Location/s: Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute, Suitland, MD

Application Deadline: November 5, 2026

Brief Description: 

This position is located in the Museum Support Center in Suitland, MD, the Museum Conservation Institute (MCI), Under Secretary for Museums and Culture, Smithsonian Institute (SI). The Smithsonian Institute is a diverse museum, education, and research complex dedicated to the increase and diffusion of knowledge. The Museum Conservation Institute (MCI) increases and shares scientific and practical knowledge that improves the preservation and conservation of cultural heritage. This position is a two-year fellowship. The fellow would focus on developing a comprehensive, multi-disciplinary, data-driven approach to protecting and maintaining museum collections environments at SI.

Contact Info/Link to Online Application: 

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and other application materials via the Conservator (Preventive) (Fellow) IS-1001-11 – Washington, DC | Smithsonian Institution Careers

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With Julia Brennan and Katherine McIntyre

Saturday, November 14, 11:30 AM – 1:30 pm

Location:
4155 Linnean Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Parking: Parking Lot
Nearest Metro station:
Cleveland Park (Red Line)
See website for amenities and accessibility.

Image courtesy P Kirschner

Please join us for a reception on the cafe patio followed by a discussion and tour of the Interwoven Exhibit with Conservators Julia Brennan and Katherine McIntyre. They will share their preparation and treatment of several items in the exhibition. You will also have access to the grounds and the house for self-guided tours. Marjorie Merriweather Post maintained a reverence for textiles throughout her life. This exhibition highlights her penchant for preserving antique lace samples, liturgical vestments and textiles from the Russian Orthodox Church, sumptuous fabrics for her home furnishings and attiring herself and her three daughters and in the finest of fashions. You may watch an introductory video to the Hillwood Estate here – https://vimeo.com/375758251

This event is free for WCG members and $10 for non-members.
RSVP by November 2nd is required (max 25).
https://forms.gle/CwonSAyE4FbbYoR38

Please contact membership@washingtonconservationguild.org if you need to check your membership status.

2026/2027 WCG season memberships are $35 for professionals, $25 for renewing emerging professionals, and free to emerging professionals who are entering their first season as a WCG member.
Join or renew at www.washingtonconservationguild.org/membership.

For more information about this season’s meetings, please visit
https://washingtonconservationguild.org/meeting-schedule-2026-2027-season/

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Pay/Hours/Benefits: The role is full-time, exempt position with benefits and an annual salary of $75,000 – 90,000. For more info about listed benefits please visit Mount Vernon’s website here

Institution/Work Location/s: 3200 Mount Vernon Memorial Highway Mount Vernon, Virginia 22121

Application Deadline: No deadline listed. Positions are posted as they become available and will remain open until the organization is no longer accepting applications.

Brief Description: 

George Washington’s Mount Vernon is seeking an experienced Collections Conservator to care for and preserve an exceptional Fine and Decorative Arts Collection at one of the nation’s most significant historic sites.This is an opportunity to do meaningful conservation work in a setting where history is not simply studied—it is experienced every day. The Collections Conservator will work hands-on with a diverse collection spanning paintings, prints, sculpture, furniture, metals, ceramics, textiles, and other historic materials, helping ensure these objects remain accessible and meaningful for generations to come.

The Collections Conservator will have an important role in both the hands-on treatment and long-term preservation of Mount Vernon’s collections. This position combines conservation treatment, preventive conservation, exhibition support, collections care, vendor and project management, and collaboration with curatorial and collections professionals. The successful candidate will bring strong technical expertise, sound professional judgment, and a collaborative approach to the care of historic objects

Contact Info/Link to Online Application: 

More information about the position and a link to George Washingtons Mount Vernon Jobs Board can be found here: Open Positions at Mount Vernon | George Washington’s Mount Vernon

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2025-2026 Williston Awardees at WCG’s October Meeting

Please join us in congratulating this season’s Sidney S. Williston Memorial Fund Award recipients! In addition to one year of free membership to the Washington Conservation Guild, they receive reduced registration fees for WCG workshops, and reimbursement for one year of membership to the American Institute for Conservation. Anyone is welcome to read about the Williston Memorial Fund to learn more about WCG emerging professionals or to make a contribution.

Antonia Mappin-Kasirer is Andrew W. Mellon Fellow in Object Conservation at the National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C. (2025-2028). She completed her Master of Art Conservation at Queen’s University in 2023. Prior to moving to the Washington area, Antonia completed a fellowship in Object Conservation at the Yale University at Gallery. During her fellowship at the NGA, Antonia is undertaking a technical study of bronze sculpture by Alberto Giacometti (1906-1966).

Emma Reuther is earning her MS in Art Conservation from the Winterthur/ University of Delaware Program in Art Conservation (WUDPAC) majoring in paper conservation and minoring in photograph conservation. She is currently in her third year, serving as the graduate intern at the Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. She holds a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Texas A&M University. Her graduate training has included internships at the Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, Texas, and most recently at the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh.

Katie Skinner is a 2026 Bucknell University graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry and Studio Art, and a minor in Classics and Ancient Mediterranean Studies. Over the summers of 2025 and 2026, she worked as a conservation lab intern for the Naval History and Heritage Command Underwater Archaeology Branch (NHHC UA) through the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP). There, she was able to gain hands-on experience in the work of an archeological conservation lab, conducting condition assessments and conservation treatment on artifacts recovered from US naval sunken military craft.

Lily Craig is a Goucher College 2025 graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Visual & Material Culture and minors in Chemistry and Historic Preservation. She is currently a pre-program conservation intern working at a private paintings conservation studio in Baltimore. After graduation, she was selected for the summer 2025 Smithsonian Conservation Internship for Broadening Access (CIBA) where she was placed in the paper & photo conservation lab at the Smithsonian Museum Conservation Institute (MCI). Following that, she spent time interning in a frame conservation studio where she learned about both fabrication and conservation.

Megan O’Brien is currently completing her dual M.A./M.S. in the Conservation of Art and Cultural Heritage/Conservation Science and Imaging through the SUNY Buffalo State University Patricia H. and Richard E. Garman Art Conservation Department. She is now completing her degree by spending this year as the Graduate Intern in Paintings Conservation at the Walters Art Museum in Baltimore, where she looks forward to a very full year of research, treatment projects, and learning from some incredible artworks and incredible conservators.

The post 2026–2027 Sidney S. Williston Memorial Fund Recipients appeared first on Washington Conservation Guild.

Pay/Hours/Benefits: The role is full-time, permanent, trust funded, and benefits are provided. The established government salary range for this role is $169,279 – $197,200 per year. Recruitment incentives may apply.

Institution/Work Location/s: Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC 20565

Application Deadline: No deadline listed

Brief Description: 

The Head of the Scientific Research Department reports to the Chief of Conservation within the division of the Chief Curatorial and Conservation Officer. This position supports the National Gallery of Art by ensuring high-quality analytical services and scientific research to study and preserve the collections. The Head of Scientific Research will oversee 8-10 scientists, plus visiting scholars, fellows, and interns, and will work closely with conservators in all disciplines to realize the National Gallery of Art’s mission, vision, values, and strategic priorities.

The incumbent will exemplify the National Gallery’s core values, including deepening public understanding, fostering curiosity and continuous learning, promoting inclusion, demonstrating empathy and generosity of spirit, upholding integrity, adhering to the highest professional standards, and exhibiting agility and responsiveness.

They will communicate in a strategic and empathetic manner to generate enthusiasm and cultivate an environment receptive to open exchange and innovation. The successful candidate will collaborate collegially to foster trust and respect within the Curatorial and Conservation Division and across the National Gallery.

Contact Info/Link to Online Application: 

Candidates for this position must apply via the Federal employment website https://www.usajobs.gov, which is utilized for all recruitment purposes. The link to apply will post soon and will be open for two weeks. Please read all instructions carefully and comply with the request for all required materials.

USAJOBS will only allow candidates to submit a two-page resume, so please send your extended resume and intention to apply to: l-stringari@nga.gov with a copy to am-porter@nga.gov

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The Washington Conservation Guild’s celebrated 3-Ring Circus
is returning again this season! Once again, it will be held at the S. Dillon Ripley
Center of the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC with reception from 5-
6:30pm and presentations from 6:30-7:30pm. The official date will be released by
December 2026 but will tentatively be held in mid-January 2027.

Photo by erictompkins on Unsplash

Come one, come all! We’d love to hear about the projects that have kept you busy
during this last year. We invite you to submit proposals for talks on any
conservation-related topics, be that treatment, analysis, prevention, education,
advocacy, ethics, access, and beyond. This is a great opportunity for professionals
at any stage of their career, so throw your hat in the ring to share your work with our membership!

The talks are no more than 15 minutes each, and nine will be selected.
Please submit an abstract to 3-Ring@washingtonconservationguild.org by EOD November 6th, 2026.

The post 3-Ring Circus: Call for Speakers appeared first on Washington Conservation Guild.

Pay/Hours/Benefits: This is full-time salaried position paying $77,813.00 per annum. The Walters Art Museum provides an excellent comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, prescription, vision, subsidized transportation and parking, museum membership, short term disability, long-term disability, life insurance, FSA (flexible spending account), 457b retirement, and free professional financial management counseling. This is a 100% onsite position and is part of the AFSCME-WWU collective bargaining unit.

Institution: Walters Art Museum
600 N Charles St,
Baltimore, MD 21201

Application Deadline: No deadline listed

Brief Description:  The Associate Book Conservator is responsible for the preservation and conservation of the Walters’ collections of manuscripts, rare books, and works of art on paper. They will join a team of conservation professionals with specialties in objects, paintings, preventive, and conservation science. They will work collaboratively across the Department of Conservation, Collections, and Technical Research to implement exhibitions, installations, rotations, programs, and other projects. This role reports to the Managing Head of Conservation and Technical Research.

Contact Info/Link to Online Application:  Interested individuals should submit their cover letter and resume. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted. More information about the position and a link to the Walters Art Museum Jobs Board can be found here: Associate Book Conservator (38441)

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Pay/Hours/Benefits: This is a salaried position with an annual pay of $110,000-$115,000. Total compensation includes an extensive benefits plan, including fully-covered health, dental, and vision insurance for the individual and a generous 403b contribution and match, outlined at https://www.folger.edu/employee-benefits.

Institution: Folger Shakespeare Library
201 East Capitol Street, SE
Washington, DC 20003

Application Deadline: No deadline listed. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis.

Brief Description: The Folger Shakespeare Library, located on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, seeks a skilled conservation professional to lead the long-term care and treatment of its world-renowned collection as the next Eric Weinmann Head of Conservation and Preservation. This individual, reporting to the Associate Librarian for Collections Care and Development, oversees the Collections Division’s Conservation and Preservation program, including the strategic leadership for the safeguarding of printed books, manuscripts, paintings, works on paper, realia, and textiles across all spaces where collections are stored, displayed, used or transported. Working closely with colleagues across Collections and Exhibitions and throughout the institution, the Head of Conservation and Preservation ensures that Folger’s collections receive the highest standards of care and that both traditional and emerging preservation practices are integrated into institutional planning. 

The Head of Conservation and Preservation manages the Gundersheimer Conservation Lab and leads a dedicated team of four conservators. They oversee and complete complex treatments, establish preservation priorities, guide preventive strategies, and serve as a key advisor on loans, exhibitions, storage planning, and emergency preparedness. They also represent the team to external partners, support grant-funded conservation initiatives, and contribute to public engagement and professional dialogue. he Head of Conservation and Preservation supervises four full-time conservators including a Preventive Conservator and three Book and Paper Conservators, one of whom is focused on exhibitions. This role works with the Conservation team to oversee Conservation interns and fellows, ensuring that training aligns with professional standards and institutional goals, and that interns receive a comprehensive, high-quality experience. Additionally, this role may oversee any relevant contracted staff.  

The Head of Conservation and Preservation supervises four full-time conservators including a Preventive Conservator and three Book and Paper Conservators, one of whom is focused on exhibitions. This role works with the Conservation team to oversee Conservation interns and fellows, ensuring that training aligns with professional standards and institutional goals, and that interns receive a comprehensive, high-quality experience. Additionally, this role may oversee any relevant contracted staff.  

Contact Info/Link to Online Application: Interested individuals should submit their cover letter and resume. Incomplete applications cannot be accepted. No phone calls please. More information about the position and a link to the Folger’s online application system can be found here: Search for Jobs

The post Eric Weinmann Head of Conservation and Preservation (Folger Shakespeare Library) appeared first on Washington Conservation Guild.

Pay/Hours/Benefits: This is a full-time, salaried position paying $$75,000 – $105,000 per annum with benefits. LAC Federal offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, vacation and sick leave, holidays, health/life insurance, accident insurance, and excellent retirement program options

Institution: LAC Federal offers research and project/information management services to a variety of federal agencies, sectors, and departments. A specific institution has not been listed for this job advert, but the position notes that the work location is in Bethesda, MD.

Application Deadline: No deadline listed. The position was posted on the AIC Career Center jobs board on May 30, 2026

Brief Description:

LAC Federal is seeking an experienced Rare Book and Paper Conservator to provide specialized conservation treatment, preservation support, and collections care services for rare and unique historical materials, including books, manuscripts, pamphlets, broadsides, and archival paper collections. This position supports the preservation and accessibility of historically significant biomedical collections used by researchers, scholars, and the public.

The ideal candidate will possess advanced technical conservation skills, experience working in library or archival conservation laboratories, and the ability to independently perform complex conservation treatments within a federal research library environment.

Contact Info/Link to Online Application:

LAC Federal – Rare Book and Paper Conservator

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