Description

The Worcester Art Museum is seeking a Preventive Conservator to play a central role in shaping how the Museum cares for its collection, both today and long term. Working across Conservation, Collections Management, Curatorial, Facilities, and other museum partners, this role will advance a proactive, systems-based approach to collections care that prioritizes preservation needs in balance with operational realities, financial stewardship, and sustainability goals.

The Museum’s building is complex, idiosyncratic, and full of history. For the right candidate, these conditions are not obstacles to overcome but opportunities to engage creatively—testing ideas, refining systems, and making steady, meaningful improvements over time. The Preventive Conservator leads this work by building relationships, establishing shared standards, and helping colleagues across departments think collaboratively about risk, care, and long-term impact.

In practice, the Preventive Conservator focuses on strengthening the systems that support collections care across the Museum. This includes leading environmental monitoring efforts; working closely with Facilities staff and external contractors to understand building conditions and inform priorities for HVAC and building management systems. In collaboration with Collections Management, the role includes revising and implementing the Museum’s collections emergency preparedness planning and leading integrated pest management efforts.

The Preventive Conservator is also a key partner in supporting exhibitions, loans, accessions, and storage initiatives. This work may include contributing to condition assessments or surveys, providing recommendations for housing, crating, and transport, and collaborating with colleagues to establish and apply environmental guidelines for works in storage, on display, and on loan. Coordinating collections maintenance activities and identifying appropriate materials and methods for storage and exhibition are central to the role.

This position requires the ability to think both long-term and in the moment—developing programs and standards that will compound in value over time while responding calmly and effectively to the challenges that may arise in a complex museum environment. The Preventive Conservator contributes conservation expertise to Museum events and capital projects; supports training, mentorship, and internal knowledge-sharing; and may participate in public-facing outreach related to collections care. The role operates with a high degree of independence while remaining grounded in collaboration and shared responsibility.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. At this time, the Worcester Art Museum is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa.

Position Title: Preventive Conservator - Title commensurate with experience

Employment Type: Full-Time, Exempt; 37.5 hours per week

Department: Conservation

Division: Curatorial

Reports to: Conservator in Charge

Supervisory Responsibilities: None

Salary Range: This position has an anticipated hiring range of $60,000–$75,000, based on experience and qualifications. Standard salary ranges for comparable levels are: Assistant conservator, $60,000–$66,000; Associate conservator, $66,000–$72,000; and Full conservator, $72,000–$78,000 annually.

Requirements

Key Requirements:

A master’s degree in Conservation from a recognized training program, with training and professional experience grounded in preventive conservation theory and practice.
Demonstrated experience applying preventive conservation principles within a museum or comparable institutional setting, such as environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, emergency preparedness, collections maintenance, or housing and storage planning.
The ability to think and work systems-wide—understanding collections care as long-term, incremental work shaped by environmental conditions, institutional constraints, and evolving standards in the field.
Strong collaborative and communication skills, with the ability to build trust, translate technical concepts for diverse audiences, and influence practice across departments without relying on formal authority.
Sound professional judgment and organizational skills, including the ability to work independently while contributing to the development of new programs, standards, and workflows, and to balance preservation priorities with financial stewardship and sustainability considerations informed by preservation science

Occasional travel is required for courier assignments, conferences, site visits, or operationally important meetings. This role may be performed through a combination of on-site and remote work, as appropriate.

About WAM

The Worcester Art Museum connects people, communities, and cultures through the experience of art. Our wide-ranging exhibitions tell global stories—from art made thousands of years ago to works being created today. The Museum’s collection of nearly 40,000 objects, assembled since its opening in 1898, provides a foundation to connect visitors of all ages with art, artists, and the ideas they spark. With strong ties to both our local community and the international art world, the Worcester Art Museum is an essential cultural venue for Central Massachusetts and beyond.

Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility at WAM: At WAM we are committed to building a diverse environment, one where staff feel a sense of belonging, and are valued for their contributions and the perspectives they bring. Please visit our Mission, Vision, and Values page to learn more.

The Museum is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity.

Worcester Art Museum

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Preventive Conservator