Job Description

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. 

The Project Conservation Technician for American Art Galleries will assist with and carry out conservation treatments and preventive conservation tasks under the direction of a conservator in Decorative Arts and Sculpture Conservation. The work is on site in the Main Building and other associated storage and gallery locations. The work supports installation of newly redesigned and renovated galleries of American Art, showcasing artworks and exploring themes from the mid-19th century to the modern period.

The Project Conservation Technician will work under the supervision of the Senior Conservator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture.

Specifically, you will:

• Assist with treatments of artworks for display in the American Art galleries as directed by a Decorative Arts and Sculpture conservator. 

• Carry out treatments using dry cleaning methods, water, abrasives, solvents, and other techniques as directed by conservator

• Make custom supports for storage and installation as needed. Carry out materials testing of fabrics and exhibition case materials

• Help with cleaning and maintenance of lab, including tracking lab supplies

• 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:

• Bachelor’s degree in studio art, chemistry or other sciences, art history and/or other interdisciplinary studies that inform the conservation needs for the American Art galleries.

• Demonstrated ability to work on delicate and repetitive tasks that require very close attention, good hand skills, the use of conservation tools and color matching skills.

• Skill and knowledge in making artworks (e.g., sewing, matt cutting, ceramics, metalwork).

• Interest in a career in conservation as demonstrated by at least partial fulfillment of coursework prerequisites for graduate studies in conservation.

• Good communication skills and demonstrated experience working as a team member.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint) and Adobe Photoshop

Position and Compensation Details

• The hourly rate for this position is $24.88

• This position is part-time, nonexempt, and 21 hours per week, ending June 30, 2026.

• This position is part of the AFSCME Local 397 bargaining unit.

• This position reports to the Senior Conservator of Decorative Arts and Sculpture and to the Senior Conservator of Costume and Textiles. 

• This role is a term position ending June 30, 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.

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