Job Opening:
Assistant / Associate
Paintings Conservator
Modern Art Conservation, a large New York City-based conservation practice, is seeking a full-time paintings conservator. The studio specializes in the examination and treatment of late 19th-century, modern, and contemporary paintings and painted objects. Our clients include museums, galleries, private and corporate collections, auction houses, artist estates/foundations, and contemporary artists. The team comprises conservators, technicians/preparators, a conservation photographer, and registrars/administrators. To meet the needs of our clients and provide the highest quality conservation, the practice continues to expand. Conservators of traditional easel paintings or painted objects are encouraged to apply, but some interest and/or experience in the conservation of modern and contemporary paintings is desired. We value stability and seek candidates who are looking to join a close-knit team, grow professionally in the position, and form a long-term work relationship.
Responsibilities will include conservation assessment, research, treatment, and documentation of individual artworks and large collections. The applicant must be skilled in the practical treatment of paintings and painted surfaces, possess a knowledge of preventive conservation practices, and have a strong interest in technical art history and in writing detailed condition reports. The applicant should enjoy collaborating and problem-solving with colleagues, be able to communicate effectively in written and oral form with a wide range of individuals, have strong interpersonal skills, show diplomacy and judgment, be open to learning and sharing, and be able to work on multiple projects simultaneously, calmly, and effectively under tight deadlines.
The applicant must be a graduate of a recognized conservation training program and demonstrate a career interest in the conservation of paintings and/or painted objects. Candidates should be knowledgeable in art history and have an interest in working in a fast-paced environment where time is spent on treatments and condition reporting for clients both in and outside the studio. Excellent speaking, reading, and writing skills in English required.
Salary ranges from $60K - $70K for Assistant and $70K- $90K for Associate, commensurate with experience. Benefits include 100% paid health insurance, matching 401k contributions, continuing education opportunities, paid vacation, paid holidays including the week between Christmas and New Year's, and bonuses/raises subject to revenue and performance. Candidates must be fluent in English, vaccinated, able to work in the US (we cannot sponsor any visas at this time), and happy to travel to far West Chelsea, rain, snow, or shine.
Please email a detailed letter of interest and a PDF of your CV with three professional references listed, a summary of treated artworks, two sample treatment reports, and two sample condition reports to cons@modernartconservation.com with Conservator Position 2026 in the subject line. Application materials will be kept confidential. The position is available as early as June 2026, but there is flexibility to the start date for the right candidate (we are open to an August/September start for those on the academic cycle). No calls or walk-ins, please. Only qualified applicants will be contacted.