Fine Art Conservator / Restorer – CoS Available

About the Company

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, affectionately known as ‘The Met’, is one of the world’s largest and finest art museums. Its collection spans more than 5,000 years of art from across the globe. Located in New York City, The Met’s mission is to collect, study, conserve, and present significant works of art across all cultures and periods to connect people to creativity, knowledge, and ideas. Our conservation department is a global leader in preserving cultural heritage, utilizing cutting-edge techniques and deep scholarly research.

Job Description

We are seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Fine Art Conservator / Restorer to join our specialized studio located in Staten Island. This role is pivotal in ensuring the long-term preservation and ethical treatment of our diverse collections. The successful candidate will be responsible for the examination, analysis, treatment, and documentation of various artworks, primarily focusing on paintings, sculptures, or decorative arts, depending on their specialization. This position offers an exciting opportunity to work with world-renowned collections and contribute to the highest standards of art conservation practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough scientific and technical examinations of artworks to assess their condition, material composition, and previous treatments.
• Develop and implement appropriate conservation and restoration treatments, adhering to ethical guidelines and best practices.
• Document all examination findings, treatment proposals, procedures, and materials used through written reports, photographic records, and scientific data.
• Collaborate with curators, collection managers, and other conservation specialists on exhibition preparation, loans, and collection care projects.
• Monitor environmental conditions in storage and exhibition areas, advising on preventive conservation strategies.
• Participate in ongoing research and professional development activities to advance conservation knowledge and techniques.
• Supervise and mentor junior conservators, interns, or volunteers as needed.
• Assist in emergency response for collections in the event of damage or disaster.

Required Skills

• Master's degree in Art Conservation, Historic Preservation, or a related field from an accredited program.
• Minimum of 5 years of post-graduate professional experience in fine art conservation.
• Demonstrated expertise in the conservation of specific art media (e.g., paintings, objects, paper, textiles).
• Proficiency in analytical techniques used in conservation (e.g., microscopy, X-radiography, FTIR, UV-Vis).
• Excellent manual dexterity, precision, and a strong aesthetic sensibility.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills for documentation and collaboration.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

Preferred Qualifications

• Specialization in the conservation of European or American paintings from the 16th to 20th centuries.
• Experience with complex structural treatments and comprehensive restorations.
• Knowledge of multiple foreign languages (e.g., French, German, Italian, Spanish).
• Track record of publishing research or presenting at professional conferences.
• Experience with collections management software (e.g., The Museum System – TMS).

Perks & Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays.
• Retirement savings plan with employer contributions.
• Professional development opportunities, including workshops, conferences, and research support.
• Access to The Met's world-class collections and special exhibitions.
• Employee discounts at museum shops and cafes.
• Commuter benefits program.
• Life and disability insurance.

Apply Now