Conservation Intern

Job Details

Responsibilities

The following responsibilities describe the general nature of work for employees in this position, but this is not intended as an exclusive or all-inclusive inventory.

Collections Care & Preventive Conservation

• Assist with the handling, movement, storage, and rehousing of collection objects.
• Support environmental monitoring activities, including temperature, relative humidity, light, and pest management programs.
• Conduct routine collection condition assessments and assist with condition reporting.
• Assist in implementing preventive conservation measures for exhibitions, storage, and transportation of objects.

Conservation Documentation

• Photograph objects before, during, and after treatment activities.
• Assist with maintaining conservation records and treatment documentation.
• Enter and update information within collections management and conservation databases.
• Organize digital and physical conservation files.

Conservation Projects

• Assist conservators with examination, testing, treatment preparation, and selected conservation activities under direct supervision.
• Prepare materials, tools, and workspaces for conservation treatments.
• Participate in research related to conservation techniques, materials, and best practices.
• Support special conservation projects as assigned.

Exhibition & Collections Support

• Assist with object preparation for exhibition installation and deinstallation.
• Help create mounts, supports, and storage solutions as appropriate.
• Support safe packing and unpacking of collection objects.
• Participate in exhibition planning meetings when appropriate.

Professional Development

• Attend departmental meetings, workshops, and training opportunities.
• Learn museum standards and ethical guidelines related to conservation practice.
• Participate in educational programs, tours, and presentations related to collections stewardship.

To perform the job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Required Skills

• Current enrollment in or recent completion of an undergraduate or graduate program in Conservation, Art History, Museum Studies, Chemistry, Materials Science, Anthropology, Archaeology, or a related field.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to follow established procedures and maintain accurate records.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated interest in cultural heritage preservation and conservation.

Preferred

• Previous experience in a museum, gallery, archives, library, or conservation laboratory setting.
• Familiarity with collections management systems and museum practices.
• Experience with photography and digital documentation.
• Basic understanding of conservation ethics and preventive conservation principles.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift and carry up to 25 pounds with assistance as needed.
• Ability to stand, walk, bend, and work at a desk or laboratory bench for extended periods.
• Ability to safely handle fragile and valuable collection objects.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to perform detailed conservation-related tasks.

Work Environment

• Museum, conservation laboratory, collections storage, and gallery environments.
• Exposure to conservation materials and equipment with appropriate training and personal protective equipment.
• Occasional work outside normal business hours may be required to support exhibitions or special projects

Learning Objectives

By the conclusion of the internship, the Conservation Intern will:

• Gain practical experience in museum conservation and collections care.
• Develop skills in condition assessment and conservation documentation.
• Understand preventive conservation strategies and museum environmental standards.
• Learn professional conservation ethics and stewardship practices.
• Build foundational experience for future graduate study or careers in conservation and museum work.