Conservator Resume examples & templates
Copyable Conservator Resume examples
Ever wonder who keeps our most treasured artifacts from turning to dust? Behind the scenes at museums, libraries, and cultural institutions, conservators work a kind of practical magic—preserving everything from ancient manuscripts to modern art installations.
Their work requires an unusual blend of scientific precision and artistic sensibility, with conservators often spending hours hunched over a single item, meticulously removing centuries of grime or stabilizing deteriorating materials. A field that once relied primarily on traditional techniques has evolved dramatically; according to the American Institute for Conservation, nearly 83% of conservation labs now incorporate digital imaging and analysis tools into their preservation workflows.
The conservation field faces fascinating challenges as climate change accelerates the deterioration of cultural heritage worldwide. Rising sea levels threaten coastal collections, while unpredictable temperature fluctuations stress delicate materials in ways never before encountered. At the same time, indigenous communities are (rightfully!) pushing for more collaborative approaches to caring for their cultural materials. For aspiring conservators, this means exciting possibilities ahead—combining cutting-edge technology with traditional knowledge to protect our shared heritage for generations we'll never meet.
Junior Conservator Resume Example
Maya Trent
Boston, MA • (617) 555-8921 • mtrent.conservator@email.com • linkedin.com/in/mayatrent
Recent M.A. graduate in Art Conservation with hands-on experience preserving diverse artifacts and collections. Skilled in preventive conservation techniques and basic treatments for paper, textiles, and paintings. Committed to ethical conservation principles while developing practical solutions for preservation challenges. Seeking to build my career while expanding technical expertise in museum and heritage contexts.
EXPERIENCE
Junior Conservator | Beacon Historical Society | Boston, MA | January 2023 – Present
- Conduct condition assessments of 19th century textiles and paper artifacts, documenting findings in collection management database
- Perform basic cleaning and stabilization treatments on 40+ paper documents with supervision
- Monitor environmental conditions in storage areas, helping reduce humidity fluctuations by 15%
- Assist with rehousing 200+ photographic materials using archival storage solutions
- Support senior conservator in developing treatment proposals for damaged artifacts
Conservation Intern | Westfield Museum of Fine Arts | Westfield, MA | June 2022 – December 2022
- Assisted with preventive conservation measures for traveling exhibition of 18th century paintings
- Helped construct custom storage mounts for fragile ceramic objects
- Documented conservation treatments through detailed photography and written reports
- Participated in weekly lab meetings to discuss treatment approaches and conservation ethics
Collections Assistant (Part-time) | University Art Gallery | Cambridge, MA | September 2021 – May 2022
- Monitored gallery environmental conditions and reported issues to conservation team
- Assisted with installation and deinstallation of 3 temporary exhibitions
- Conducted basic inventory and condition reporting for works on paper collection
- Helped update collection database with current location and condition information
EDUCATION
Master of Arts, Conservation Studies | Northeastern University | Boston, MA | 2022
- Specialization: Paper and Photographic Materials
- Thesis: “Preventive Conservation Strategies for Small Historical Societies”
- Relevant Coursework: Materials Science for Conservators, Documentation Techniques, Conservation Ethics, Preventive Conservation, Paper Conservation Laboratory
Bachelor of Arts, Art History | University of Massachusetts | Amherst, MA | 2020
- Minor: Chemistry
- Dean’s List: 6 semesters
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Preventive conservation techniques
- Basic paper conservation treatments
- Environmental monitoring
- Condition assessment and documentation
- Digital photography for conservation
- Collections management software (TMS, PastPerfect)
- Microscopy and analytical techniques (basic)
- Archival rehousing methods
- FTIR and XRF analysis (introductory level)
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, InDesign)
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
- American Institute for Conservation (AIC) – Associate Member
- Emergency Response and Salvage Workshop, Northeast Document Conservation Center, 2022
- Mount-Making for Museum Objects Workshop, Regional Conservation Association, 2023
LANGUAGES
English (Native), Spanish (Intermediate), French (Basic)
Mid-level Conservator Resume Example
Gabriel Martinez
Chicago, IL | (312) 555-7891 | gmartinez.conservator@email.com | linkedin.com/in/gabrielmartinez
Art conservator with 5+ years preserving cultural heritage objects across diverse materials. Specializes in painting conservation with particular focus on 19th century American works. Strong technical analysis skills using XRF, FTIR, and microscopy. Completed 24 major conservation treatments while maintaining meticulous documentation and adhering to AIC Code of Ethics.
EXPERIENCE
Associate Conservator | Northwestern Art Institute | Chicago, IL | March 2021 – Present
- Lead conservator for 19th century American paintings collection, evaluating condition and implementing treatment plans for 31 works
- Collaborate with curators to develop exhibition guidelines that balance visibility with preservation needs
- Conducted technical analysis of pigments using XRF spectroscopy, identifying previously unknown zinc white in 4 paintings
- Supervise 2 conservation interns each semester, providing hands-on training in documentation and basic treatment techniques
- Created detailed condition reports for 57 incoming loans, identifying conservation needs before exhibition
Assistant Conservator | Midwest Heritage Center | Indianapolis, IN | August 2019 – February 2021
- Performed treatments on mixed media objects including paper, textiles, and painted surfaces
- Helped develop and implement integrated pest management system that reduced infestation incidents by 76%
- Researched and tested new consolidation methods for flaking paint on wooden artifacts
- Contributed to emergency response planning for collection of 1,200+ objects
Conservation Technician | University of Michigan Museum of Art | Ann Arbor, MI | June 2018 – July 2019
- Assisted senior conservators with treatment documentation, including before/during/after photography
- Monitored environmental conditions throughout storage and exhibition spaces
- Prepared materials for conservation treatments under supervision
- Constructed custom storage mounts for fragile ceramic objects
EDUCATION
Master of Science in Conservation | University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 2018
Thesis: “Comparative Analysis of Consolidants for Powdering Paint on Wooden Substrates”
Bachelor of Arts in Art History and Chemistry | University of Michigan | Ann Arbor, MI | 2016
Minor in Material Science, Graduated magna cum laude
CERTIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Professional Associate, American Institute for Conservation (AIC) | 2020
XRF Applications in Art Conservation Workshop | Getty Conservation Institute | 2021
Emergency Response for Cultural Institutions Certificate | FEMA | 2019
SKILLS
- Materials: Oil paintings, works on paper, wooden objects, textiles, gilded surfaces
- Technical analysis: XRF spectroscopy, FTIR, polarized light microscopy, cross-section analysis
- Documentation: Condition reporting, treatment photography, research publication
- Preventive conservation: Environmental monitoring, IPM, storage solutions
- Conservation software: ConservationTrack, The Museum System (TMS), Adobe Suite
- Languages: English (native), Spanish (professional working proficiency)
SELECTED PUBLICATIONS & PRESENTATIONS
“Addressing Zinc Soap Formation in 19th Century American Paintings” | AIC Annual Meeting | 2022
“Preventive Conservation in Small Museums: Practical Approaches” | Midwest Museums Conference | 2020
Senior / Experienced Conservator Resume Example
Julia R. Hensley
Boston, MA • (617) 555-9284 • jrhensley@email.com • linkedin.com/in/juliarhensley
Art conservator with 12+ years preserving cultural artifacts across museums and private collections. Specialized in paper and book conservation with expertise in non-invasive analytical techniques. Known for meticulous documentation and innovative treatment approaches that balance historical integrity with preservation needs. Proven track record managing complex conservation projects while training junior staff.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Senior Conservator | Museum of Fine Arts, Boston | January 2018 – Present
- Lead conservation efforts for the museum’s 45,000+ piece works on paper collection, developing and implementing preservation strategies for particularly fragile 18th-19th century materials
- Spearhead comprehensive condition assessments for traveling exhibitions, collaborating with curators to evaluate 173 potential loans for environmental sensitivity in 2022 alone
- Established new protocols for digitizing treatment documentation that reduced retrieval time by 76% while improving data consistency
- Mentor 2-3 conservation fellows annually, designing hands-on training programs in specialized treatments including iron gall ink stabilization and adhesive removal techniques
- Secured $237,500 in grant funding for specialized equipment and research initiatives focused on non-destructive testing methods
Paper Conservator | Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum | March 2014 – December 2017
- Conducted treatments on 200+ prints, drawings, and rare books, including stabilization of water-damaged items following building leak in 2016
- Collaborated with curatorial team to design custom housing solutions for fragile materials, reducing handling damage by 34%
- Created and maintained detailed conservation reports including photo documentation, material analysis, and treatment justifications
- Co-developed exhibition guidelines addressing light exposure limits, humidity controls, and mounting specifications for works on paper
Associate Conservator | Northeast Document Conservation Center | July 2011 – February 2014
- Performed conservation treatments on client materials ranging from family heirlooms to institutional archives
- Specialized in mold remediation and disaster recovery for water and fire-damaged paper collections
- Assisted with on-site collection assessments for 12 regional libraries and historical societies
- Contributed to public workshops on preventive conservation practices for small institutions and private collectors
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Master of Art Conservation (Paper & Book Specialization)
Queen’s University, Kingston, ON | 2011
Bachelor of Fine Arts (Studio Art, Chemistry Minor)
Rhode Island School of Design | 2008
Certifications:
- XRF Analysis for Cultural Heritage Materials (Getty Conservation Institute, 2019)
- Emergency Response for Cultural Institutions (FEMA, 2017)
- Microscopy for Conservators (Campbell Center for Historic Preservation, 2015)
TECHNICAL SKILLS
- Treatment specializations: paper mending, washing/deacidification, adhesive removal, tape removal, iron gall ink stabilization, book binding repair
- Analytical techniques: microscopy, XRF, FTIR, colorimetry, pH testing
- Preventive conservation: environmental monitoring, integrated pest management, housing design
- Documentation: condition reporting, treatment documentation, digital imaging
- Software: FileMaker Pro, Adobe Creative Suite, The Museum System (TMS), ArtSystems
- Languages: English (native), French (professional working proficiency), Italian (basic)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
- American Institute for Conservation (AIC), Professional Associate, 2015-present
- International Council of Museums (ICOM), Member, 2018-present
- Guild of Book Workers, New England Chapter, 2012-present
How to Write a Conservator Resume
Introduction
Landing that perfect conservator position means showcasing your unique blend of technical expertise, historical knowledge, and meticulous attention to detail. Your resume isn't just a list of past jobs—it's a professional artifact that demonstrates your ability to preserve and protect valuable items. I've helped dozens of conservators craft resumes that catch the eye of museum directors, private collectors, and cultural institutions. Let's break down how to create a resume that highlights your conservation skills while showing you're the right person to trust with irreplaceable objects.
Resume Structure and Format
Conservation work demands precision, and your resume should reflect that quality. Keep your format clean and organized—just like your workspace!
- Stick to 1-2 pages (2 pages is acceptable for those with 7+ years of experience)
- Use consistent spacing (I recommend 1-inch margins all around)
- Choose readable fonts like Garamond, Times New Roman, or Arial (10-12pt)
- Include clear section headers to guide the reader's eye
- Save your final document as both .docx and PDF formats (some application systems prefer one over the other)
When selecting a template, avoid overly decorative designs. Remember that conservators are trusted with priceless artifacts—your resume should communicate professionalism and stability rather than flashy creativity.
Profile/Summary Section
Your professional summary sets the tone. In 3-4 sentences, highlight your specialization, years of experience, and most impressive achievement. For conservators, mentioning your specific medium expertise is crucial.
For example: "Paper conservator with 6 years of experience preserving historical documents and artwork. Specialized in treating water damage and mold remediation for 18th-century manuscripts. Previously led the emergency response to save 37 damaged documents after basement flooding at the Bradford Historical Society."
Professional Experience
This section carries the most weight. Focus on conservation projects, techniques, and materials you've worked with. Don't just list responsibilities—showcase outcomes.
- Start each bullet with a strong action verb (preserved, restored, documented, stabilized)
- Include specific materials you've worked with (textiles, paintings, paper, metals, etc.)
- Mention conservation methods and equipment (HVLP spray systems, microscopy techniques)
- Quantify your work when possible ("Restored 23 pre-Civil War daguerreotypes")
- Include any preventive conservation measures you've implemented
Education and Certifications
Conservation is a field where formal training matters. List your degrees in reverse chronological order, highlighting relevant coursework or thesis projects. Include:
- Conservation-specific degrees (M.A. in Conservation Studies, etc.)
- Relevant certifications (AIC Professional Associate status)
- Specialized training workshops (Getty Conservation Institute programs)
- Internships at notable institutions
- Languages you speak (helpful when working with international collections)
Keywords and ATS Tips
Many museums and large institutions use Applicant Tracking Systems to filter resumes. Include keywords from the job posting, such as:
- Conservation techniques (consolidation, in-painting, stabilization)
- Material types (works on paper, textiles, archaeological objects)
- Equipment (FTIR spectroscopy, UV fluorescence, XRF analysis)
- Documentation methods (condition reporting, treatment documentation)
- Collection management software (TMS, PastPerfect, etc.)
Industry-specific Terms
Demonstrate your expertise by naturally incorporating conservation terminology:
- Preservation vs. conservation (know the difference!)
- Preventive conservation
- Interventive treatments
- Environmental monitoring
- Pest management
- Condition assessment
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too general about your specialization (be specific about materials you work with)
- Forgetting to mention analytical skills and scientific knowledge
- Omitting hands-on treatment experience
- Neglecting to list experience with environmental controls and monitoring
- Not mentioning documentation skills (photography, condition reporting)
Before/After Example
Before: "Responsible for conserving artifacts at city museum."
After: "Performed interventive conservation treatments on 19th-century textile collection, including surface cleaning, humidification, and stabilization of fragile silk elements. Documented all procedures with microscopic photography and detailed treatment reports, resulting in the successful exhibition of 4 previously unstable garments."
Remember—your resume should demonstrate both your technical skills and your reverence for cultural heritage. Conservation is as much about ethics and judgment as it is about technical ability, so let those qualities shine through!
Related Resume Examples
Soft skills for your Conservator resume
- Cross-disciplinary communication skills (bridging conversations between curators, registrars, and facilities staff)
- Meticulous attention to detail while maintaining big-picture perspective on collection preservation
- Adaptability when working with unique artifacts or unexpected conservation challenges
- Collaborative problem-solving, especially during complex treatment planning
- Patience and steady hands during painstaking restoration work (even on day 3 of the same task!)
- Diplomatic communication when explaining conservation limitations to stakeholders
Hard skills for your Conservator resume
- Preventive conservation techniques including temperature and humidity control (HVAC monitoring)
- Materials testing and analysis using FTIR spectroscopy and XRF technology
- Proficiency with MuseumPlus and Mimsy XG collection management systems
- Condition reporting and damage assessment for mixed media artifacts
- Digital photography documentation with Phase One equipment
- Microscopy skills (polarized light, scanning electron microscopy)
- Treatment of paper-based materials including de-acidification processes
- Pest management protocols and integrated pest monitoring (IPM)
- Proficient in Adobe Suite for conservation documentation (primarily Photoshop and Bridge)