Associate Conservator

The George Washington University
Ashburn, Virginia 20147 United States  View Map
Posted: Jun 19, 2026
  • Full Time
  • Environmental Services
  • Federal Government
  • Summary

    Special Instructions for more details.Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status.Job OverviewThe George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum fosters the study and appreciation of art, history, and culture—both within the university and throughout the global community.The Textile Museum is an institution with a nearly one-hundred-year history, an established audience, and a respected collection of textile art representing six continents and five millennia. The conservation lab began practice in the late 1920s.GW is currently seeking an Associate Conservator to join The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum. The successful candidate will work within the conservation department and in close collaboration with other museum departments, including curatorial and exhibition production, collections management, education, communications, and advancement. Work is required at both the Foggy Bottom and Ashburn, Virginia Avenir Foundation Conservation and Collections Resource Center (AFCCRC) facilities.The associate conservator's main duties are in exhibition and outgoing loan preparation, and in preventive collections care. Supporting the museum's priorities in emerging professional education, outreach, and collections-based research is also an important focus for the position.Reporting to the Chief Conservator, the Associate Conservator will:Assess conservation requirements for treatment, display, and rehousing of collections objects. Plan and undertake treatment, rehousing, and mounting preparations. Take part in planning teams for exhibition and loan development. Assist in the preparation of exhibition and loan budgets and manage expenditures. Manage one's exhibition preparation workflow to meet deadlines and balance tasks. Prepare objects for transport between facilities. Undertake installation, de-installation, and handling of objects during exhibitions. Responsible for the maintenance of objects on display and collaboration regarding maintenance and security in galleries.Preventive collections care: Re-house objects as part of the Conservation Department's responsibility for collections management. Coordinate conservation projects related to collections care in storage. Support the development and maintenance of Integrated Pest Management and environmental monitoring protocols.Provide supervision of conservation interns, fellows, contractors, visiting researchers, and staff as assigned. Participate in interview panels for the aforementioned positions as appropriate. Promote internships, fellowships, and course instruction.Take part in the development of conservation guidelines and standards for collections care and conservation workshops, joining internal museum task forces.Participate in outreach, institutional, and public educational programs and presentations. Work with faculty, staff, and students to promote the educational mission of GWU.Conduct research projects in the area of technical and instrumental analysis of collections and applied conservation techniques. Collaborate with external researchers at the direction of the supervisor. Publish and present research projects in professional journals and at appropriate professional meetings.Other duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning additional responsibilities that are logically related to the position.This position is covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which governs wages, benefits, and working conditions.Minimum QualificationsQualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 2 years of relevant professional experience, or a Master's degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.Preferred QualificationsA degree from a recognized graduate-level (M.A. or M.S.) conservation training program is desired.2+ years of post-graduate experience, beyond the fellowship phase, in textile conservation in a museum setting is preferred.Excellent planning and time management abilities. Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work as a team member.Ability to work independently, self-motivate, and take initiative.A high level of professionalism; a proactive, positive, and collaborative nature.Knowledge of current conservation practices related to examination, treatment, and collections care is a plus.Knowledge of textile materials and techniques, as well as understanding the physical, chemical, and biological deterioration of fibers, is desired.Research experience and familiarity with instrumental analytical tools are preferred.Ability to communicate with the public on conservation issues.Good oral and written communication skills.BenefitsGW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit DetailsCampus Location: College/School/Department: Academic Affairs. Family: Museum and Arts. Level: 2. Full-Time. Hours Per Week: 40. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telework: No. Employee Onsite Status: Yes.Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search.EEO StatementThe university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.#J-18808-Ljbffr

  • Job Description

    Special Instructions for more details.Employer will not sponsor for employment Visa status.Job OverviewThe George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum fosters the study and appreciation of art, history, and culture—both within the university and throughout the global community.The Textile Museum is an institution with a nearly one-hundred-year history, an established audience, and a respected collection of textile art representing six continents and five millennia. The conservation lab began practice in the late 1920s.GW is currently seeking an Associate Conservator to join The George Washington University Museum and The Textile Museum. The successful candidate will work within the conservation department and in close collaboration with other museum departments, including curatorial and exhibition production, collections management, education, communications, and advancement. Work is required at both the Foggy Bottom and Ashburn, Virginia Avenir Foundation Conservation and Collections Resource Center (AFCCRC) facilities.The associate conservator's main duties are in exhibition and outgoing loan preparation, and in preventive collections care. Supporting the museum's priorities in emerging professional education, outreach, and collections-based research is also an important focus for the position.Reporting to the Chief Conservator, the Associate Conservator will:Assess conservation requirements for treatment, display, and rehousing of collections objects. Plan and undertake treatment, rehousing, and mounting preparations. Take part in planning teams for exhibition and loan development. Assist in the preparation of exhibition and loan budgets and manage expenditures. Manage one's exhibition preparation workflow to meet deadlines and balance tasks. Prepare objects for transport between facilities. Undertake installation, de-installation, and handling of objects during exhibitions. Responsible for the maintenance of objects on display and collaboration regarding maintenance and security in galleries.Preventive collections care: Re-house objects as part of the Conservation Department's responsibility for collections management. Coordinate conservation projects related to collections care in storage. Support the development and maintenance of Integrated Pest Management and environmental monitoring protocols.Provide supervision of conservation interns, fellows, contractors, visiting researchers, and staff as assigned. Participate in interview panels for the aforementioned positions as appropriate. Promote internships, fellowships, and course instruction.Take part in the development of conservation guidelines and standards for collections care and conservation workshops, joining internal museum task forces.Participate in outreach, institutional, and public educational programs and presentations. Work with faculty, staff, and students to promote the educational mission of GWU.Conduct research projects in the area of technical and instrumental analysis of collections and applied conservation techniques. Collaborate with external researchers at the direction of the supervisor. Publish and present research projects in professional journals and at appropriate professional meetings.Other duties as assigned. The omission of specific duties does not preclude the supervisor from assigning additional responsibilities that are logically related to the position.This position is covered under a Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which governs wages, benefits, and working conditions.Minimum QualificationsQualified candidates will hold a Bachelor's degree in an appropriate area of specialization plus 2 years of relevant professional experience, or a Master's degree or higher in a relevant area of study. Degree must be conferred by the start date of the position. Degree requirements may be substituted with an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.Preferred QualificationsA degree from a recognized graduate-level (M.A. or M.S.) conservation training program is desired.2+ years of post-graduate experience, beyond the fellowship phase, in textile conservation in a museum setting is preferred.Excellent planning and time management abilities. Well-developed interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to work as a team member.Ability to work independently, self-motivate, and take initiative.A high level of professionalism; a proactive, positive, and collaborative nature.Knowledge of current conservation practices related to examination, treatment, and collections care is a plus.Knowledge of textile materials and techniques, as well as understanding the physical, chemical, and biological deterioration of fibers, is desired.Research experience and familiarity with instrumental analytical tools are preferred.Ability to communicate with the public on conservation issues.Good oral and written communication skills.BenefitsGW offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes medical, dental, vision, life & disability insurance, time off & leave, retirement savings, tuition, well-being and various voluntary benefits. For program details and eligibility, please visit DetailsCampus Location: College/School/Department: Academic Affairs. Family: Museum and Arts. Level: 2. Full-Time. Hours Per Week: 40. Work Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Telework: No. Employee Onsite Status: Yes.Required Background Check: Criminal History Screening, Education/Degree/Certifications Verification, Social Security Number Trace, and Sex Offender Registry Search.EEO StatementThe university is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer that does not unlawfully discriminate in any of its programs or activities on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or on any other basis prohibited by applicable law.#J-18808-Ljbffr

  • ABOUT THE COMPANY

    • Government Careers
    • Government Careers

    Government jobs offer stability, competitive benefits, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on your community and country.

    Whether you’re starting your career or seeking new opportunities, these roles provide pathways for growth, security, and service.

    Explore positions across a wide range of fields and take the first step toward a rewarding future in public service.

    Show more

MORE JOBS

  • Deputy Treasurer 2

    • Marysville, Ohio
    • GovernmentJobs.com
    • Jun 19, 2026
    • Full Time
    • Federal Government
    • Human and Social Services
  • Experienced Customs and Border Protection Officer – Sign-On and Retention Incentives ($60K)

    • Grand Blanc, Michigan
    • U.S. Customs and Border Protection
    • Jun 19, 2026
    • Full Time
    • Education and Training
    • Federal Government
  • Junior to Mid Cost Analyst (Supporting Navy Shipbuilding Programs)

    • Washington, DC
    • Tecolote Research
    • Jun 19, 2026
    • Full Time
    • Federal Government
  • Material Coordinator - (801) with Security Clearance

    • Newport, Rhode Island
    • EPS
    • Jun 19, 2026
    • Full Time
    • Federal Government
  • Intelligence Analyst Junior

    • Mc Lean, Virginia
    • Streamline Defense
    • Jun 19, 2026
    • Full Time
    • Federal Government
  • Now Hiring: Entry Level Customs and Border Protection Officer ($60K Incentives)

    • South San Francisco, California
    • U.S. Customs and Border Protection
    • Jun 19, 2026
    • Full Time
    • Education and Training
    • Federal Government
Show More
Apply Now Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com Job Board.
Please mention you found this employment opportunity on the CareersInGovernment.com Job Board.