Conservator, Textiles

To apply , please submit your resume and cover letter to careers.
Posting closes March 12, 2026. Salary Grade: SG7 ($32.64/hour). 12 Month Term.

Glenbow is an equal opportunity employer and values different perspectives, backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Should you have special accommodation needs, please let us know.

Glenbow is an arts and culture museum undergoing a complete reimagining of what a museum can be. Every member of our team, regardless of job title, is focused on serving our community and reimagining the museum experience. Our team is passionate about making art accessible to everyone. We are dedicated community builders, working to shape the future of arts and culture in Calgary and beyond.

Working at Glenbow also means being part of an organization that recognizes its role in reconciliation and is working toward building an equitable community.

Reporting to the Manager, Conservation, the Conservator, Textiles, is responsible for preventive conservation, examination, research, and treatment of textiles in the permanent collections. The role oversees all conservation-related activities for storage, exhibitions, loans, new acquisitions, and travelling exhibits. Responsibilities include advising on collection care, maintaining appropriate environmental conditions in storage and exhibit spaces, ensuring proper textiles maintenance and storage, and providing training and guidance to staff on safe handling practices.

This position contributes to Glenbow’s ongoing transformation and development of new museum experiences. As a member of the Collections and Curatorial Team, the Conservator, Textiles plays a key role in assessing, conserving, and caring for Glenbow’s artifacts, artworks, and belongings. The role involves ongoing handling, conservation interventions, documentation, and reporting of objects to support the museum’s preparation and public re‑opening.

• Develops innovative and creative conservation solutions to improve public access to the collections while ensuring conservation standards.
• Collaborates with fellow conservators to monitor environmental conditions in storage and exhibition areas, including but not limited to coordination with the Calgary Telus Convention Centre and support for integrated pest management.
• Partners with collections staff to develop appropriate storage techniques for textiles.
• Works with exhibit teams, curators, designers, and production staff to develop safe and effective display solutions for textiles.
• Collaborates with curators and production staff to design and implement suitable packing techniques for outbound loans.
• Provides specialist guidance and support for the preventive conservation of textiles on loan.
• Advices staff on conservation best practices related to the handling and care of textiles.
• Responds to collection‑related emergencies in storage and exhibition areas.
• Delivers care and handling training to staff, interns, and volunteers.
  • Supports the training and mentorship of volunteers and interns.

• Identifies and prioritizes conservation needs for textiles, prepares treatment proposals, consults with curatorial and conservation management, and performs conservation treatments on artifacts.
• Maintains accurate and complete conservation records and the conservation database, including but not limited to photographic documentation of examinations and treatments.
• Oversees conservation work for new acquisitions (donations and purchases), including but not limited to conducting condition assessments, advising curatorial staff, treating textiles as required, and recommending appropriate storage and environmental requirements.
• Coordinates conservation activities for exhibitions, including but not limited to condition assessments, treatments, and communication with collections and production staff regarding handling and display requirements.
• Manages conservation work for outgoing…