Conservation Assistant, Special Projects

Overview

Conservation Assistant, Special Projects

The American Museum of Natural History is seeking a Conservation Assistant to provide administrative and collection care support to the AMNH Science Conservation program. The Conservation Assistant will support the day-to-day functions of the conservation lab, related to preservation, documentation, and exhibition of anthropology and natural science collections. The Science Conservation team supports preservation and conservation of collections held within all scientific divisions including Anthropology, Invertebrate Zoology, Paleontology, Physical Sciences and Vertebrate Zoology.

It is a highly active lab faced with large, complex projects and tight timelines.(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

• Administration: Manage object records, files, digital images, conservation databases.
• Maintain, order and organize department supplies.
• Inventory and organize lab chemicals.
• Preventive Care: Environmental monitoring; support maintenance of wireless data loggers and water sensors for exhibits and storage; prepare summaries for internal reports.
• Integrated Pest Management: Support insect monitoring program in collections and exhibits; prepare summaries for internal reports.
• Collection Care: Assist with exhibition loan documentation and conservation with emphasis on imaging; support exhibit maintenance and install/deinstall efforts.
• Materials Analysis: Carry out Oddy testing on materials proposed for storage or display environments.

The expected salary range for the Conservation Assistant is $55,000/annual – $65,000/annual. This position is overtime-eligible and AMNH offers an extensive benefits package designed to meet the needs of our diverse community. Pay will be determined based on several factors, including but not limited to skills, knowledge, training, education, credentials, areas of specialization and depth and scope of experience.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in anthropology, archaeology, natural sciences, preservation/conservation or other relevant field.
• 1+ years experience in a museum or private conservation lab.
• Excellent communication skills, good time management, strong organizational skills, exceptional attention to detail, and ability to juggle multiple tasks.
• Knowledge of principles, concepts, ethics, and methodology of conservation with preferred application to preservation and treatment of anthropological and/or natural science collections.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated commitment to and interest in collection care and conservation.
• Willingness to learn new skills to advance the goals of the department.
• Proficiency with programs such as Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office, and experience with digital photography.

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for prolonged periods.
• Must be able to occasionally lift up to 20 pounds.
• Must be able to move about the Museum campus.
• Positioning/change of positioning: must frequently position oneself/body to accomplish job duties.
• Balancing:
  Maintaining body equilibrium to prevent falling.

• Category: Full-Time/Term
• Total Number of Scheduled Hours Per Pay Period: 70
• Union Status: Non-Union
• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• Expected Salary Minimum: $55,000/annual
• Expected Salary Maximum: $65,000/annual

The American Museum of Natural History is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The Museum does not discriminate with respect to employment, or admission or access to Museum facilities, programs or activities on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, marital status, partnership status, gender (including sexual harassment), sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, pregnancy and lactation accommodations, alienage or citizenship status, current or former participation in the uniformed services, status as a veteran, caregiver, pre-employment marijuana testing, sexual and reproductive health decisions, salary history, national or ethnic origin, height, weight, or on account of any other basis prohibited by applicable City, State, or Federal law.

Additional protections are afforded in employment based on arrest or conviction record, status as a victim of domestic violence, stalking and sex offenses, unemployment status, and credit history, in each case to the extent provided by law.

Quick Link: /4697

Posting Number: GS968P

Open Date: 01/29/2026

Close Date: Open Until Filled

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Required Documents: Resume, Cover Letter

Optional Documents: