Intern, Conservation – Summer 2026
About The Position
The Intern, Conservation works directly with the Conservator to gain hands-on experience in the care, preservation, and treatment of works at the Museum. The intern supports conservation activities through object examination, documentation, research, and supervised treatment, while also assisting with lab organization and preventative care efforts. This internship offers an introduction to professional conservation practice and insight into how conservation supports exhibitions, collections care, and public programs. As part of a summer internship cohort, the intern also participates in structure professional development opportunities, including lunchtime sessions, staff meetings, and other museum programs. Learning Objectives: By the end of this internship, the intern will: Develop hands-on experience in conservation practices within a museum setting. Learn methods of examining, documenting, and photographing artworks for conservation. Gain experience researching artworks and conservation materials. Understand how conservation supports exhibitions, collections care, and public-facing museum programs. Build foundational professional skills through collaboration with conservation staff and participation in cohort-based programming. Begin developing a professional conservation portfolio. Contribute to the Museum’s commitment to a culture of inclusive excellence.
Requirements
- Undergraduate or graduate student; recent graduates (within one year of graduation) required.
- Residency in the State of New Jersey required.
- Strong attention to detail and ability to follow precise procedures.
- Ability to work collaboratively with staff in a laboratory environment.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
- Good presentation facilitation and written communication skills.
- Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook).
- Ability to remain in a stationary period for extended periods of time, move about, access, and operate computer equipment.
- Ability to occasionally lift and move up to fifteen (15) pounds.
- Ability to move throughout the Museum’s offices, galleries, facilities, and meeting spaces.
- Ability to navigate accessible public and administrative areas of the Museum, including use of elevators.
Nice To Haves
- Major or focus in art history, arts administration, museum studies, studio art, or related fields preferred.
- Interest in pursuing a career in art conservation a plus.
- Creative thinking and growth attitude.
Responsibilities
- Assist with the examination and documentation of the collections at the Museum.
- Photograph objects for condition reporting and treatment documentation.
- Conduct research on artworks, artists, materials, and conservation techniques.
- Perform entry-level conservation treatments under the direct supervision of the Conservator.
- Assist with laboratory maintenance and organization.
- Design and create appropriate housing or supports for artworks as needed.
- Attend conservation, department, and internship-related meetings.
- Present a summary of internship experience and key takeaways to museum leadership at the conclusion of the internship.
- Support the Registrar Department with collections care and related tasks as needed.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Part-time
Career Level
Intern
Education Level
No Education Listed
