Conservator of Paintings in New York, New York at The Frick Collection

Part-time, Nonexempt, 21 hours/week, $59.52/hour

Background

Internationally recognized as a premier museum and research center, The Frick Collection is known for its distinguished Old Master paintings and outstanding examples of European sculpture and decorative arts. The collection originated with Henry Clay Frick (1849–1919), who bequeathed his home, paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts to the public for their enjoyment. The museum’s holdings—which encompass masterworks from the Renaissance through the nineteenth century—have grown over the decades, more than doubling in size since the opening of the museum in 1935. A critical component of the institution is the Frick Art Research Library, founded in 1920 by Helen Clay Frick, daughter of the museum’s founder. One of the world’s top art history research centers, it has served students, scholars, and members of the public free of charge for generations.

Between 2020 and early 2024, the Frick underwent a comprehensive renovation, during which time it was open in a temporary home, Frick Madison. The museum and library reopened to the public in April 2025. In addition to special exhibition galleries and education spaces, enhanced visitor amenities and accessible spaces have been added.

Workplace Culture

At the Frick, we pride ourselves on promoting an open and welcoming workplace culture that supports a work-life balance. The Frick strives to provide its employees with competitive salaries and exceptional benefits in a beautiful and pleasant work setting, while offering an excellent opportunity to appreciate some of the world’s finest works of art.

The Frick Collection provides equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to personal characteristics such as race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, marital and civil partnership/union status, alienage or citizenship status, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, unemployment status, familial status, domestic violence, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, or other characteristics protected by law. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

Qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for vacant positions at all levels.

Position Summary

The Frick Collection seeks a part-time Conservator of Paintings to join the Conservation Department. This is an inaugural position in the newly renovated museum. Candidates should have expertise in the conservation of European paintings from the 15th to early 20th century. Knowledge in the treatment of panel paintings is also desired. Experience in the installation of contemporary paintings for temporary exhibitions is helpful. The applicant must demonstrate a firm grasp of theoretical principles in traditional painting techniques and historical restoration practices.

The Conservator of Paintings will work under the supervision of the Chief Conservator in carrying out treatments, conducting technical studies, assisting with exhibition preparation and installation, preparing loan evaluations, making acquisition assessments, and conducting materials research. The candidate should be well versed in appropriate conservation documentation and preventative measures and adept at advising on framing, packing, and storage. As an important member of the team, the Conservator of Paintings will participate in engagement activities that raise the profile of the department for patrons and the general public and will carry out research for presentation and publication.

The Conservator of Paintings will work with all members of the Conservation Department and with colleagues across the museum and library, including curatorial, registration, education, facilities, media production, and database management. This position requires a collaborative colleague to assist in other wide-ranging responsibilities, among them, proficiency in the use of analytical techniques (including XRF, radiography, and microscopy), contributing to museum policies and procedures, and supporting the preservation of the historic Frick mansion.

We recognize that people come with a wealth of experience and talent beyond just the technical requirements of a job. If your experience is close to what you see listed here, please still consider applying.

The education and/or experience requirements listed below are generally representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability to successfully perform the essential duties of this position.

• Master’s degree in Art Conservation with a focus in paintings conservation.
• Minimum of 7 years of post-graduate experience in paintings conservation.
• Excellent hand skills.
• Knowledge of collection databases, imaging techniques, and documentation methodologies.
• Strong art historical background in European painting from the 15th to 20th century.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write technical reports and conservation documentation in English.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills.
• Flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Attention to detail with the ability to prioritize while handling multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to be proactive, use independent judgment, and take initiative.

Physical Requirements

The candidate must be able to perform the essential functions of the position. If requested, reasonable accommodations can be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.

Physical requirements are comparable to most office roles.

In addition the Paintings Conservator must have the ability to:

• interact in-person with colleagues, vendors, and visitors.
• use common office tools and machines (computer, phone).
• transport and operate equipment.
• traverse and navigate throughout the offices, building(s) in- and out-doors, galleries, different levels of the building, and storage areas to complete tasks (includes climbing steps, ladders, and scaffolding; lifting objects and containers up to 40 lbs.).
• travel domestically and internationally.
• Adhere to appropriate safety protocols when working with hazardous materials.

Employment Status and Compensation

This is a part-time nonexempt role. Compensation: $59.52/hour.

Twenty-one hours typically reflects a three-day work week. Annual nonexempt base salary is up to $65,000.

The institution engages vendors/contractors for large scale conservation and maintenance projects and art moves which may be scheduled outside of the regular business day. The Conservator of Paintings may be needed to provide in-person support of these activities and may be called upon to work onsite outside of regular business hours. Generally, there is no remote work option for this role except on a very occasional basis.

Benefits in Employment with the Frick Collection

Sick time: part-time employees accrue sick leave up to 56 hours/year in accordance with the New York City Earned Sick Time Act.

Paid Holidays: part-time employees receive paid time-off when they would normally be scheduled to work on holidays the museum is closed to the public. These include New Year's Day, Juneteenth, Labor Day, Martin Luther King Day, Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

Retirement: The Frick supports all employees and interns in planning for retirement by offering participation in a Tax Deferred Savings Plan – 403(b).

Wellness Programs at the Frick include an Employee Assistance Plan, a discount on Citi Bike memberships and a discount on bike helmets.

Meal and Museum Shop discount: The Frick maintains a Seamless/GrubHub Corporate Account for all in-office food ordering. Employees working on-site may access an $8/day discount toward meal delivery from Seamless. This benefit is per employee per shift and is not transferable. All employees may access a discount on Museum Shop purchases and in our onsite café and restaurant during opening hours.

Application Process

Please include detailed cover letter and résumé.

Apply here or send cover letter and résumé to:

Chief Conservator

The Frick Collection

1 East 70th Street

New York, NY 10021

This description shall not be construed as a contract of any sort for a specific period of employment.