POST GRADUATE PAINTINGS CONSERVATION FELLOWSHIP 

POST GRADUATE PAINTINGS CONSERVATION FELLOWSHIP  

Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Centers – Williamstown, Massachusetts  

  The Williamstown + Atlanta Art Conservation Centers (W+AACC) seeks a full-time conservation fellow for our Williamstown, Massachusetts Paintings department. This is a fantastic opportunity for an early career conservator to gain substantive treatment experience in a collaborative and client-focused environment. We accept applicants regardless of their race, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability, or protected class.  

  

The start date for this opportunity is negotiable but should begin no later than Fall 2026. This 12-month fellowship offers the possibility of a one-year extension. Founded in 1977, W+AACC has an extensive record of training emerging conservators. Previous fellows have gone on to prominent positions throughout the United States and Europe.  

   

The selected fellow will work with a wide range of materials and cultural heritage resources, from historic to modern, belonging to a mix of institutions such as museums, universities, historic houses, and private clients.  

 

The fellow will join a collaborative and experienced team of paper, paintings, and objects conservators supported by conservation technicians and administrative staff. While conservators occasionally perform off-site work across the region, the fellow can expect to spend the majority of their time in the conservation lab located in Williamstown, Massachusetts.  

  

W+AACC is a non-profit organization comprised of regional conservation centers in the Northeast and Southeast.  Our state-of-the-art conservation center in Williamstown is on the campus of the Clark Art Institute, while the Atlanta Center is located in an offsite facility of the High Museum of Art. Both centers enjoy strong relationships with local museums and institutions of higher education. W+AACC’s mission is to protect, conserve, and maintain heritage objects from all cultures.  With a membership of more than fifty organizations, W+AACC is the largest regional conservation center in the country. Our conservators adhere to the Code of Ethics and Guidelines for Practice as formulated by the American Institute for Conservation of Historic & Artistic Works (AIC), the national membership organization of conservation professionals.   

   

Duties and Learning Opportunities  

Under the supervision and mentorship of lab staff, the fellow will:   

  • Perform conservation treatments to support approved projects 
  • Conduct examinations and prepare treatment proposals 
  • Interact with clients, including museum professionals, collectors, descendants, and other cultural heritage stewards  
  • Participate in collection surveys, institutional assessments, and consultations  
  • Learn estimation practices for treatment duration and materials costs  
  • Contribute to W+AACC’s outreach and educational activities   
  • Conduct research to understand objects and support recommended treatment protocols  
  • Participate in staff meetings  
  • Stay current with theoretical discourse, best practice, and innovation in the field    

 

Applicant Requirements:  

  • A Master’s degree in conservation with a specialization in paintings by the start of the fellowship   
  • Commitment to the Code of Ethics established by the American Institute for Conservation  
  • Legal authorization to work in the United States (e.g. U.S. citizenship or valid visa)  
  • Ability to work off-site on scaffolding indoors and out, stand for prolonged periods, and lift 40lbs  
  • Possession of a valid driver’s license is strongly preferred  

   

Compensation + Benefits:  

  • Annual salary of $48,000    
  • $1,000 moving allowance 
  • Excellent benefits package is offered including health, dental, paid holidays, paid time off, paid sick time 
  • $1,000 annual professional development allowance and five research days for workshops and conferences 
  • W+AACC covers half of the annual cost of membership in the American Institute for Conservation   

 

To Apply:  

Send a letter of interest, a resume or CV, and portfolio demonstrating three treatments performed by the applicant that address the requirements of the position.  

Please indicate in your cover letter the position and location(s) you are applying for. Review of applications will begin March 1, 2026, and continue until the position is filled.  Direct application materials and inquiries to:  WACC@Williamstownart.org    

Emerging conservation professionals seeking 3rd or 4th year internships are encouraged to review our internship opportunities and submit an application.