Conservator, Works on Paper

Art Gallery of Ontario

$77K — $97K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in conservation or equivalent experience in art museum
  • 5+ years of experience in conservation of fine art on paper
  • Strong knowledge of conservation principles and practices
  • Familiarity with health and safety regulations
  • Expertise in the 'Code of Ethics and Guidance for Practice' in conservation
  • Ability to perform delicate conservation operations
  • Strong research and interpretation skills
  • Proficient with specialized technical equipment

Responsibilities

  • Assess condition and diagnose conservation issues on works of art on paper
  • Conduct technical examinations to assess preservation implications
  • Define conservation criteria for artwork handling and exhibition
  • Act as a consultant on preservation issues for external inquiries
  • Stay updated on conservation techniques and practices through research
  • Document findings and prepare reports for dissemination
  • Perform additional duties as assigned

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Care Benefits
  • Long term disability and life insurance
  • Group insurance benefits
  • Pension plan after one year of service
  • Paid vacation days after one year of service
  • Relocation allowance consideration
  • Discounts on attractions and events in the area
  • Free access to major exhibits at AGO
Full Job Description
Description
Requisition Id: 2026-109
Job Status: Regular Full-Time
Hours & Days of Work: 35 hours per week
Minimum Salary: $77,932.00
Maximum Salary: $97,388.00
Target Start Date: 11/02/2026

Conservator, Works on Paper

Regular Full-Time (Permanent Full-Time)

35 hours per week

Posted on September 09, 2026

We are currently seeking a Regular Full-Time, Conservator, Works on Paper to join our Conservation team. Under the direction of the Head of Conservation, the incumbent will prolong the physical and aesthetic life of works of art on paper through documentation, preventive care, conservation treatment, research, and education. Promote and advocate the preservation of works in the collection or in the temporary custody of the Gallery. Provides advice and expertise concerning the aesthetic, conceptual and physical characteristics of works of art.

The salary range for this position is 77,932 - $97,388 per annum.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Assesses condition, diagnoses conservation problems, and performs conservation treatment on works of art on paper in the permanent collections or temporary custody of the Gallery to prevent damage, retard deterioration and to improve the structural stability and the appearance of the object.
  • Performs technical examinations of works of art on paper to define the preservation and conservation implications for acquisition, loan and exhibition. May identify reproductions, fakes, or forgeries. Documents findings and prepares reports for purposes of financial appraisal and for submission to the Cultural Property Export Review Board.
  • Defines conservation criteria to be met for framing, mounting, handling, packing, crating, storage, shipping, security measures, exhibition and loan parameters for individual works of art or collections. Defines conservation specifications for relative humidity, temperature and light for all areas in the building where works of art are located. Defines conservation criteria to be met in the design, planning and installation of exhibitions and individual works of art. Defines preservation criteria to be met by external groups/clients using gallery spaces and facilities for special events, photography and filming.
  • Acts as a consultant/specialist on behalf of the Gallery by: responding to inquiries from collectors, artists, the public and other institutions regarding materials and preservation of works of art; referring inquiries to other specialists as required; representing the Gallery to sister institutions or other external organizations regarding conservation issues and practices; conducting lectures and seminars and publishing articles on various conservation topics.
  • Maintains awareness of developments in policies, practices, techniques and materials in conservation of art through research, written correspondence, membership in professional organizations and participation at lectures, conferences and training seminars. Assesses relevance and impact of information on Gallery conservation standards and practices and negotiates changes as appropriate.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.


Our ideal candidate will have the following qualifications, skills, and experience:
  • Masters degree in conservation from a recognized university or college, plus five years related experience in an art museum, or equivalent combination of education and years of directly related experience with the conservation of fine art on paper.
  • Excellent knowledge of and applied experience of conservation principles, practices, materials and techniques for art on paper.
  • Excellent knowledge of health and safety legislation, regulations and practices.
  • Knowledge of materials and techniques, aesthetic and historical significance of works of art.
  • Knowledge of the "Code of Ethics and Guidance for Practice" of the Canadian Association for Conservation of Cultural Property (CAC) and of the Canadian Association of Professional Conservators (CAPC).
  • Ability to perform delicate operations affecting the condition and appearance of works of art; excellent hand-eye co-ordination and manual dexterity.
  • Ability to conduct research according to established scientific practice; to synthesize and interpret information.
  • Ability to operate specialized technical and scientific equipment.
  • Excellent trained, visual discrimination abilities.
  • Ingenuity and creative problem-solving skills
  • Excellent written, verbal, presentation, consultation and negotiation skills.


Language of Work:
  • English


Location of Work:
  • Art Gallery of Ontario

317 Dundas Ave West

Toronto, ON

M5T 1G4

Compensation & Benefits:
  • Annual base salary range of $77,932 to $97,388 per annum based on qualifications, skills, and
  • Annual wage increases are available
  • Medical Benefits, Dental Benefits, Vision Care Benefits
  • Long term disability insurance and Life Insurance Benefits
  • Group insurance benefits
  • Pension Plan upon completion of one (1) year of service
  • Paid vacation days after one (1) year of service
  • Relocation allowance to be considered
  • Discounts from the Provincial/City Reciprocal Agreements (Free admission to museums, the CN Tower & discounts off amusement parks, city attractions, hotels, wine tours, Second City, the Ontario Science Centre, and much more!)
  • Discounts to GoodLife Fitness
  • Free tickets to every major exhibit at AGO


If this sounds like an opportunity you are looking for, apply now!

To Apply:

Please submit your resume and cover letter outlining your relevant experience and qualifications online at https://jobs.jobvite.com/ago/jobs/viewall. We thank all applicants for their interest in the position; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Our Applicant Tracking System (ATS) uses AI features to support efficiency and consistency, but all hiring decisions are made by our managers and HR team.

Contact Information:

Abigail Campbell

[email protected]

416 979 6660 x6300

Mailing Address:

Art Gallery of Ontario

317 Dundas Ave West

Toronto, ON

M5T 1G4

Fax

416-979-6645

More Jobs at Art Gallery of Ontario

More Education, Government & Non-Profit Jobs

  • State Of Delaware
    Director of Accounting
    $130K *
    State Of Delaware
    Dover, DE 19904 (Kent County)
  • Deputy Building Official
    $80K — $150K + gloucester county government offers an excellent benefit package *
    Gloucester County
    Gloucester, VA 23061 (Gloucester County)
  • Deputy Assessor
    $80K — $150K + gloucester county government offers an excellent benefit package *
    Gloucester County
    Gloucester, VA 23061 (Gloucester County)
  • Civil Engineer II
    $80K — $150K + gloucester county government offers an excellent benefit package *
    Gloucester County
    Gloucester, VA 23061 (Gloucester County)
  • Accounting Manager
    $80K — $100K + gloucester county government offers an excellent benefit package *
    Gloucester County
    Gloucester, VA 23061 (Gloucester County)

Find similar Conservator, Works on Paper jobs: