Objects Conservation Pre-Program Intern (2 positions)

Museum of Fine Arts • Boston, MA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The department of Conservation and Scientific Research is an integral part of the Museum’s stated purpose to hold its collections in trust for future generations. Members of the department promote the long-term preservation of artworks through development of conservation treatments, study of materials and techniques, scholarly research and documentation. The department follows internationally established standards to document and maintain the aesthetic and physical integrity of works of art through six conservation disciplines, an analytical facility, and close collaboration with collections management colleagues responsible for safe exhibition, storage, transport, and the collections database.

The Objects Conservation Lab seeks two (2) pre-program conservation interns to assist primarily with maintenance of the outdoor sculpture collection. Documentation and treatment of over 20 outdoor sculptures around the MFA campus will involve examination, washing, waxing, buffing, and written and photographic documentation (including 3D scanning) of objects before and after treatment. Interns will be introduced to conservation issues particular to outdoor sculpture, such as deterioration mechanisms, maintenance needs, and treatment protocols. The maintenance of outdoor sculptures is considered a “Conservation in Action” project and interaction with the public will be a component of the internship experience. Supervised by members of the Objects Conservation Lab, interns will also have opportunity to participate in other activities that offer hands-on experience and valuable insight into the day-to-day operations of a conservation lab, such as object rehousing, emergency preparedness, preventive conservation, and collections care. In addition, interns will spend at least one day per week on an independent research project to study a subject relevant to the internship activities. Interns will present the results of their research to MFA staff at the end of the internship and provide a written summary. Though interns will be based in the Objects Conservation lab, tours of other labs in the department and at nearby museums may be arranged.

Ideal candidates must be able to commit to work onsite 35 hours per week, within 9am-5pm Monday-Friday, from June 15 through August 21, 2026. Additionally, intern must attend the Museum Pathways and Practices professional development courses, 12:30-2:30pm on the following Thursdays: June 18, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, Aug 6, Aug 13, and Aug 20, as well as orientation on Monday, June 15, 10am-3:30pm.

The intern will be paid at a rate of $16.80 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy as well as a $1,500 housing subsidy, (paid in two equal payments. (Both subsidies are subject to taxes.)

As we amplify our efforts toward becoming a truly inclusive institution and fostering the next generation of museum staff, the MFA actively encourages students from all backgrounds to apply to the program.

Requirements

• Undergraduate student enrolled in and returning immediately following the internship period to an accredited institution of higher learning or a graduate from an undergraduate program within the past 3 years, and pursuing a career in art conservation and seeking to gain experience with a pre-program internship before application to a conservation graduate program
• Previous museum experience desirable.
• Ability to work in an outdoor environment under summer weather conditions.
• Ability to climb ladders, work on scaffolding, and carry equipment weighing 15-20lbs.
• Comfortable working in public view.
• Demonstrated ability to work well in a team environment focused on learning conservation skills and techniques.
• Attention to detail and good hand skills.
• Facility with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and database programs (training in use of the Museum’s database system will be provided).
• Ability to perform tasks in professional manner and with discretion when working with confidential records.
• Ability to work onsite 35 hours per week, within 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday, from June 15 through August 21, 2026, including undergraduate attendance at the undergraduate Museum Pathways & Practices professional development course from 12:30-2:30pm on the following Thursdays: June 18, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, August 6, August 13, and August 20.
• Ability to attend orientation on Monday, June 15, 2026, 10am-3:30pm.

Responsibilities

• Assist conservators with examination, condition reporting, and written and photographic documentation.
• Assist conservators in the treatment of works of art in the MFA’s collections.
• Undertake research necessary to support conservation treatments.
• Engage with the public.
• Perform other duties as appropriate.
• Prepare and offer a 3-minute final synoptic presentation of the internship as part of the Museum Pathways and Practices professional development course.

Benefits

• The intern will be paid at a rate of $16.80 per hour and will receive a $90 per month transportation subsidy as well as a $1,500 housing subsidy, (paid in two equal payments. (Both subsidies are subject to taxes.)

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed