Museum Technicians and Conservators
Restore, maintain, or prepare objects in museum collections for storage, research, or exhibit. May work with specimens such as fossils, skeletal parts, or botanicals; or artifacts, textiles, or art. May identify and record objects or install and arrange them in exhibits. Includes book or document conservators.
- Overview
- Tasks
- Skills
Median Annual Wage: $39,940
Education: Master's degree (40%); Bachelor's degree (16%); Post-baccalaureate certificate (16%)
Projected Growth: Slower than average (3% to 7%)
Related Job Titles: Collections Manager; Objects Conservator; Conservator; Paintings Conservator; Preparator; Exhibit Technician; Art Preparator; Paper Conservator; Conservation Technician; Museum Registrar
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Museum Technicians and Conservators.
- Determine whether objects need repair and choose the safest and most effective method of repair.
- Install, arrange, assemble, and prepare artifacts for exhibition, ensuring the artifacts' safety, reporting their status and condition, and identifying and correcting any problems with the set up.
- Direct and supervise curatorial, technical, and student staff in the handling, mounting, care, and storage of art objects.
- Perform tests and examinations to establish storage and conservation requirements, policies, and procedures.
- Prepare artifacts for storage and shipping.
- Photograph objects for documentation.
- Coordinate exhibit installations, assisting with design, constructing displays, dioramas, display cases, and models, and ensuring the availability of necessary materials.
- Notify superior when restoration of artifacts requires outside experts.
- Lead tours and teach educational courses to students and the general public.
- Supervise and work with volunteers.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Museum Technicians and Conservators.
- Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
- Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.
- Writing - Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
- Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
- Complex Problem Solving - Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
- Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- Coordination - Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
- Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
- Judgment and Decision Making - Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Source: O*NET OnLine information for Museum Technicians and Conservators.
