Museum Technicians & Conservators

object artifact realistic interests information museum collection general public policy material exhibit

Conservator, Objects Conservator, Paintings Conservator, Preparator

What they do:
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.
On the job, you would:
  • Determine whether objects need repair and choose the safest and most effective method of repair.
  • Specialize in particular materials or types of object, such as documents and books, paintings, decorative arts, textiles, metals, or architectural materials.
  • Recommend preservation procedures, such as control of temperature and humidity, to curatorial and building staff.

Knowledge

Math and Science

  • chemistry

Arts and Humanities

  • music, dance, visual arts, drama, or sculpture
  • history and archeology

Education and Training

  • teaching and course design

Business

  • administrative services

Skills

Basic Skills

  • reading work related information
  • listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Verbal

  • communicate by speaking
  • listen and understand what people say

Ideas and Logic

  • order or arrange things
  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information

Hand and Finger Use

  • keep your arm or hand steady
  • put together small parts with your fingers

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Cautiousness
  • Integrity
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Intellectual Curiosity
  • Cooperation

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Adobe Creative Cloud software Hot Technology
  • Adobe Illustrator Hot Technology

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology

Data base user interface and query software

  • Gallery Systems EmbARK
  • Questor Systems QScan32

Education

Education: (rated 4 of 4)
master's degree or
bachelor's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
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