Museum Technicians and Conservators
What is a Museum Technicians and Conservators?
Museum Technicians and Conservators are professionals responsible for the preservation, conservation, and management of museum collections, including artifacts, artworks, and other historical items. Their primary role is to conserve items in such a way that they remain intact and unblemished for future generations. This entails employing a variety of techniques and methods to maintain the integrity and functionality of the items, preventing deterioration and damage from environmental factors, handling, and time. Museum technicians often prepare artifacts for display or storage, ensuring proper environmental conditions and suitable storage solutions.
In addition to hands-on conservation work, they typically conduct research related to the materials and techniques used in the creation of artifacts. This research can inform conservation methods and help in the development of best practices for preservation. Museum Technicians may also be involved in creating condition reports, documenting the history and status of items, and collaborating with curators and other museum staff to develop exhibitions that safely showcase collections while educating the public. Their work often requires a deep understanding of art history, museum practices, chemistry, and environmental science, blending both practical skills and theoretical knowledge.
Overall, Museum Technicians and Conservators play a crucial role in safeguarding cultural heritage, ensuring that artifacts can be appreciated and studied for years to come.
Tasks
- 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.
- Repair, restore, and reassemble artifacts, designing and fabricating missing or broken parts, to restore them to their original appearance and prevent deterioration.
- Clean objects, such as paper, textiles, wood, metal, glass, rock, pottery, and furniture, using cleansers, solvents, soap solutions, and polishes.
- Photograph objects for documentation.
- Determine whether objects need repair and choose the safest and most effective method of repair.
Technology Skills
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Graphics or photo imaging software
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe Photoshop
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Data base user interface and query software
- Gallery Systems EmbARK
- PastPerfect Software PastPerfect
- Questor Systems ARGUS
- Questor Systems QScan32
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Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
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Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
Tools Used
- Stripping tools
- Photocopiers
- Micrometers
- Scanners
- Infrared imagers
Knowledge
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Fine Arts
Knowledge of the theory and techniques required to compose, produce, and perform works of music, dance, visual arts, drama, and sculpture.
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English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
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Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
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History and Archeology
Knowledge of historical events and their causes, indicators, and effects on civilizations and cultures.
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Administration and Management
Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Skills
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Abilities
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Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
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Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
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Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
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Speech Clarity
The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Master's degree
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Bachelor's degree
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Post-secondary certificate
Awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
Work Activities
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Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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Handling and Moving Objects
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Detailed Work Activities
- Prepare materials for preservation, storage, or display.
- Construct exhibits or parts of exhibits.
- Classify materials according to standard systems.
- Direct department activities.
- Evaluate characteristics of archival or historical objects.
Work Interests
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$30730.0 - $84400.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.