Museum Conservator

Your Fit

Income

$75K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

9.9%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is a Museum Conservator?

A Museum Conservator is a professional responsible for the preservation, restoration, and maintenance of artifacts, artworks, and specimens in museum collections. They work to ensure the longevity and integrity of these items for future generations to study and enjoy.

Sample job titles:

Conservator, Objects Conservator, Paintings Conservator, Preparator

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Museum Conservator.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does a Museum Conservator earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Museum Conservator.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$50K per year	$56K per year	$75K per year	$85K per year	$137K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $9.67K above the national average.

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What does a Museum Conservator do?

Work environment

Museum Conservators typically work in museums, historical sites, or galleries. Their environment often includes conservation laboratories, where they examine and treat artifacts, as well as storage areas for collections. They may also spend time in research and office settings.

Quick task list

Examines and documents artifacts or specimens.
Performs conservation treatments to stabilize and preserve objects.
Researches and implements the best preservation methods.
Collaborates with other museum staff on providing care for exhibitions and collections.
Advises on environmental conditions like lighting and humidity for artifact storage and display.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Art Conservation: Specializing in the preservation of paintings, sculptures, and other works of art.
Textile Conservation: Focusing on the preservation of fabrics, garments, and textiles.
Archaeological Conservation: Concentrating on artifacts recovered from archaeological sites.
Paper Conservation: Preserving and restoring documents, manuscripts, and other paper-based materials.
Digital Conservation: Working with digital media and modern materials.

Description

Museum Conservators play a crucial role in preserving cultural and historical heritage. Their work involves a mix of science and art, requiring a deep understanding of materials, chemistry, and art history. They assess the condition of items, determine appropriate conservation methods, and carry out treatments to repair, stabilize, or restore artifacts. This can range from cleaning and repairing to more complex restoration work.

The job demands a high level of precision and attention to detail, as conservators work with rare and often fragile items. They must stay updated with the latest conservation techniques and ethical standards. Additionally, they often conduct research and contribute to the museum's educational and outreach activities, helping to increase public awareness and appreciation of cultural heritage.

Collaboration is a key aspect of this role, as conservators work closely with curators, historians, and scientists. They contribute to the planning and setup of exhibitions, ensuring the safe display of items, and often provide training and guidance on the care and handling of collections.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Playing a key role in preserving important cultural and historical artifacts.
The intellectual challenge and satisfaction of restoring and maintaining a diverse range of items.
Contributing to the educational and cultural mission of museums.

You might make a good Museum Conservator if you are...

Detail-oriented, with a passion for art, history, and science.
Skilled in both analytical thinking and hands-on work.
Patient and meticulous in your approach to tasks.
Good at problem-solving and critical thinking.
Able to work collaboratively and communicate effectively with other professionals.

Pros:

Rewarding work in preserving important cultural and historical artifacts.
Opportunities to work with a diverse range of interesting objects.
Engaging mix of scientific analysis and creative problem-solving.

Cons:

Highly specialized field with potentially limited job opportunities.
The need for continuous learning and staying current with conservation technologies and methods.
Physically demanding tasks and potential exposure to chemicals and allergens.

How to become a Museum Conservator

Typical education

A career as a Museum Conservator generally requires a master's degree in conservation or a related field, following a bachelor's degree. This equates to approximately 6-7 years of post-secondary education.

High school preparation

Courses:

Art and Art History to develop an understanding of artistic techniques and history.
Chemistry and Biology for a foundation in the science behind conservation.
Workshop or Craft Classes to gain hands-on skills in handling and creating materials.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Volunteering at local museums or historical sites.
Participating in art clubs or groups to develop artistic skills.
Engaging in science fairs or clubs to strengthen scientific understanding.

Preparation after high school

Earn a bachelor's degree in art history, chemistry, or a related field.
Pursue a master's degree in conservation or museum studies.
Complete internships or fellowships in conservation laboratories or museums for practical experience.
Consider obtaining certifications in specialized conservation techniques.

More resources

American Institute for Conservation (AIC) - Offers resources and standards for professional conservators.
International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (IIC) - Provides international connections and resources for conservators.
Conservation Center for Art & Historic Artifacts (CCAHA) - A resource for training and education in art conservation.
National Trust for Historic Preservation - Offers insights into the preservation of historical artifacts and sites.
MuseumJobs.com - A platform for finding job opportunities and resources in the museum sector.

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