Museum Technicians and Conservators

Career summary

Museum technicians and Conservators decide how to restore objects such as paintings. Conservators treat and care for old or valuable objects. Museum technicians assist them with many of their duties.

Conservators manage and care for art pieces and historical artifacts. Artifacts are objects, such as tools or weapons, made by humans long ago. Some conservators work with specimens. These might include coins, stamps, or even preserved plants and animals. Many conservators specialize in a specific area, such as:

• Textiles
• Metals
• Paintings

A large part of their job is to prepare objects for display. Conservators arrange and assemble items, and install them in an exhibit for the public to see. They carefully monitor the process to make sure the items are safely displayed.

Conservators conduct historical, scientific, or archaeological research. They may use x-rays and special lights to examine objects. They use chemical tests, microscopes, and other lab equipment to determine the age and condition of the objects they study. They must decide if these objects need treatment or restoration, and the best method to preserve them. They document their findings.

Conservators also restore and treat objects to prevent them from decaying or breaking. For example, they clean paintings, or items made of paper, wood, metal, glass, or clay. They preserve them with sealants and hardeners. Conservators repair the surfaces of artifacts and reassemble broken parts. They may build mounts for fossils, or construct replicas (copies) of artifacts. They recommend climate control measures to help preserve the objects. Factors such as too much heat, humidity, or light can damage art and other valuable objects.

Conservators may need to consult outside experts. They may also estimate the cost for restoration work. In addition, conservators may direct the work of technical staff in handling, mounting, and storing objects.

Museum technicians assist conservators by performing a variety of the above tasks. They prepare, maintain, and organize objects or materials. They may also assist with research.

Related careers

This career is part of the Education and Training cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Archivists
• Costume and Wardrobe Specialists
• Curators
• Forensic Science Technicians
• Musical Instrument Repairers and Tuners
• Science Technicians
• Set and Exhibit Designers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to museum technicians and conservators.

• Prepare and install artifacts for exhibition and display, making sure artifacts are safe.
• Examine objects to determine their condition and the best method to preserve them.
• Use x-rays, microscopes, special lights, and other lab equipment to examine objects.
• Repair and restore surfaces of artifacts. Repair or reassemble broken objects.
• Clean objects. Preserve objects using sealants and hardeners. Treat items to restore them or prevent further deterioration.
• Recommend temperature control, humidity, light exposure, and other preservation measures.
• Construct mounts and replicas, using a variety of materials and hand tools.
• Conduct research on works of art, artifacts, or specimens. Document findings from tests and research.
• Direct technical staff in handling, mounting, and storing of objects.
• Assist conservators in preparing, maintaining, and organizing objects or materials.
• May specialize in a specific area, such as books, textiles, paintings, or metals.
• Notify supervisor when outside experts are required for restoration or consultation.

Common work activities

Museum technicians and conservators perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Get information needed to do the job
• Handle and move objects
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Think creatively
• Document and record information
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Process information
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Use computers
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Develop goals and strategies
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Develop and build teams
• Analyze data or information

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, museum technicians and conservators:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social interaction. They work closely with other workers, but also spend time working alone.
• Communicate by telephone and in person on a daily basis. They also use e-mail, letters, and memos, but less often.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of technical staff.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by technical staff.
• May work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Often work indoors, but may on rare occasions work outdoors.
• Work near others. They may share the same office or work space.

Work performance

• Must be sure their work is exact. Errors could damage artworks or artifacts.
• Sometimes repeat the same activities.
• Make most decisions and set most of their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor.

Hours/travel

• May work part time or full time. Most work full time.
• Generally work a set schedule.

Physical demands

Museum technicians and conservators frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Stand for long periods of time.

It is important for museum technicians and conservators to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for museum technicians and conservators to be able to:

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.

Skills and abilities

Museum technicians and conservators need to:

Communicate

• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Teach others how to do something.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Art and Fine Arts, General
• Art History
• Museum Studies
• Public History

Other programs of study to consider

• Archeology
• Ethnic Studies
• Historic Preservation
• History
• Library Assistant
• Taxidermy

Training

To work as a museum technician, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have a bachelor's degree.

To work as a museum conservator, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have a bachelor's degree; and
• have a master's degree in conservation.

Education after high school

Museum technicians usually need a bachelor's degree in their area of specialty. Few schools grant a bachelor's degree in museum studies. However, many students complete a minor in museum studies while majoring in a program such as art history. Many schools grant a master's degree in museum studies. Some employers may accept applicants who have taken relevant college course work, but do not have a degree.

Conservators need a master's degree in conservation. Only a few schools offer conservation programs at that level. A background in chemistry, archeology, studio art, and art history will help you get into a graduate program. It may also help if you know a second language. A master's program in conservation takes two to four years to complete.

A small number of conservators learn their skills through an apprenticeship. In an apprenticeship you work at a museum, nonprofit organization, or with a conservator in private practice. You learn skills from an experienced conservator. You also take courses in chemistry, studio art, and history.

Work experience

Working or volunteering at a museum or art gallery can give you good experience for these occupations.

On-the-job training

While completing a master's degree in conservation, you can get experience by working as an intern. During your internship, you work under the guidance of an experienced conservator. Internships usually last up to six months.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements .

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Art
• Art History
• Computer Applications
• US History
• World History

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

When hiring conservators, employers look for a master's degree in conservation or in a closely related field. They also look for experience.

When hiring museum technicians, many employers prefer applicants with a thorough knowledge of the museum's specialty. The also prefer applicants with museum work experience. Formal training in museum studies may also be helpful.

Costs to workers

Workers must pay for association dues, reference books and journals, and college classes to keep up with changes in the field.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Museum Technicians and Conservators 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

The minimum wage for Washington State as of January 1, 2020 is $13.50 per hour. Some areas of the state may have a higher minimum wage.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The worker's level of experience and responsibility also affect wages.

Museum technicians and conservators who work full time often receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Museums and historical sites
• Federal, state, and local government agencies
• Colleges and universities

National outlook

This occupation will grow faster than average as public interest in science, art, history, and technology increases. Budget cuts may reduce the number of available jobs.

Competition for job openings will be strong as many people are trained to do this work. Openings will occur as people leave the occupation. Turnover is very low in this occupation.

Other resources

American Alliance of Museums 
2451 Crystal Drive, Suite 1005
Arlington, VA 22202
202.289.1818

American Historical Association 
777 6th St NW, 11th floor
Washington, DC 20001
202.544.2422

American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works 
727 15th St NW
Suite 500
Washington, DC 20005
202.452.9545

Museum of Flight 
9404 East Marginal Way South
Seattle, WA 98108
206.764.5700

Smithsonian Institution Career Center 

Washington Conservation Guild 
PO Box 553
Kensington, MD 20895

References

Career cluster

• Education and Training

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Museum Technicians and Conservators (25-4013.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Armorer Technician (109.281-010) 
• Art Conservator (102.167-010) 
• Conservation Technician (102.261-010) 
• Conservator, Artifacts (055.381-010) 
• Document Restorer (979.361-010) 
• Fine Arts Packer (102.367-010) 
• Museum Technician (102.381-010) 
• Repairer, Art Objects (779.381-018) 
• Restorer, Ceramic (102.361-014) 
• Restorer, Lace and Textiles (102.361-010) 
• Restorer, Paper-and-prints (109.361-010) 
• Transportation-equipment-maintenance Worker (899.384-010) 

Holland occupational clusters

• Realistic/Artistic/Conventional
• Realistic/Artistic/Investigative

COPSystem

• Arts Professional