|
Conservators and Museum Technicians
Overview » Industry Pathways » Visual Arts 
Conservators and museum technicians are people who love to mix research with “hands-on” activities involving artifacts, works of art, and specimens. Just put these people in a room filled with a few old coins, stamps, dusty old books, and paintings, and watch them become totally absorbed and focused in an instant!
These are the workers who manage, preserve, treat, and document works of art, artifacts, and specimens. Their work may require a lot of historical, scientific, and archaeological research. They use X-rays, chemical testing, microscopes, special lights, and other laboratory equipment and techniques to examine objects and determine their condition, their need for treatment or restoration, and the appropriate method for preserving them.
They also describe, catalogue, analyze, exhibit, and maintain valuable objects for the benefit of researchers and the public.
They may also have some administrative responsibilities that deal with cataloguing and maintaining collections.
Museum and archive technicians assist with many of the preparatory and maintenance tasks that are necessary for dealing with museum items or historical materials. Some museum technicians also may assist curators with research. Archives technicians help archivists organize, maintain, and provide access to historical documentary materials.
Museum technicians, including archivists and curators, held about 11,000 jobs in 2006. There are many establishments that need these specialists, and workers are employed are in many cities and towns throughout the nation. About 35 percent were employed in museums, historical sites, and similar institutions, and 15 percent worked for state and private educational institutions, mainly college and university libraries.
Nearly 40 percent worked in federal, state, and local government. Most federal archivists work for the National Archives and Records Administration; others manage military archives in the U.S. Department of Defense. Most federal government curators work at the Smithsonian Institution, in the military museums of the Department of Defense, and other museums and historic sites managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
Conservators may work under contract to treat particular items, rather than as regular employees of a museum or other institution. These conservators may work on their own as private contractors, or they may work as an employee of a conservation laboratory or regional conservation center that contracts their services to museums.
Competition for jobs as conservators and museum technicians is expected to be strong. Getting a good education is very important to being competitive in this field. The job outlook may be more favorable for graduates of conservation programs. Students who qualify and successfully complete such a program, have knowledge of a foreign language, and are willing to relocate, will have an advantage.
Employment of conservators and museum technicians is expected to increase about as fast as the average for all occupations through 2016. Jobs are expected to grow as public and private organizations emphasize establishing archives and organizing records and information. The increase of public interest in science, art, history, and technology is also an important factor in the growing popularity of these jobs.
Employment as a conservator, archivist, or curator usually requires graduate education and related work experience. While completing their formal education, many conservators work in archives or museums to gain the “hands-on” experience that many employers seek.
For some programs, knowledge of a foreign language is also helpful. Apprenticeship training, although accepted, usually is a more difficult route in this profession.
Museum technicians usually need a bachelor’s degree in an appropriate discipline of the museum’s specialty, training in museum studies, or previous experience working in museums. Similarly, archives technicians usually need a bachelor’s degree in library science or history, or relevant work experience. Technician positions often serve as a steppingstone for individuals interested in archival and curatorial work. Except in small museums, a master’s degree is needed for advancement.
Typical annual earnings of museum technicians in 2007 were $35,350. Earnings vary considerably by type and size of employer and often by specialty.
If you are interested in this occupation or are wondering about related occupations, use the links below to continue your exploration. Always remember, the more effort you put into exploring possible careers, the easier it will be for you to discover the best career choices for you!
For career information and links to employment resources contact:
U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook: http://www.bls.gov/oco/
Occupational Information Network, O*NET Online: http://online.onetcenter.org/
American Association of Museums: http://www.aam-us.org
For information about careers and education programs in conservation and preservation, contact:
American Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works: http://aic.stanford.edu
For information about planning and paying for college, visit Junior Achievement’s Financial Aid Center .
|