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Occupation AtlasMuseum Technicians and Conservators

O*NET · 25-4013.00

Museum Technicians and Conservators

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.

Also called Art Conservator · Art Preparator · Artifacts Conservator · Conservation Tech · Conservation Technician (Conservation Tech) · Conservation Worker · Conservator · Conservator Tech
19 more

Conservator Technician (Conservator Tech) · Document Restorer · Ethnographic Materials Conservator · Exhibit Preparator · Exhibit Tech · Exhibit Technician (Exhibit Tech) · Museum Exhibit Tech · Museum Exhibit Technician (Museum Exhibit Tech) · Museum Preparator · Museum Registrar · Museum Tech · Museum Technician (Museum Tech) · Objects Conservator · Paintings Conservator · Paper Conservator · Preparator · Preservation Contactor · Preservation Vendor · Textile Conservator

Job Zone 5 — Extensive Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Cartographers and Photogrammetrists

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 5: Extensive Preparation Needed

Extensive preparation. Usually a graduate degree, with extensive skill, knowledge and experience — many of these occupations expect more than five years of experience.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic5.67
  • C Conventional4.58
  • I Investigative3.21
  • A Artistic3.14
  • S Social2.64
  • E Enterprising1.51

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Bachelor's Degree12%
  • Post-Baccalaureate Certificate8%
  • Master's Degree73%
  • Post-Master's Certificate8%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (60%)
On-site or in-plant training
None (36%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years (20%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Reading Comprehensionbasic4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an email from management describing new personnel policies
  • Active Listeningbasic3.93.9Level 4 looks like: Answer inquiries regarding credit references
  • Speakingbasic3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants to obtain personal and work history
  • Writingbasic3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Write an email to staff outlining new directives
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Monitoringbasic3.43.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Complex Problem Solving3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a loan application for degree of risk
  • Active Learningbasic3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Determine the impact of new menu changes on a restaurant's purchasing requirements
  • Coordination3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Social Perceptiveness3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Be aware of how a coworker's promotion will affect a work group
  • Instructing3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
Show the other 23
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Time Management2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Quality Control Analysis2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Service Orientation2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Systems Analysis2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Sciencebasic2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Conduct standard tests to determine soil quality
  • Negotiation2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Persuasion2.42.5Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Mathematicsbasic2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Management of Material Resources2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Operations Monitoring2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Monitor completion times while running a computer program
  • Management of Financial Resources1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Operation and Control1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Repairing1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Operations Analysis1.60.9
  • Troubleshooting1.60.9
  • Technology Design1.50.9
  • Equipment Maintenance1.50.6
  • Equipment Selection1.50.6
  • Installation1.50.5
  • Programming1.40.5

Tasks

20 core · 4 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Determine whether objects need repair and choose the safest and most effective method of repair.4.8
  2. Specialize in particular materials or types of object, such as documents and books, paintings, decorative arts, textiles, metals, or architectural materials.4.7
  3. Recommend preservation procedures, such as control of temperature and humidity, to curatorial and building staff.4.7
  4. 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.4.6
  5. Clean objects, such as paper, textiles, wood, metal, glass, rock, pottery, and furniture, using cleansers, solvents, soap solutions, and polishes.4.5
  6. Repair, restore, and reassemble artifacts, designing and fabricating missing or broken parts, to restore them to their original appearance and prevent deterioration.4.5
  7. Study object documentation or conduct standard chemical and physical tests to ascertain the object's age, composition, original appearance, need for treatment or restoration, and appropriate preservation method.4.5
  8. Perform tests and examinations to establish storage and conservation requirements, policies, and procedures.4.5
  9. Prepare reports on the operation of conservation laboratories, documenting the condition of artifacts, treatment options, and the methods of preservation and repair used.4.4
  10. Direct and supervise curatorial, technical, and student staff in the handling, mounting, care, and storage of art objects.4.4
  11. Photograph objects for documentation.4.3
  12. Enter information about museum collections into computer databases.4.1
Show the other 12
  1. Prepare artifacts for storage and shipping.4.0
  2. Plan and conduct research to develop and improve methods of restoring and preserving specimens.4.0
  3. Perform on-site field work which may involve interviewing people, inspecting and identifying artifacts, note-taking, viewing sites and collections, and repainting exhibition spaces.3.5
  4. Notify superior when restoration of artifacts requires outside experts.3.5
  5. Estimate cost of restoration work.3.3
  6. Coordinate exhibit installations, assisting with design, constructing displays, dioramas, display cases, and models, and ensuring the availability of necessary materials.3.2
  7. Deliver artwork on courier trips.3.2
  8. Supervise and work with volunteers.3.0
  9. Preserve or direct preservation of objects, using plaster, resin, sealants, hardeners, and shellac.3.6
  10. Classify and assign registration numbers to artifacts and supervise inventory control.3.2
  11. Construct skeletal mounts of fossils, replicas of archaeological artifacts, or duplicate specimens, using a variety of materials and hand tools.3.0
  12. Lead tours and teach educational courses to students and the general public.3.0

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Chemistry4.55.2Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Fine Arts4.45.8
  • History and Archeology4.25.8
  • English Language3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Edit an article for a news website
  • Education and Training3.34.4Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Administrative3.04.1Level 4 looks like: Type 30 words per minute
  • Computers and Electronics2.93.9Level 4 looks like: Use a computer to format a document
  • Design2.93.0Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
Show all 33
  • Engineering and Technology2.83.0Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Administration and Management2.73.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Biology2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Customer and Personal Service2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Be responsible for 10 children at daycare
  • Mechanical2.62.9
  • Sociology and Anthropology2.63.6Level 4 looks like: Write an article about cultural differences
  • Communications and Media2.52.9
  • Mathematics2.53.4Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Physics2.53.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the speed of a falling object
  • Production and Processing2.42.6
  • Public Safety and Security2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Geography2.13.2Level 4 looks like: Find a specific country on a world map
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.12.6
  • Transportation2.12.3Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Economics and Accounting2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Philosophy and Theology2.02.1Level 1 looks like: Watch a TV show on family values
  • Building and Construction1.91.8Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Foreign Language1.92.1Level 1 looks like: Say "please" and "thank you" in a foreign language
  • Law and Government1.92.0Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Sales and Marketing1.71.5Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Telecommunications1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Psychology1.50.7Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.30.6Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Food Production1.1—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.1—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Near Vision4.04.3Level 5 looks like: Read the fine print of a legal document
  • Oral Comprehension4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Written Comprehension4.04.1Level 4 looks like: Understand an apartment lease
  • Information Ordering3.83.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Written Expression3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Speech Recognition3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Identify a former customer's voice over the phone
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
Show all 52
  • Deductive Reasoning3.44.0Level 5 looks like: Decide what factors to consider in selecting stocks
  • Finger Dexterity3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Inductive Reasoning3.43.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Speech Clarity3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Make stadium-wide announcements during a sporting event
  • Category Flexibility3.33.6Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of Closure3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Look for a golf ball in tall grass
  • Problem Sensitivity3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Visualization3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Far Vision3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Fluency of Ideas3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Think of as many ideas as possible for the name of a new company
  • Originality3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Redesign job tasks to be interesting for employees
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Trace electrical circuits marked by various colored wires
  • Selective Attention3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Manual Dexterity2.92.6
  • Control Precision2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Adjust a room light with a dimmer switch
  • Memorization2.82.9
  • Perceptual Speed2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Static Strength2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Push an empty shopping cart
  • Extent Flexibility2.52.4Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Multilimb Coordination2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Row a boat
  • Time Sharing2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Trunk Strength2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Auditory Attention2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Number Facility2.12.1Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Speed of Closure2.12.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Depth Perception2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Dynamic Strength2.01.6Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Equilibrium1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Explosive Strength1.80.8
  • Gross Body Coordination1.81.3Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Hearing Sensitivity1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Stamina1.80.9Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Rate Control1.60.9Level 1 looks like: Ride a bicycle alongside a jogger
  • Reaction Time1.60.9
  • Response Orientation1.60.8
  • Spatial Orientation1.50.5
  • Peripheral Vision1.1—
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—
  • Glare Sensitivity1.0—
  • Night Vision1.0—
  • Sound Localization1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Documenting/Recording Information4.84.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Handling and Moving Objects4.76.0Level 7 looks like: Load boxes on an assembly line
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.75.8
  • Getting Information4.55.5Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.55.8
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.55.6
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.45.2Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Thinking Creatively4.45.7
Show all 41
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.35.4Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.15.7
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.04.2Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.94.7Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.95.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Working with Computers3.93.4Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.85.0Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Processing Information3.85.2Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.73.8Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.75.0Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.64.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.54.2Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Training and Teaching Others3.54.8Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.44.5Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.34.0Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Controlling Machines and Processes3.14.0Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.04.2Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing and Building Teams3.03.2Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.93.8Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment2.63.5Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.53.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.43.0Level 4 looks like: Sell shoes in a crowded shoe store
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.22.5Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Drive a car

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate5.0
  • E-Mail4.9
  • Indoors, Environmentally Controlled4.7
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.4
  • Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals4.3
  • Freedom to Make Decisions4.3
  • Level of Competition4.0
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team3.9
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers3.8

Technology

17 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (12)

  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign
  • Adobe Photoshop
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Active Server Pages ASP
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word
Other tools (5)
  • Gallery Systems EmbARK
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro
  • PastPerfect Software PastPerfect
  • Questor Systems ARGUS
  • Questor Systems QScan32

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Curators
  2. Set and Exhibit Designers
  3. Archivists
  4. Historians
  5. Craft Artists
  6. Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
  7. Painters, Construction and Maintenance
  8. Forest and Conservation Technicians
  9. Chemical Technicians
  10. Librarians and Media Collections Specialists

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

Closest occupations

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Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.