ANZSCO Work Type Detail Sheets

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Conservator

234911 · Medium
Career data Verified

Museum technicians and conservators restore, maintain, conserve and prepare objects in museum or institutional collections for storage, research or exhibition.

Most common salary $61k – $108k
Upper salary up to $137k
Training 0-5 years
View on Tahatū ↗ Data: Tahatū Career Navigator, CC BY 4.0
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Data: Tahatū Career Navigator, CC BY 4.0

Description

Plans and organises the conservation of materials and objects in libraries, archives, museums, art galleries and other institutions.

Typical work tasks

  • Researches history of items; analyses and test items to determine the material they are made of, their condition, and to confirm their identification and authenticity; consults with curators, owners or iwi about items; takes photographs of items before and after treatments; chooses the best method of treatment and treats items; keeps records of all decisions and the results of any treatments carried out; is involved in the disaster recovery of items (treating items that are water damaged); researches aspects of conservation such as the materials and techniques used to create a group of artefacts; ensure items going on exhibition are in good condition; advises staff or collectors on how to best care for artefacts, including how to store, display and transport them; may advise and consult with community groups, such as iwi, over the treatment of cultural artefacts.

Typical work environment

  • Works indoors in conservation laboratories in museums, art galleries, libraries, archives, historical societies and in private practice.
  • Indoor workspaces are generally adequately heated, lit, ventilated.
  • Protective clothing such as face masks and gloves may be required when undertaking some conservation work.

Typical physical and mental demands

  • Light to medium physical demand, frequently sits at desks or computers to undertake research and when carrying out repairs on objects.
  • Frequently stands, walks when collecting items and equipment.
  • There is an occasional requirement for lifting, carrying or pulling when undertaking restoration work.
  • Bending, squatting or crouching and stretching, twisting and climbing may be occasionally necessary.
  • Occasional contact with skin irritants, water or exposure to fumes from toxic substances such as adhesives and solvents may occur and protective equipment should be utilised where possible.
  • Occasional to frequent repetitive hand and finger movements are required when using paintbrushes, knives, scalpels, a range of dental equipment for fine detailed work, laboratory equipment, including a microscope and photographic equipment.
  • Driving of vehicles is not a significant component of the job.
  • Mental skills necessary include a high level of cognitive functioning with analytical, technical, design, planning, computing, research, mathematical, communication, organisational, problem solving, report writing and decision-making capabilities.
Entry signal Reviewed

Requires a substantial formal qualification.

Entry barrier Formal qualification
Licence / registration No licence required
ANZSCO skill level 1
Next-day ready No

How this was determined (model-generated): Conservator requires a relevant tertiary qualification; no statutory registration.

Entry Requirements

  • A relevant tertiary qualification or at least five years applicable experience (ANZSCO Skill Level 1). In some instances particular experience and/or on-the-job training may be required.

Further Comments

  • There are opportunities for flexibility of movement.