Conservators and Curators
(NOC 5112)
in All Arts, Culture, Recreation and SportConservators restore and conserve artifacts belonging to museums, galleries and owners of cultural property. They research, interpret, organize, and maintain collections for museums and art galleries. They also preserve and restore cultural and historical artifacts and artistic works with the goal of preserving each item for future generations. Curators recommend the acquisition of museum artifacts and gallery works of art and research their artistic history. Conservators and curators are employed in museums, art galleries and universities. Conservators may be self-employed. Conservators and curators may specialize in a particular type of collection or material, such as furniture, weapons, books, paintings and musical instruments.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
Read more
Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Conservators and Curators most commonly work full-time hours. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 73% of Conservators and Curators who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $38,915. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
N/A
MinimumN/A
MedianN/A
MaximumAnnual Pay
N/A
Minimum$32,766
MedianN/A
MaximumCompared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Hourly Pay
$11.55
Minimum$16.00
Median$31.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$945
Minimum$11,712
Median$60,447
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Conservators restore and conserve artifacts belonging to museums, galleries and owners of cultural property. They research, interpret, organize, and maintain collections for museums and art galleries. They also preserve and restore cultural and historical artifacts and artistic works with the goal of preserving each item for future generations. Curators recommend the acquisition of museum artifacts and gallery works of art and research their artistic history. Conservators and curators are employed in museums, art galleries and universities. Conservators may be self-employed. Conservators and curators may specialize in a particular type of collection or material, such as furniture, weapons, books, paintings and musical instruments.
Job duties
Conservators perform some or all of the following duties:
- Examine artifacts, determine their condition, suggest methods for treating them and recommend preventive conservation techniques to their owners.
- Restore and conserve paintings, photographs, sculptures, furniture, pottery and other museum and art gallery artifacts.
- Provide advice on display and storage of museum and gallery artifacts to ensure proper maintenance and preservation.
- Research new conservation and restoration techniques.
- Provide consultation to museums, art galleries or private individuals.
- Supervise conservation technicians and other museum technicians.
Curators perform some or all of the following duties:
- Recommend the acquisition of paintings, photographs, sculptures, documents and other museum and art gallery artifacts.
- Research origins and artistic history of artifacts.
- Develop storylines and themes and organize displays and exhibitions.
- Coordinate the storage of collections and the setting up of displays and exhibitions.
- Oversee the conservation, display and circulation of collections.
- Supervise curatorial assistants and other museum technicians.
Sample job titles
- art gallery conservator
- art gallery curator
- assistant curator
- assistant museum curator
- curator
- library curator
- museum conservator
- museum curator
Skills
To work in this field, you need excellent administrative, research, organizational, writing, and planning skills, as well as intellectual curiosity. You should have supervisory skills and the ability to work with people of all ages, including other staff. Knowledge of computer systems, literature, and current information sources is also important. Conservationists require a good understanding of chemistry. Being able to speak and write French would be an asset in some positions.
Job requirements
- Conservators require a master's degree in art conservation or completion of a three-year college program in conservation technology and several years of experience in conservation work.
- Curators require a master's or bachelor's degree in museology, art history or a field related to their specific area of work.
Other considerations
Progression to museum or art gallery management positions is possible with experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Southern
Northern
Cape Breton
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
Northern
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Information, Culture & Recreation
Other Services
Public Administration
Educational Services
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
35-44
Compared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
35-44
45-54
25-34
55-64
65+
Top levels of education
Doctorate
N/ABachelor's degree
N/ACollege certificate or diploma
N/ACompared to: All Arts, Culture, Recreation and Sport
Bachelor's degree
$19,705 median annual incomeHigh school
$7,127 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$20,158 median annual incomeLess than high school
$2,298 median annual incomeMaster's degree
N/AEducation & training
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Institutions providing this program
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
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Institutions providing this program
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
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Institutions providing this program
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
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Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
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Institutions providing this program
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Institutions providing this program
Office of the Registrar
Halifax, NS B3H 4R2
(902) 494-2450
6350 Coburg Road
Halifax, NS B3H 2A1
(902) 422-1271
166 Bedford Highway
Halifax, NS B3M 2J6
(902) 457-6117
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 5000
Antigonish, NS B2G 2W5
(902) 867-2219
923 Robie Street
Halifax, NS B3H 3C3
(902) 420-5400
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
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Institutions providing this program
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