Conservator

Conservators plan, organise and undertake the preservation and conservation of materials and objects in private and public collections, including libraries, archives, museums, art galleries and historical and archaeological sites.

Conservators may perform the following tasks:

examine and evaluate the condition of objects and confirm their identification and authenticity
organise systematic inspection of collections and prepare written and photographic reports
advise on the optimum storage and display conditions (e.g. correct light, relative humidity, integrated pest management and temperature control) for the objects in their care
advise on the correct methods for handling, storing, displaying and transporting works of art and artefacts
conduct research into the material or technological nature of collections, as well as materials and techniques critical to their preservation or conservation
undertake extensive research into deterioration problems within collections
undertake conservation and restoration procedures to correct damage or control deterioration and record details of measures taken.

Specialisations:

Conservators specialise in a range of areas including paper, paintings, photographs, social and cultural artefacts, bookbinding and archives, furniture, archaeological materials, buildings and historic sites, textiles and preventative conservation.

Personal Requirements:

patience and ability for fine manual work
aptitude for science, particularly chemistry and physics
aptitude for using computers
attention to detail
ability to understand and apply professional and ethical codes of conduct
artistic and/or technical aptitude
normal colour vision
sensitivity to Indigenous and ethnic cultural issues
interest in history, art history and materials technology.

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