Public Administration & LegalISCO 2621
Conservator
Conservators organise and valorise works of art, buildings, books and furniture. They work in a wide range of areas such as creating and implementing new collections of art, preserving heritage buildings by applying restoration techniques as well as foreseeing the conservation of literary works, films, and valuable objects.
Check yourself in a minute: conservator
Rate 5 of the 15 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.
create solutions to problems
create collection conservation plan
assess conservation needs
provide conservation advice
use ICT resources to solve work related tasks
European Skills Framework
Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.
Essential (15)
museum databasesmuseum databasesThe tools and processes involved in working with museum databases.create solutions to problemscreate solutions to problemsSolve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising informat...create collection conservation plancreate collection conservation planCreate a comprehensive, high-level overview conservation plan for the collection.ensure safety of exhibitionensure safety of exhibitionEnsure safety of exhibition environment and of artefacts by applying safety devices.assess conservation needsassess conservation needsAssess and list the needs for conservation/restoration, in relation to current use and planned future use.provide conservation adviceprovide conservation adviceFormulating guidelines for object care, preservation and maintenance, and providing professional advice on possible restoration work to be done.use ICT resources to solve work related tasksuse ICT resources to solve work related tasksChoose and use ICT resources in order to solve related tasks.assess museum object conditionassess museum object conditionWork together with the collection manager or restorer, to evaluate and document the condition of a museum object for a loan or an exhibition.apply strategic thinkingapply strategic thinkingApply generation and effective application of business insights and possible opportunities, in order to achieve competitive business advantage on a long-term basis.meet deadlinesmeet deadlinesEnsure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.coordinate operational activitiescoordinate operational activitiesSynchronise activities and responsibilities of the operational staff to ensure that the resources of an organisation are used most efficiently in pursuit of the specified objectives.examine conservation issuesexamine conservation issuesAssess the nature of the object to be conserved or restored, and examine the causes of any deterioration.plan measures to safeguard cultural heritageplan measures to safeguard cultural heritagePrepare protection plans to apply against unexpected disasters to reduce the impact on cultural heritage as buildings, structures or landscapes.structure informationstructure informationOrganise information using systematic methods such as mental models and according to given standards in order to facilitate user information processing and understanding with respect to the specific r...cope with challenging demandscope with challenging demandsMaintain a positive attitude towards new and challenging demands such as interaction with artists and handling of artistic artefacts. Work under pressure such as dealing with last moment changes in ti...
Optional (18) — show
art collectionsart collectionsThe variety of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and other works that form collections in a museum and prospective new collections which are of interest for a museum or art gallery.cultural projectscultural projectsThe purpose, organisation and management of cultural projects and related fundraising actions.historyhistoryThe discipline that studies, analyses, and presents the events of the past related to humans.art-historical valuesart-historical valuesThe historical and artistic values implied in examples of one's branch of art.art historyart historyThe history of art and artists, the artistic trends throughout centuries and their contemporary evolutions.historic architecturehistoric architectureThe techniques and styles of various periods in history from an architectural standpoint.furniture, carpet and lighting equipment productsfurniture, carpet and lighting equipment productsThe offered furniture, carpet and lighting equipment products, their functionalities, properties and legal and regulatory requirements.cultural historycultural historyField that combines historical and anthropological approaches for recording and studying past customs, arts, and manners of a group of people taking into account their political, cultural, and social ...apply restoration techniquesapply restoration techniquesSelect and apply appropriate restoration techniques in order to achieve the required restoration goals. This encompasses preventive measures, remedial measures, restoration processes and management pr...provide project information on exhibitionsprovide project information on exhibitionsProvide information on the preparation, execution and evaluation of exhibitions and other artistic projects.respect cultural differences in the field of exhibitionrespect cultural differences in the field of exhibitionRespect cultural differences when creating artistic concepts and exhibitions. Collaborate with international artists, curators, museums and sponsors.estimate restoration costsestimate restoration costsEstimate the cost implications of restoring and replacing products or parts.supervise projects for the conservation of heritage buildingssupervise projects for the conservation of heritage buildingsSupervise protection and restoration projects of cultural heritage. Use your expertise to make sure the project runs smoothly.interact with an audienceinteract with an audienceRespond to the reactions of an audience and involve them in the particular performance or communication.perform project managementperform project managementManage and plan various resources, such as human resources, budget, deadline, results, and quality necessary for a specific project, and monitor the project's progress in order to achieve a specific g...present reportspresent reportsDisplay results, statistics and conclusions to an audience in a transparent and straightforward way.estimate restoration costs of antique itemsestimate restoration costs of antique itemsEstimate the price of the restoration process of antique products taking into consideration the time required for restoration.evaluate art qualityevaluate art qualityCorrectly evaluate the quality of art objects, artefacts, photographs and documents.
Related Occupations
Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.
exhibition curator8 shared essential skillsart restorer7 shared essential skillsbook restorer7 shared essential skillscollection manager5 shared essential skillsexhibition registrar5 shared essential skillscultural archive manager3 shared essential skillsart handler2 shared essential skillsartistic director2 shared essential skills
Frequently asked questions
What does a conservator do?
Conservators organise and valorise works of art, buildings, books and furniture. They work in a wide range of areas such as creating and implementing new collections of art, preserving heritage buildings by applying restoration techniques as well as foreseeing the conservation of literary works, films, and valuable objects.
What skills does a conservator need?
A conservator needs 15 essential skills, including museum databases, create solutions to problems, create collection conservation plan, ensure safety of exhibition, assess conservation needs.
Will AI replace conservator jobs?
The AI disruption score for conservator is 19/100 (low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: structure information, estimate restoration costs, furniture, carpet and lighting equipment products. Most resilient: cope with challenging demands, interact with an audience, respect cultural differences in the field of exhibition.
AI Replacement Risk
19/ 100
Low Risk
Low riskHigh risk
Quick Facts
ISCO GroupLegal, social and cultural professionals
Essential Skills15
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