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Specialize in particular materials or types of object, such as documents and books, paintings, decorative arts, textiles, metals, or architectural materials.
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Prepare reports on the operation of conservation laboratories, documenting the condition of artifacts, treatment options, and the methods of preservation and repair used.
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Determine whether objects need repair and choose the safest and most effective method of repair.
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Lead tours and teach educational courses to students and the general public.
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Prepare artifacts for storage and shipping.
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Clean objects, such as paper, textiles, wood, metal, glass, rock, pottery, and furniture, using cleansers, solvents, soap solutions, and polishes.
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Classify and assign registration numbers to artifacts and supervise inventory control.
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Estimate cost of restoration work.
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Perform on-site field work which may involve interviewing people, inspecting and identifying artifacts, note-taking, viewing sites and collections, and repainting exhibition spaces.
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Enter information about museum collections into computer databases.
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Supervise and work with volunteers.
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Notify superior when restoration of artifacts requires outside experts.
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Perform tests and examinations to establish storage and conservation requirements, policies, and procedures.
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Recommend preservation procedures, such as control of temperature and humidity, to curatorial and building staff.
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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.
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Deliver artwork on courier trips.
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Coordinate exhibit installations, assisting with design, constructing displays, dioramas, display cases, and models, and ensuring the availability of necessary materials.
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Preserve or direct preservation of objects, using plaster, resin, sealants, hardeners, and shellac.
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Photograph objects for documentation.
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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.
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Repair, restore, and reassemble artifacts, designing and fabricating missing or broken parts, to restore them to their original appearance and prevent deterioration.
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Plan and conduct research to develop and improve methods of restoring and preserving specimens.
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Build, repair, and install wooden steps, scaffolds, and walkways to gain access to or permit improved view of exhibited equipment.
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Direct and supervise curatorial, technical, and student staff in the handling, mounting, care, and storage of art objects.