National
| Median wages (2008) |
$22.70 hourly, $47,220 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
10,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Much faster than average (21% or higher)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
7,000 additional employees |
25-4012.00 - Curators
Administer affairs of museum and conduct research programs. Direct instructional, research, and public service activities of institution.
Sample of reported job titles:
Curator, Curator of Collections, Curator of Education, Curator of Photography and Prints, Museum Curator, Director of Collections and Archives, Director of Exhibit Development, Herbarium Curator, Manager of Exhibitions and Collections, Museum Director
Tasks
- Plan and organize the acquisition, storage, and exhibition of collections and related materials, including the selection of exhibition themes and designs.
- Develop and maintain an institution's registration, cataloging, and basic recordkeeping systems, using computer databases.
- Provide information from the institution's holdings to other curators and to the public.
- Inspect premises to assess the need for repairs and to ensure that climate and pest-control issues are addressed.
- Train and supervise curatorial, fiscal, technical, research, and clerical staff, as well as volunteers or interns.
- Negotiate and authorize purchase, sale, exchange, or loan of collections.
- Plan and conduct special research projects in area of interest or expertise.
- Conduct or organize tours, workshops, and instructional sessions to acquaint individuals with an institution's facilities and materials.
- Confer with the board of directors to formulate and interpret policies, to determine budget requirements, and to plan overall operations.
- Attend meetings, conventions, and civic events to promote use of institution's services, to seek financing, and to maintain community alliances.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Hammers — Claw hammers |
| Levels — Precision levels |
| Scanners — Digitizers |
| Screwdrivers — Slotted screwdrivers |
| Utility knives — X-acto knives |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Data base user interface and query software — FileMaker Pro software; Microsoft Access; Re:discovery Software Proficio; Willoughby Associates MIMSY XG |
| Desktop publishing software — Adobe Systems Adobe InDesign |
| Graphics or photo imaging software — Adobe Systems Adobe Freehand; Adobe Systems Adobe Photoshop software; Graphics software; Microsoft Paint |
| Project management software — Gallery Systems The Museum System; MINISIS MINT; PastPerfect Software PastPerfect; Vernon Systems Limited Vernon CMS |
| Word processing software — Corel WordPerfect software; Microsoft Word |
