Curator

In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.

The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:

• 2006 NOC: Curators (5112.2) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Conservators and Curators (F012) 
• 2011 NOC: Conservators and curators (5112) 

Duties and responsibilities vary considerably from one position to another but, in general, curators:

• work closely with others to identify collections and themes of interest to the community
• develop collections policies
• ensure compliance with legislative requirements on a local, national and international level
• plan, initiate and supervise research and development of collections by first studying the subject area(s) of the museum's collections, and then locating suitable objects in the community or through field work (for example, archaeological excavations) or through other museums, private collectors, artists, dealers and potential donors
• plan, conduct and supervise an acquisitions program in which objects and their stories are selected or collected
• develop and manage a collections management program that includes acquiring, researching, documenting, storing and cataloguing objects, specimens and evidence, and determining what will be maintained for display and storage
• ensure acceptable environmental conditions are maintained for exhibits and storage, provide access to objects for research and study, and ensure collections are preserved (or delegate this work to conservators)
• plan and assume a major role in organizing exhibitions by conducting research, determining themes, selecting materials and acting as consultants regarding the overall design (in some cases, this may involve establishing specifications criteria for reproductions, and overseeing their manufacture or selecting items from commercially available replica sources)
• review, evaluate and select proposals for exhibits and programs
• prepare catalogues, display labels, grant applications, articles, texts or scripts, reports (for example, for the board of directors) and promotional publications related to exhibitions and the museum's collections in general
• participate in the development of programs and special events for visitors and students
• promote knowledge and study of collections through lectures, tours, workshops, exhibitions, websites and media interviews
• train, supervise and coordinate the work of interns, junior staff and volunteers.

In smaller facilities, curators also may:

• be responsible for all collections
• manage overall operations
• deliver educational and public programs
• serve as the registrar
• co-ordinate special events
• work with local media and governments
• participate in fundraising activities.

In larger institutions, curators usually are responsible for specific collections or represent particular academic disciplines.

Some curators may specialize in arts and crafts, co-ordinating exhibitions, or producing publications, online content and other related activities. Others specialize in sciences such as paleontology or ethnography, but do not engage in the acquisition process.

Curators work in offices, storage areas and exhibition galleries, in the community at large, in labs and in the field (for example, at archaeological sites). Their hours of work vary and often include evenings and weekends. 

When conducting fieldwork, curators may live in tents or in local housing in remote locations, working long hours (sometimes alone) for extended periods of time. Fieldwork often is seasonal and some of the work can be physically demanding. Travel to other countries may be required.

When working in labs, curators may use materials containing toxic chemicals. They must follow safety precautions to avoid injury or illness. Curators may work with firearms in collections. They may also work on ladders or scaffolding and may be required to lift items that weigh up to 20 kilograms.

Curators need to possess:

• natural curiosity and a passionate interest in art, natural history or human history
• creativity and flexibility
• excellent oral and written communication skills
• excellent research and problem-solving skills
• respect for and ability to work with diverse populations
• strong organizational and project-management skills
• good interpersonal, teamwork, facilitation, consultation and conflict-resolution skills.

They should enjoy advising others and co-ordinating others' work, taking a methodical, detailed approach to their work and finding innovative solutions to problems. They should be able to listen non-judgmentally and deal with sensitive situations or issues that require high standards of integrity. Those who work in smaller facilities should enjoy variety and multitasking.

Curators work in public and private museums, historic sites, universities, art galleries, zoos, botanical gardens and other related facilities. They may be employees or work as private contractors.

There are over 250 museums, historic sites, art galleries and zoos in Alberta. Some are seasonal; others are open year round. In medium and large facilities, curators usually start in junior positions and advance to more senior positions. When applying for a junior position, related volunteer or paid work experience and courses in museum studies are definite assets.

Curators are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 5112: Conservators and Curators. In Alberta, 77% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:

• Information, Culture and Recreation (PDF)
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (PDF)
• Educational Services (PDF)

The employment outlook in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the industries listed above)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions)
• size of the occupation.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Alberta Museums Association website: www.museums.ab.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.