National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.0

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5212 - Technical occupations related to museums and art galleries

This unit group includes workers who classify and catalogue museum artifacts and gallery works of art, construct and install exhibits and displays, restore, maintain and store museum and gallery collections, frame artwork, and perform other functions in support of curatorial and conservation activities. They are employed in museums and galleries. Picture framers and taxidermists may also be employed in retail settings or may be self-employed. This unit group also includes museum and other interpreters who conduct guided tours. They are employed by art galleries, museums, parks, aquariums, zoos, interpretive centres, botanical gardens, cultural centres, nature sanctuaries, historic heritage sites, and other locations.

  • Illustrative example(s)

    • art gallery preparator
    • conservation technician - museums and art galleries
    • heritage interpreter
    • museology technician
    • museum extension officer
    • museum objects cataloguer
    • museum registrar
    • museum technician
    • paintings restoration technician
    • picture framer - museum and art gallery
    • restoration technician - museum
    • taxidermist

    All examples

  • Inclusion(s)

    • curatorial assistant
    • historical interpreter
    • museum interpreter
    • nature site interpreter
    • zoo interpreter
  • Exclusion(s)

    • Assistant curators (See 5112 Conservators and curators)
    • Museum exhibit designers (See 5243 Theatre, fashion, exhibit and other creative designers)
    • Tour and travel guides (See 6531 Tour and travel guides)
  • Main duties

    The following is a summary of main duties for some occupations in this unit group:

    • Conservation and restoration technicians assist in the restoration and conservation of artifacts under the direction of a conservator.
    • Curatorial assistants assist in the research, handling and storage of artifacts.
    • Museum interpreters conduct tours of museums, gallery exhibitions and historical, heritage and other sites, answer inquiries and provide information concerning exhibits or sites.
    • Museum extension officers assist with the planning and development of travelling exhibitions and special events.
    • Museology technicians protect and care for cultural artifacts and collections during exhibitions, while in transit and in storage.
    • Museum registrars and cataloguers classify and assign registration numbers to artifacts and supervise inventory control.
    • Preparators construct displays and dioramas, build models, install artifacts in displays and prepare artifacts for storage and shipping.
    • Picture framers fabricate custom frames, measure and cut mats, mat enhancements and glass, and mount paintings, photographs and other art work.
    • Taxidermists prepare, stuff and mount skins of animals for preservation, scientific or display purposes.

    Technical museum and gallery workers may specialize in a specific type of collection.

  • Employment requirements

    • Registrars, cataloguers and interpreters may require a university degree in a field related to museum and gallery work.
    • For other occupations in this unit group, completion of a college program in museum technology or conservation technology
      or
      Completion of other technical or on-the-job training programs related to the work are required.
  • Additional information

    • Museum interpreters may require specific scientific or academic credentials for employment by some museums, nature centres or other sites.
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