Assistant ConservatorAssistant Conservator 

Every object in the National Maritime Collection has a story to tell. As an Assistant Conservator at the Australian National Maritime Museum, you will help ensure those stories can be shared for generations to come.

Working alongside experienced conservators and museum professionals, you will contribute to the care, preservation and accessibility of nationally significant collection material. From preventive conservation and practical treatments to exhibitions and loans, you will play a hands on role in protecting Australia’s maritime heritage.
 

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Please note: This recruitment process may be used to fill both current and future vacancies. A merit pool of suitable applicants may be established and used to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing positions that arise within 18 months from the date the vacancy is advertised.

In this role, you will:

• undertake preventive conservation, collection care and practical treatment activities
• monitor collection environments and identify risks to collection material
• prepare condition reports, treatment records and photographic documentation
• contribute to conservation projects, exhibitions, loans and gallery maintenance
• assist with conservation assessments, research and treatment planning
• work collaboratively across the Museum to support collection preservation and access.

You are passionate about cultural heritage conservation and enjoy practical, hands-on work. You bring:

• knowledge of contemporary conservation principles, practices and professional standards
• experience in preventive conservation, collection care and conservation treatments
• sound judgement and the ability to identify and respond to collection risks
• strong organisational skills, accuracy and attention to detail
• the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines
• clear communication skills and a collaborative approach
• experience maintaining accurate records using collection management systems and digital applications.
  
  RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability. This initiative/program is only applicable where the successful applicant will be employed under the Public Service Act 1999.

To be eligible, you must have:

• completed tertiary qualifications in Materials Conservation, Cultural Heritage Conservation or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant qualifications, training and experience
• current membership of the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials
  
  The successful applicant must also satisfactorily complete an Australian Federal Police National Police Check and obtain and maintain a Working with Children Check.

This is an opportunity to:

• completed tertiary qualifications in Materials Conservation, Cultural Heritage Conservation or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant qualifications, training and experience
• current membership of the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials
  
  The successful applicant must also satisfactorily complete an Australian Federal Police National Police Check and obtain and maintain a Working with Children Check.

To apply, complete the online pre-screening questions and upload:

• a cover letter addressing each of the Selection Criteria with a maximum of 400 words per criterion; and
• your current resume.

Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered for shortlisting.

The assessment process may include an interview, referee reports, online testing, a skills-based assessment or samples of written work.

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Selection for this position will be made on the basis of relative merit which will be assessed against each item of the selection criteria. Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered for shortlisting by the Selection Advisory Committee. As part of the selection process the Selection Advisory Committee may invite candidates to undertake online testing, skills-based assessment and provide samples of written work at interview.

This position is open to all eligible members of the community, and we welcome and encourage applications from people with disability, the LGBTIQ+ communities, from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. To be an eligible member of the community, you must be an Australian citizen. All employees will be required to satisfactorily complete an Australian Federal Police National Police Check and obtain and maintain a NSW Working with Children Check registration.

Working at the Museum offers a stunning office location plus access to a range of benefits including:

• A competitive salary, plus 15.4% superannuation
• Generous leave and flexible working arrangements
• Great training and development opportunities
• Rewards and recognition initiatives
• Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP – a free counselling service for you and your family).
• Wellbeing initiatives including free flu shots and reimbursement for optical
• Staff Regatta – Sailing on the Harbour.

We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

The Australian National Maritime Museum is where Australia’s stories meet the sea.

As one of the nation’s leading cultural institutions and one of Sydney’s most visited museums, we ignite curiosity, inspire discovery, and connect people with the powerful stories that have shaped Australia’s relationship with the ocean, rivers, and waterways.

Through world-class exhibitions, iconic vessels, education programs, research, events, and digital experiences, we bring maritime history, culture, science, and innovation to life for millions of people across Australia and around the globe.

Located on the spectacular waters of Darling Harbour, the Museum welcomes more than 2.5 million visitors each year and is supported by a passionate community of employees, volunteers, members and supporters who are united by a shared purpose: to create meaningful experiences that inspire a deeper understanding of our maritime heritage and future.

At the Museum, you will have the opportunity to contribute to work that matters, collaborate with talented and dedicated professionals, and help shape the future of one of Australia's most respected cultural organisations.

Find out more at sea.museum