Senior Conservator ExhibitionsSenior Conservator Exhibitions 

This is an exciting opportunity to play a leading role in preserving and presenting Australia's maritime heritage.

As the Senior Conservator Exhibitions, you will lead conservation outcomes for major exhibitions, incoming loans and collection projects, helping ensure nationally significant collection material is preserved, accessible and ready to be shared with audiences.

Working across exhibition, curatorial and collection teams, you will provide expert conservation advice and influence how collection objects are cared for, interpreted and displayed. You will lead complex conservation projects and treatments, applying contemporary conservation practices, ethics and professional standards to a diverse range of cultural heritage materials.

You will manage competing priorities across multiple projects, balancing preservation, access and exhibition requirements while delivering high-quality outcomes within agreed timeframes. Sound professional judgement, strong planning skills and the ability to build productive relationships will be central to your success.

As a senior member of the team, you will prepare conservation documentation, reports and professional advice that support informed decision-making. You will also work closely with staff, volunteers and stakeholders, sharing your expertise, providing guidance and contributing to the ongoing development of conservation practice across the Museum.

This is a unique opportunity to work with nationally significant collections, contribute to major exhibitions and help ensure Australia's maritime stories remain accessible for generations to come.

 

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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.

You are an experienced conservation professional with:

• Strong expertise in the conservation of cultural heritage collections, exhibitions and loans
• Extensive knowledge of contemporary conservation practice, ethics and professional standards, including those of the AICCM
• Proven project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver outcomes within deadlines
• Experience preparing conservation documentation, reports and professional communications
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build relationships and work effectively across multidisciplinary teams

To be eligible, you must have:

• A recognised tertiary qualification in Materials Conservation and substantial experience in cultural heritage conservation, including at least five years' relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of qualifications and experience
• Current membership of the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM)
  
  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 apply, please click the link below to complete the pre-screening questions. You will also need to upload:

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

In addition to an application and your resume, the assessment process for this position may also include an interview and referee reports.

Applications Close: 12:00pm AEST, Sunday, 20 September 2026. No Applications will be accepted by mail or email.

Apply now

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