Collection & Loans Officer

Collection & Loans Officer

Be a part of supporting the efficient management of treasured objects on loan for exhibitions and collection displays. As our Collection & Loans Officer you will utilise your organisational and time management skills to effectively maintain the required documentation and support coordination of our many exciting exhibitions and outward loans. You will work as part of a professional and dedicated team. 

What the opportunity is: 

• Employment with Museums of History NSW.
• Assistant Registrar Grade 2. Remuneration package includes salary ($83,957 - $93,295), employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.
• Full-time temporary employment for a period up to 11 June 2026.
• The role will work across Sydney.

What we do
Established in December 2022, Museums of History NSW brings together the historic houses, museums and collections previously in the care of Sydney Living Museums with the vast archives and records in the NSW State Archives Collection.

As custodians and storytellers, we are committed to preserving and presenting NSW’s unique history. Our places and collections, including the State Archives Collection, comprise some of the most significant historical sites and material in the country. With this as our foundation, we bring history to life through diverse voices and viewpoints, supporting audiences of all backgrounds to gain fresh perspectives on our past.

We are committed to providing greater access to our places, archives and collections through research and creative programming, and to building deep and enduring relationships with First Nations people and communities. With truth-telling and respect at the core of our approach, we strive to ensure our work recognises the complex and contested histories of our places, archives and collections and supports constructive dialogue and debate about our future.

Museums of History NSW is a state cultural institution, established under the Museums of History NSW Act 2022. It is an agency of the NSW Department of Enterprise, Investment and Trade (DEIT).

What you’ll do with us
This role will coordinate the inward and outward loans program to ensure the application of best practice, legal, administrative, logistical and physical management of objects on loan for the purpose of exhibitions and collection displays. Support collection management functions including loans, registration, valuation, digitisation and collections care.

For more information on the role you are welcome to contact Alex Shapley, Registrar Collections Management on 02 8239 2***.

Click here for the role description including the capabilities required for this role.

What you need to do to apply 
To apply you will need to submit the following:

• A one to two page cover letter outlining how your skills and experiences meet the essential requirements for this role,
• A current resume listing two referees, and
• Respond to the 2 targeted questions (no more than 300 words per answer). Your responses to the targeted questions should be submitted online during your application and not included in the covering letter

What you need to tell us - Targeted questions:

1. Please provide a specific example where you have been responsible for coordinating an inward loan or outward loan. Describe the requirements and workflow involved in administering the loan.
2. Please provide an example of when it was critical for you to establish an effective working relationship with someone outside of your work team to complete an important assignment or project. Describe how you handled it and what was the outcome? 

Essential requirements of the role

• At least 3 years’ registration experience within the museum sector or related fields, including demonstrated knowledge of issues and requirements involved in lending and borrowing objects.
• Knowledge of appropriate techniques/procedures for handling, display, transportation and storage of museum objects.
• Well developed organisational and planning skills including general administration, workflow and time management.
• Experience working with software applications/databases used to maintain and update collection information.
• Ability to manage lifting, carrying, standing, kneeling and moving around heritage sites.
• NSW Drivers license or the ability to travel between sites.
• Willingness to work across MHNSW sites and ability to travel to multiple locations.

Also note:

• For additional resources to help prepare your application and understanding of the process please refer to Applying for a job.
• To be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role. All successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal record check with NSW Police.
• A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.

Submit your application before the closing date: 11.59pm Wednesday 10 July 2024

Diversity and Flexible Working
We are expert keepers and tellers of history, and its many stories, peoples, and cultures.  We want to create a team and workplace that reflects this diversity as well as the diversity in the communities we serve. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better, more inclusive results and connects our people to our communities, to our history, and to each other.

Our vision is to support and empower First Nations people, communities and culture, and across the sites that we care for, we are committed to shifting perspectives, truth telling and delivering honest reflections on history.

We understand that flexibility means different things to different people and are committed to offering flexible work arrangements where and when possible.

Our team can provide alternative formats to apply, make adjustments to the recruitment process and offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks. 

If you are a person who requires adjustment and would like to request assistance, please contact Liz Akerboom on 02 8239 2*** or via ***************@mhnsw.au.

For more information, please visit:
Information on some of the different types of disabilities
Information on adjustments available for the recruitment process

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.