Conservator - Affirmative Measure

This affirmative action measure position is an opportunity for you as a First Nations person to become part of our team of caring, committed and passionate First Nations employees in a cultural agency that is actively looking to support First Nations talent to achieve more in their careers and career development. 

The Collection Care and Management Team are highly motivated professionals who work as Conservators with materials from across the National Museum’s collection including First Nations cultural materials. 

What’s great about this role.

• You will be part of a team of conservation and collections professionals reporting to and working with Senior Conservators in an interesting and dynamic environment.  
• You will develop your skills in these areas, working across all types of materials, in diverse activities involving exhibitions, collections care and maintenance of laboratories and equipment.  
• You will work under supervision with registration and conservation colleagues, with internal contacts at the Museum and with external clients, volunteers and contractors on collection matters. 

You will join a cohort of First Nations people employed at the Museum in different sections working in a diverse cultural sector institution within a community cultural development framework to support First Nations self-determination, Traditional Custodianship and community control and connections.  

The ideal candidate will: 

• have experience across a range of collection preservation activities and material types. 
• embrace a flexible working approach and be willing to support the team by working across all conservation areas when required
• have an understanding of conservation treatment practices, including ethics, risk management, preventive and interventive
• have the ability to work effectively with peers in organising and delivering quality exhibition, collection and long-term preservation outcomes. 
• be a good communicator with good IT skills who can work collegiality with a broad range of museum colleagues to achieve results and positive outcomes.  
• be flexible, adaptable and outward looking and;
• be able to navigate changing and competing demands with professionalism.  You will be able to show your commitment to supporting corporate goals and priorities and;
• plan and organise your  own work, as well as actively engaging  with planning the work of their team to ensure effective delivery of program object

The National Museum is passionate about supporting our First Nations cohort in their aims, aspirations, and achievements both professionally and personally as an employment agency of choice for First Nations people. 
The key duties of the position include:

The role involves conservation tasks such as:

• condition, pest and hazard assessments, interventive conservation treatments,
• preventive conservation programs, preparation of objects for display, gallery maintenance, exhibition installs and de-installs, mount assessments and preparation, storage advice and collection rehousing activities.

There will be opportunities to be involved in public programs, respond to public and agency enquiries and to work on collaborative projects with the team.  You will represent the team at meetings and there will be occasional domestic and international travel supporting the Museums touring exhibitions. 

You will be supported and enabled by your manager, the collections team and the First nations Advisor in People and Culture and the Executive of the Museum to grow, engage your community stories, learn formally and informally and begin achieving the aims of your career in a supportive and caring environment. 

Selection criteria

Applicants must respond to each of the following selection criteria in their application. Applications should also include contact details for two referees.

1. Demonstrated cultural competency, awareness and cultural sensitivity to First nations collections, conservation methods and cultural protocols of local and regional/national groups in relation to conservation of First Nations objects and Ancestors. 
2. Tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent professional experience and technical knowledge in cultural materials conservation. 
3. Proficiency with First Nations cultural protocols knowledge and skills learned in the field as a First Nations Conservator or/and museum collections professional with technical skills will be welcomed
4. Demonstrated organisational ability and the capacity for sound judgement, use of initiative and effective problem-solving skills. 
5. Demonstrated communication skills interpersonal, written, verbal and presentation skills.  
6. Technical knowledge of risks and hazards associated with collections and proven experience in applying effective risk assessment and management practice.
7. Demonstrated understanding of the principles and practices of workplace diversity and work health and safety, and how these apply in the workplace.

Please note, Successful applicants may be selected based on your written application and referee reports. 
Eligibility

Here are some important eligibility criteria relating to Affirmative Action Measures you need to know: 

1. The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an Affirmative Measure. 
2. The Affirmative Measure – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander  ( First Nations/Indigenous to Australia) Employment Provision, legislated under Section 31, allows agencies to identify a role as open only to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and is within the meaning of special measures under subsection 8(1) of the Racial Discrimination Act 1975. 

The criteria that make you eligible to apply are: 

• be of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; 
• identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander;
• are accepted by their community as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander;  
• be an Australian citizen;
• undergo pre-employment checks, which includes a police records check.

Notes

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The National Museum of Australia is an equal employment opportunity workplace. 

The National Museum of Australia is committed to ensuring a child-safe and child-friendly environment. All employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to, and support for these principles in theory and practice.

Getting to know the National Museum of Australia

The National Museum of Australia is a publicly funded institution governed as a statutory authority in the Commonwealth Arts portfolio. Established in 1980, it is headed by a Director appointed by the Governor-General. The Council is responsible for the conduct and control of the affairs of the Museum. The Museum building on Acton Peninsula opened on 11 March 2001.