Conservator Grade 2 - Paper And Photographs

State Library of New South Wales
Conservator Grade 2 - Paper and Photographs
Library Services Division, Collection Care Branch

• Temporary, full-time role up until 28 June 2024, with the possibility of extension or ongoing employment
• Opportunity to work at one of NSW top cultural institutions and in state-of-the-art conservation labs
• Competitive remuneration package up to $122,679 (package includes salary between $92,366 - $109,194 p.a., plus employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading)

About the Role
We are seeking a Conservator Grade 2 - Paper and Photographs, who will provide specialist expertise in Paper and photographic conservation, and other preservation and conservation activities related to the wonderful and extensive collection at the State Library. This role will work closely with other Collection Care staff as well as Curatorial staff, other collection specialists, and exhibition teams.
About You
To be successful in this role, we are seeking an experienced Paper and Photographs conservator who has:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in materials conservation or an appropriate qualification in a related field; and a minimum five years' conservation experience working under the supervision of an experienced, qualified conservator.
• Significant experience in Paper and/or photograph conservation
• An in-depth understanding of conservation ethics as adopted by the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials Inc
• Experience in communicating with stakeholders (written and verbal); and experience in preparing high quality documentation and reports within a multidisciplinary organisation is highly desirable
• A demonstrated ability to plan, schedule and manage your work program

About the State Library
The State Library of New South Wales is one of Australia's oldest and most important public institutions. Collecting actively since 1826, the Library preserves and presents the social, cultural and scientific history of our State and our Nation for the benefit of all. Its rich collections, both physical and digital, alongside partnerships with the public library network across NSW and other vibrant collaborations enable Australians to examine their past and imagine their future. In short, the Library occupies a unique position at the very heart of our civil society.
The Library Services Division provides high quality services for readers and access to the State Library's rich, heritage, print and digital collections and develops and preserves these collections for future generations. Library Services is reader-focused, encourages an innovative and outward focused approach, maximises the use of technology and is a leader in digital innovation to continually improve reader services and enable independent access for readers. The Division collaborates across the Library and with other libraries and cultural institutions.
The Collection Care Branch develops and implements preservation, storage, and conservation treatment programs for all physical material formats in the collections of the State Library. The Branch undertakes individual conservation treatments and preparation of items for display and for loan to other institutions. The Branch monitors environmental conditions within the Library, maintains the counter-disaster strategies and trains staff in correct handling and usage of the historic collections.
What We Offer

• Flexible working conditions, including the ability to work extra hours where required over several days or weeks and then reclaim those hours as time off.
• Wellbeing initiatives including an Employee Assistance Program, flu vaccinations, gym programs and staff discounts at the Library café and bookshop.
• Staff engagement activities, such as workplace committees, a staff suggestion scheme, and all staff actively participating in the development of the Library's Strategic Plan.

How to apply
To apply for this role please complete the on-line application and provide the following:

• A response to the following questions. Attach your responses as part of online application and/or as part of your cover letter (up to two pages) outlining how your skills and experience meet the key knowledge and experience and essential requirements for the role.
• An up-to-date copy of your CV

Please keep your question responses to a maximum of 3 paragraphs. * This role requires strong project management skills. Please provide an example of a conservation-based project that exemplifies your ability to prioritise tasks and resources, communication pathways, and willingness to perform duties as required.

• Please provide details of a complex treatment you carried on a work on paper or a photograph. Please include in your response your decision-making process including consultation, research and analysis, ethical considerations, and any constraints of time and resources. If there were any problems encountered, please detail these and what approaches you undertook to remedy this.

The State Library of NSW welcomes and encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTQI+, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and workers of all ages.
Applicants can request a reasonable adjustment throughout each step of the recruitment process. Please make a request by noting this in your application or contacting Fallon Ledger at fallon.ledger@sl.nsw.gov.au or on (02) 9273 1793.
Talent Pool
Applicants not initially offered a role but have been assessed through the recruitment process as being suitable will be placed in the Talent Pool to fill future vacancies as they arise. Placement in the Talent Pool remains valid for 18 months.
Am I eligible to apply?
To be eligible to apply you must be either;

• an Australian citizen or
• a permanent resident of Australia, or
• a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand passport or
• a citizen of another country with an appropriate visa that allows you to work in Australia for the period of temporary employment or if you are seeking ongoing employment you must hold a permanent visa that allows you to work in Australia.

Appointment to this role is subject to Pre-employment Checks. Additional checks may be required throughout your tenure at the Library should the accountabilities of your role change.
Further information that may assist you with applying for this role…
The will assist you in completing your application and provide you with an understanding of the selection process.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Cecilia Harvey at cecilia.harvey@sl.nsw.gov.au or on +61 2 9273 1506, or Jonathan London at Jonathan.London@sl.nsw.gov.au or on +61 2 9273 1908.
Closing date for applications: Tuesday 09th January 2024 at 10.00 am
Please note, many staff are out of the office from 25th December 2023 - 05 January 2024, so there may be a delay responding to your questions.