Exhibition Designer

State Library of New South Wales
Exhibition Designer
Clerk Grade 5/6
Mitchell Librarian and Engagement/Exhibitions & Design
Temporary, Full-time role up to the 19th July 2024, with possibility of extension

Unique opportunity to join one of NSW's leading cultural institutions
Flexible working conditions
Competitive remuneration package up to $107,497 (package includes salary between $87,493 – $96,540, annual leave loading and superannuation)

About the State Library
The State Library of New South Wales is one of Australia's oldest and most important public institutions. Actively collecting 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 Mitchell Librarian and Engagement Division supports the State Library’s engagement with the people of NSW and beyond. The Division is led by the Mitchell Librarian who also has a special responsibility for managing the highly significant collection of rare books, images, manuscripts and other material organized around the library of David Scott Mitchell which was given to the State in the early twentieth century. The Division is responsible for the creative and intellectual development of exhibitions, promotion and analysis of the Mitchell Library Collection, support for scholarship, learning and Indigenous engagement, media and communications, public programs, along with design and publications. The Mitchell Library is a uniquely important research collection which documents the development of Australia and its region from the earliest times to the present today. The Mitchell Librarian provides advice to the State Librarian on all these and related matters.

About the role
The Exhibition Designer, designs exhibitions, including temporary, permanent and touring exhibitions, to support the realisation of the exhibition program by providing an inspiring range of exhibitions for the community that meets accessible, creative and functional criteria.

Knowledge and Experience

To be successful in this role, you will have the following knowledge and experience:

A tertiary degree in an applied architectural, interior or industrial design field and/or experience deemed equivalent

Demonstrated experience in exhibition design or related interior architectural design and construction with knowledge of relevant Australian Standards and sections of the Building Code of Australia

High level of skill in creative exhibition design including knowledge of audience experience, interpretive techniques, display of original collection material and production techniques

Advanced skills in the use of Vectorworks. Experience in creating models and / or sketches, rendering to convey design concepts

Knowledge and experience of the Adobe Creative Suite for design presentation purposes

For more information about the role and its requirements please refer to the role description provided below.

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 and your portfolio

Please keep your question responses to a maximum of 3 paragraphs.

Target Questions

Provide an example of when you have worked in a collaborative environment, on multiple exhibitions with competing deadlines. Include details of how you determined priorities and coordinated tasks to ensure all deadlines were met, and on budget.

Provide a case study for a recent exhibition project. Explain your approach in developing the concept design and detailed documentation in response to the exhibition brief. How did the exhibition design achieve audience needs and meet stakeholder requirements?

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 Claudia Bretag on claudia.bretag@sl.nsw.gov.au or on (02) 9273 1431.

Subject to current health orders, assessments may be administered online.

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…
Role Description (pdf)
Role Description (word)
Applying for a role in the NSW Public Service
NSW Public Sector Capability Framework
State Library Accessibility Guide

The Guide for applying for roles at the State Library of NSW 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 Ms Rawiya Jenkins, Manager Exhibitions and Design, on +612 9273 1568 or by email to Rawiya.Jenkins@sl.nsw.gov.au

Closing date for applications: Monday, 3 April 2023 at 10am