Preservation Officer

The Collection Management Branch is responsible for transferring, storing, preserving and digitising the National Archives' collection so it remains accessible for future generations. The Branch develops policies and systems as well as provides services, undertakes research, and implements projects to ensure the care, management and accessibility of archival records. The Branch is also responsible for identifying information management requirements for Australian Government agencies to ensure Australian Government information assets (records, information and data) are created, collected and managed effectively.

The Preservation section is responsible for the preservation and long-term accessibility of the most significant records of the Commonwealth in both physical and digital form. We carry out daily activities and make long term decisions to ensure that the collection will be available years from now regardless of technology.

We are seeking a Preservation Officer to join us in the Sydney Office of the National Archives. As part of a team, you will be expected to carry out duties associated with the preservation of archival paper and photographic materials including routine preservation treatments and the application of preventive conservation practices.

Under general direction the main duties of the role are to:

• As part of a team, carry out duties associated with the preservation of archival paper and photographic materials held in the Sydney Office including routine preservation treatments and the application of preventive conservation practices under general direction of the Manager, Preservation and Photographic Digitisation Sydney.
• Provide preservation services to internal clients.
• Develop and maintain knowledge of the principles and practices of archival preservation as they apply to preservation treatments and digitisation.
• Develop knowledge of internal electronic information systems through on-the-job training and carry out updates relating to the preservation of archival records, including data entry and quality checking of archival records. Collect information from paper-based item lists, as well as from physical items and undertake repackaging, Barcoding and labelling containers containing archival records.
• Perform basic administrative tasks, participate in section meetings and contribute to the development of procedures and guidelines.
• Assist with the preparation of statistics and project reports on a monthly and quarterly basis.
• Apply the principles of APS Values, Code of Conduct, workplace diversity principles, work health and safety and participative management within a work and team environment.
• Apply the National Archives’ Vision, Mission and Commitments as expressed in Strategy 2030 and Our Values.

Appropriate qualifications in the relevant fields of conservation, preservation or archival management are desirable.

Eligibility

To be eligible for the role you must be an Australian citizen. If you are selected, you will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at a Baseline clearance level.

How to apply:

You need to apply through our e-recruitment system.

Your application will need to include:

• the names and contact details of at least two referees, one of whom should be a current supervisor.
• your current resume.
• a one page statement (1000 words maximum), describing how your skills, knowledge, and experience/qualifications would enable you to perform the duties of the role taking into account the “Performance Expectations” at the relevant classification and the National Archives’ Vision, Mission and Commitments as expressed in Strategy 2030 and Our Values.

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 see: RecruitAbility | Australian Public Service Commission (apsc.gov.au)