Supervising Conservator, First Nations Community Access To Archives (Targeted)

Supervising Conservator, First Nations Community Access to Archives (Targeted)
Are you passionate about the return of First Nations language and cultural material into communities across NSW? Do you want to support Aboriginal communities in their language and cultural revitalisation and education journeys? Come work on an exciting new project with a strengths focused team improving First Nations Community Access to the archives. In a highly supportive environment gain a deep understanding of the archival collection, what’s involved in archival research and analysis, and grow your leadership potential within a First Nations archival workforce.
What the opportunity is:

• Employment with Museums of History NSW.
• Conservator Grade 2. Remuneration package includes salary ($92,366 - $109,194), employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.
• Full-time temporary employment for a period up to 2 years.
• The role will work across Sydney.

What we do
MHNSW brings together the museums, historic houses and associated collections previously in the care of Sydney Living Museums with the vast collection of more than 13 million items held by the former NSW State Archives. This includes one of the world’s most complete and important collections documenting colonisation.
Project Overview
MHNSW, in partnership with the Aboriginal Languages Trust (ALT), have developed the Supporting First Nations Community Access to Archives project, to enhance First NationsAccess to important archival documents that could unlock information about their histories and Languages. Under this initiative MHNSW and the ALT aim to provide a Culturally-safe avenue for Aboriginal peoples to access materials from the State Archives Collection and to engage with Communities about repatriation of their information.
The initial ‘Search and Discovery’ phase of the project (2023/24) involves searching the State Archives Collection for materials relating to First Nations people and their Languages. Future phases will involve preserving and providing Access to materials, engaging with Aboriginal Communities and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the materials as well as developing a workforce strategy for professionally trained First Nations archivists in NSW.
The initiative will be led by a First Nations team which will be built over the course of the project, who will be provided with on the job training provided in working with state records and digitisation, and Access to various support systems including Cultural mentors.
As this collection is from the early period of colonisation in Australia, materials may contain wording and images that are culturally insensitive and distressing to First Nations people. The collection is likely to contain information about historical events including Frontier Wars, Stolen Generations, land dispossession and laws and policies affecting First Nations Communities.
All roles involved with this project will contribute to the reclamation and revitalisation of First Nations Languages in NSW by engaging with First Nations communities to facilitate and support Access to materials pertaining to their Languages, Cultures and heritages.
What you’ll do with us
In this role you will support the engagement with First Nations communities to facilitate Access to and care of materials pertaining to their Languages, Cultures and heritages. Collaborate with the First Nations Community Access to Archives project team to conserve and prepare materials in the NSW State Archives Collection relating to First Nations Peoples, their Language and histories to make those records accessible and discoverable via a digitisation project. Provide a range of preservation/conservation services to enable the ongoing preservation of the First Nations materials and records to ensure the archives remain available to the people of NSW now and in the future.
For more information on the role, you are welcome to contact Catherine Thomson, Head of Collections Care on 02 8239 2261.
To further discuss this exciting project please contact Gulwanyang Moran, Manager, First Nations Community Access to Archives on 0498 655 707.
Click here for the 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, and
• A current resume with two referees

Essential requirements of the role

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in materials conservation with a specialisation in paper conservation
• At least 5 years’ experience in materials conservation, conservation techniques and related scientific processes
• Understanding of and adherence to the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials Code of Ethics and Practice.

Also note:

• This role is Targeted for Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander people by exception under Section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977, NSW. Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.
• Material within the State Archives can be distressing to First Nations Peoples. If you have concerns or want to gain a deeper understanding of the role, please contact Gulwanyang Moran on 0498 655 707.
• For additional resources to help prepare your application and understanding of the process please refer to

. * 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 Sunday 14 January 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 2355 or via MHNSWRecruitment@mhnsw.au.
For more information, please visit:
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.