Conservator

Full-time, Ongoing, APS5 position
$80,341 – $87,572 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation
Australia’s leading museum located waterside in beautiful Darling Harbour

The Australian National Maritime Museum is seeking an experienced and organised Conservator with an eye for detail to join our Conservation team in this full-time, ongoing APS Level 5 position.

About The Role
Under the general direction of the Manager, Conservation and Senior Conservators undertake and document routine and complex conservation treatments for a wide range of object materials and formats in the National Maritime Collection ensuring its ongoing preservation in in accordance with museum policies, priorities, conservation ethics and best practice.

Key Accountabilities
Under limited direction, this position is responsible for delivering the following functions:

• Working under general direction undertake and document preservation, conservation and restoration treatments using established and new conservation techniques to museum and professional standards.
• Gather object/treatment information, carry out necessary research, stakeholder consultation and conduct technical analysis as directed. Evaluate, recommend, and apply new ethical conservation treatments as required and in accordance with museum policies, section priorities and conservation ethics, including options and time frame estimates.
• Participate in wider inter-disciplinary museum teams and contribute conservation expertise to project and program management, such as the production and development of exhibitions, inward and outward loans, storage design etc.
• Participate and assist with preventive conservation and collection maintenance programmes including environmental monitoring and control, integrated pest management, lighting, pollutant monitoring, collection safety activities.
• Undertake collection surveys including condition and conservation needs assessment, as well as identification and management of hazards in the NMC, help to ensure museum’s compliance with relevant regulations and WHS legislation.
• Participate in risk assessment and management for museum projects and in object treatment option proposals.
• Identify risk factors, propose, and implement risk mitigation. Actively participate in maintaining WHS processes especially the development of safe work method statements etc.
• Assist and participation in the development and delivery of workshops, public forums and outreach programs and social media engagement related to conservation. Preparation and delivery of training, seminars, talks and tours as needed, representing the museum at internal and external functions, events and conferences. Participate in the management of interns and volunteers when required.
• Work both independently and collaboratively with colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the conservation team. Assist and contribute to the development, maintenance and documentation of conservation procedures, policy, and meeting of strategic objectives.
• Maintain material and stock inventory, ordering as authorised. Assist in disposal of chemical and hazardous materials, servicing of laboratory tools and equipment, and help maintain lab and stores in clean and safe condition.

Selection Criteria

1. Demonstrated knowledge of current conservation practice. Experience in both routine and complex materials conservation, conservation techniques and related scientific processes with a focus on an area of specialisation relevant to the National Maritime Collection.
2. Demonstrated understanding of application of conservation ethics, as accepted by the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials.
3. Demonstrated organisational skills with initiative and good work management skills, including self-discipline, motivation and the ability to prioritise, manage time to complete tasks and meet deadlines. Well-developed capacity for problem solving.
4. Knowledge and experience of office software, as well as familiarity with collection management databases and other specialised computer applications.
5. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including the capacity to work collaboratively in and lead small teams. Proven ability to liaise effectively with internal and external stakeholders, prepare and deliver talks and presentations.
6. Experience working in cultural institutions undertaking preventive and remedial conservation of different collection and material types.

Qualifications and/or relevant experience required

Mandatory:
• Recognised tertiary qualifications in materials conservation and minimum two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience in the area of cultural heritage conservation.
• Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM) Membership.

Desirable:
• Current driver’s licence.
• EWP Yellow card.

What We Can Offer You
Working at the Sea.Museum offers a stunning office location plus access to a range of benefits including:

• A competitive salary, plus 15.4% superannuation.
• Generous leave and flexible working arrangements.
• Great training and development opportunities.
• Rewards and recognition initiatives.
• Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP – a free counselling service for you and your family).
• Wellbeing initiatives including free flu shots and reimbursement for optical.
• Salary packaging options.
• Staff Regatta – Sailing on the Harbour.

To apply, please submit your application via our online e-recruitment system, please provide a written application addressing each Selection Criteria. Your current resume is also to be included in your application.