Senior Conservator

Full-time, permanent position (4-day work pattern will also be considered)
Curatorial and Digital Department
Reports to the Head of Collection & Exhibitions Management
One direct report: Conservator (part-time)

The MCA encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, and people from diverse cultures. The MCA acknowledges the enormous contribution Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, staff, educators, arts professionals, and guests have made to the fabric of the museum since its inception. Contemporary Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art practice has long been central to MCA collection and exhibition programs.

Overview of the MCA
The Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (MCA) is Australia’s only public museum dedicated to contemporary art and the work of living artists.
The MCA presents, collects and engages with the art of now.
Guided by the principles of belonging, connection and influence, we aim to be the defining platform for contemporary art and ideas in Australia and beyond.
Located on Sydney Harbour at Tallawoladah, a home to stories, art and culture for over 65,000 years, the MCA contributes to the continuity of culture on our site.
We connect the widest possible public to contemporary art through our Collection, exhibitions, events, creative learning and access programs.
Our evolving Collection of over 4,700 artworks is the only public collection in Australia dedicated to the work of living artists, with over a third represented by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.
As an independent, not-for-profit organisation, the MCA raises over 85% of its revenue each year through donations and commercial activities to deliver its artistic and engagement programs.

Overview of the position
Reporting to the Head of Collection & Exhibition Management, the Senior Conservator is responsible for providing coordination of conservation activities for the MCA artistic program. The role addresses the ongoing conservation needs of the Museum, including preventative conservation services. Key initiatives the role coordinates and delivers include condition reporting of inward and outward loans, new acquisitions and Collection related displays, integrated pest management controls and plan, advice on safe display, handling, packing of works, and monitoring conditions (light, temperature and relative humidity and other variables) in the galleries and at the offsite storage facility.

Applications
To learn more about working with the MCA, this role and how to apply please visit our website. (https://www.mca.com.au/about-us/work-for-us/senior-conservator)
Closing Date
Tuesday 6 January 2026, 9am.
Please direct all enquiries to positions.vacant@mca.com.au

Working for the MCA
The MCA is committed to equal opportunity and diversity. The MCA promotes a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment, and where individuals are treated with fairness, equality, and dignity. Find out more about the MCA.