About the Role

A core pillar for the AM is to ‘Be a Leader and Advocate for First Nations History’ and to enhance our workforce in the First Nations collection area. An additional position has been recently created to support our First Nations’ deliverables.

The Senior Collection Officer, First Nations is responsible for contributing to high standard museum operational standards and requirements for the AM’s First Nations Collections in accordance with First Nations-led museum practices, including but not limited to the implementation of Indigenous Cultural & Intellectual (ICIP) principles and cultural protocols. This is a people manager role. The role is full time, temporary for 1 year, with the opportunity of extension.

The Senior Collection Officer, First Nations assists their manager by coordinating the daily operations for the First Nations Collections at the Australian Museum (The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural collection and Aboriginal archaeological collection) which are located across several AM sites. The role manages the engagement, research, tracking, logistics, storage and housing, movements, and handling aspects of the AM’s First Nations Collections.

Please note candidates will be informed of the result in mid-January 2024, and the employment will begin in February 2024.

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• Role Description
• AM Candidate Pack

You will be paid a competitive annual salary of $106,025- $117,363, plus the employer's contribution to superannuation (currently 11%) and annual leave loading.

About You

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Experience regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultural practices, including understanding and applying Aboriginal cultural heritage management and cultural protocols.
• An understanding of museum and facility management with respect to operations, presentation, and safety.
• A high level of organisational skills and an understanding of financial, technological, procurement, contract, and project management requirements.
• Experience and demonstrated knowledge of museum practices with respect to collection storage, documentation, research and conservation considerations – including experience in the professional handling, packing, transport, and storage of First Nations objects.
• Demonstrated experience in contemporary collection management practices, including the use of databases such as KE EMu.
• Application of culturally appropriate collection practices, cultural awareness, and terminology in order to perform in processes that are culturally aware and appropriate. Capacity to embed ICIP into work practice.
• Proven record in community consultation, especially with First Nations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) communities.
• Holds a current full NSW Driver’s Licence. The role holder must be prepared to travel between the AM’s various sites which holds its collections, and to external stakeholders as needed to support the work of the First Nations Collections & Research team.

Essential requirements

• Appropriate approved tertiary qualifications in a relevant subject area, or relevant equivalent professional practice and research experience.

About The Australian Museum

The Australian Museum is truly a great place to work. We aim to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. We commit to transform the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; be a strong advocate for First Nations’ culture; and continue to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs.

Recent staff survey results confirm that our staff feel valued, accepted and supported and that they believe the AM is an inclusive workplace. AM staff also report a high level of job satisfaction.

The AM is located on the homelands of the Gadigal people and acknowledges and pays respect to the Gadigal people as the custodians of the land, sky and waterways, paying respect to Elders past and present.

Check out our current exhibitions and events here.

Benefits

Besides working together with other like-minded people, you will have access to professional development and dedicated Wellbeing programs.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit (if submitted as attachment, please upload as PDF):

1. A one to two page covering letter which addresses the role description’s key knowledge and experience
2. Resume

As part of the online application process, you will be prompted to answer two targeted questions.

1. What skills and professional experience do you have that meets the key accountabilities for the role? (400 words maximum).
2. Describe a relevant project you have managed. What processes did you undertake to ensure effective coordination and direction of team workflows. (400 words maximum).

For more details, Frequently Asked Questions and how to apply for the role go to I Work for NSW.

The successful applicant will be subject to national criminal records check. As recommended by Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), the Australian Museum encourages all applicants who can be safely vaccinated for COVID-19, to be so.

Contact person: Mariko Smith, Manager, First Nations Collections and Engagement, [email protected] using the subject line: Senior Collection Officer - First Nations enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Inclusive and welcoming

The Australian Museum is an NSW Public Service organisation and aims to attract and retain the right people for the right jobs. The AM is a diverse and inclusive workplace where genuine participation and contribution is enabled, and everyone, regardless of their background, identity or circumstances is valued, accepted and supported to thrive at work.

This means that we are embedding diversity and inclusion in everything we do on a daily basis, whether it be our recruitment processes, workplace culture, career development programs, customer service or policies and procedures. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment process to better enable you to shine, please reach out to the contact person or note this in your application.