Assistant Conservator Time Based Media Art (fixed-term for 12 months)
Te Papa’s mission is to understand the past, enrich the present and meet the challenges of the future. Te Papa is the national museum housing New Zealand’s treasures – a meeting place, a place for lifelong learning, and a place that inspires a sense of wonder and connection.
Te Papa’s three values Whanaungatanga (Teamwork), Manaakitanga (Respect) and Auahatanga (Creativity) are at the centre of how Te Papa works. Working actively in the cultural sector and in partnership with iwi, Te Papa connects people, taonga and stories. Te Papa is a dynamic organisation to work for, with bold aspirations for the future.
Biculturalism is a founding philosophy and practice of Te Papa designed to explore the contribution of Māori language and culture to the life, culture and activities of the museum in small and large ways. Te Papa fosters and nurtures cross-cultural capability, the ability of people of different cultural backgrounds to interact with one another in positive and uplifting ways.
The Assistant Conservator Time Based Media Art (TBMA) will provide a supporting role to the TBMA project team to develop strategies, procedures and workflows for the preservation of works in the collection as part of the National Time Based Media Art capability-building project. Working alongside the project’s TBMA Conservator, the Assistant Conservator TBMA will develop an in-depth knowledge of the technical requirements and specifications for the care of time-based media art and audio-visual materials.
Reporting to the Manager Collection Care Practice, this position sits within Collection Services, home to our Collection Care and Exhibition Services teams. The position is underpinned by the practice of Mana Taonga, and is assigned specific accountabilities aligned with both the grant funded project goals and the Ngā Tikanga Whakahaere Kohinga Taonga a Te Pap a | Collection Care and Practice Framework.
The successful applicant will:
- carry out an audit of Te Papa’s TBMA collection under the guidance of the TBMA Conservator
- maintain accurate records in Te Papa’s collection information system, EMu
- assist with preventive conservation of the TBMA collection by preparing works for migration to suitable digital formats
- work collaboratively to develop best practice guidelines for the documentation, storage and display of physical, audio-visual and digital content held in the TBMA collection in consultation with the relevant staff from across Te Papa, external agencies, and with artists where appropriate.
To be successful in the role, you’ll bring the following:
- A tertiary qualification in conservation, museum studies, library science, information management, or technical production
- Good working knowledge of museum collections and practice, particularly digital preservation and information management
- Recent experience working with a museum collection management database and/or digital asset management system
- Proven methodical work habits and experience maintaining highly accurate documentation in an efficient manner with attention to detail and accuracy
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Excellent planning, prioritisation, and time-management skills
- Awareness of cultural practices and tikanga applicable in a museum or gallery environment, along with the ability and willingness to learn and practice Te reo Māori and cultural practices
The salary range for this position is $52,000 to $65,000 with further room for progression through the band. Offers will be made within the range to reflect the skills and experience offered by the candidate and those required of the role, and internal relativities with other employees.
This role is fixed-term and full-time (40 hours) and all applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Prior to Te Papa confirming any offer of employment, pre-employment checks will be undertaken including criminal conviction history and reference checking as a minimum.
To apply, please provide a cover letter (no more than two pages) describing how your skills and background are a fit with the position and your ambitions for it, and a CV (no more than 4 pages) that details your relevant work experience.
All applicants must have the legal right to work in New Zealand. Prior to Te Papa confirming any offer of employment, pre-employment checks will be undertaken including criminal conviction history and reference checking as a minimum.
For more information and to apply visit: JobsNZ.
