Cultural Collns & Archaeology Collns Officers – AM

First Nations: Cultural Collections Officer & Archaeology Collections Officer (2 roles)

About the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum (AM) is located on the traditional homelands of the Gadigal people. The AM acknowledges and pays homage to the Gadigal people as the Traditional Owners and custodians of the land, sky and waterways, paying respect to Elders past and present.

The Australian Museum (AM) operates within the NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, is the first museum in Australia and was founded in 1827. The AM provides access, engagement and scientific research to increase our understanding of natural history and culture, particularly of the Australasian region. The AM holds more than 21 million objects of biological, geological and cultural collections and develops programs, exhibitions and school and community education initiatives onsite, online and offsite.

The AM mission is: To ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change.

The AM vision is: 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.

For more information, visit the website.

The AM supports a diverse workforce and promotes applications from First Nation and Torres Strait Islander peoples. People with disabilities who meet the selection criteria are encouraged to apply; and where required, Australian Museum will implement reasonable adjustment consistent with industry standard.

About the Roles:

The Cultural Collections Officer, First Nations is responsible for the engagement, interpretation, research, tracking, logistics, storage and housing, and handling aspects of the Australian Museum’s First Nations Cultural Collections which are located across several AM sites. The role utilises collections management systems to contribute to the accessibility of the First Nations Collections. They will assist in the movement of objects to facilitate the reproduction of images of collection items for internal or external purposes, and provide information/drafting assistance for attributions, copyright and commercial arrangements. This role also facilitates appropriate access for contractors and if applicable interns/volunteers (as appropriate and approved by the Manager, First Nations Collections & Engagement) to the First Nations Cultural Collections on a regular basis (may include early starts), visits from First Nations community members and approved external stakeholders seeking to access the First Nations Cultural Collections. Click here to view the Role Description.

The Archaeology Collections Officer, First Nations is responsible for the engagement, interpretation, research, tracking, logistics, storage and housing, and handling aspects of the Australian Museum’s First Nations Archaeology Collections which are located across several AM sites. The role utilises collections management systems to contribute to the accessibility of the First Nations Collections. They will assist in the movement of objects to facilitate the reproduction of images of collection items for internal or external purposes, and provide information/drafting assistance for attributions, copyright and commercial arrangements. This role also facilitates appropriate access for contractors and if applicable interns/volunteers (as appropriate and approved by the Manager, First Nations Collections & Engagement) to the First Nations Archaeology Collections on a regular basis (may include early starts), visits from First Nations community members and approved external stakeholders seeking to access the First Nations Archaeology Collections. Click here to view the Role Description.

Essential Requirements 

As part of your online application, you must include the following information:

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. Aboriginality/Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
• Appropriate approved tertiary qualifications in a relevant subject area, or relevant equivalent professional practice and research experience.
• An understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultural practices, including Aboriginal cultural heritage management and cultural protocols.
• Proven ability to develop and care for cultural collections of high quality, including the ability to recognise the quality of objects, their conditions, provenance, and authenticity.
• 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 team.

Knowledge & Experience 

• Demonstrated experience in contemporary collection management practices, including the use of databases such as KE EMu.
• Experience in the professional handling, packing, transport and storage of cultural objects.
• Understanding 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, Pasifika, and/or CALD (cultures and languages other than English) communities.
• Adequate knowledge and experience in order to deliver the key Accountabilities and perform to the Focus Capabilities outlined in this Role Description.