Sovereign Hill is a dynamic group of museums presenting the mining, social, cultural and environmental heritage of the Ballarat region and its impact on Australia’s history.
The Museums Division cares for, researches and interprets the Association’s museum collection of some 150,000 items. It presents a variety of public programs – exhibitions, education programs, guided tours, interpretive activities and other events associated with the heritage of the Ballarat region.
The Collections and Research Department’s primary purpose is to collect, conserve, research, and interpret the significance of gold mining and the changes wrought by it in Ballarat’s social, cultural, economic, political and technological heritage. In doing so, the Sovereign Hill Museums Association is a significant heritage resource in the networks across Victoria and regional Australia.
The majority of the Association’s museum collection is housed at the modern Gold Museum Collections Centre, which also holds the collections of partner organisations, most importantly the Ballarat Historical Society. The Gold Museum’s resources and functions are integrated with the Sovereign Hill Outdoor Museum and Narmbool pastoral property.
Under the strategic guidance of the Collections Manager, the Collections Officer will assist with collections work associated with a major project based at the Gold Museum. Exhibition de-install as well as tasks associated with the relocation of collections, including documentation, preservation, storage, security and safety of the museum’s collections. The collections are located in various locations throughout the museum. The incumbent must be physically capable of climbing ladders, stairs and ramps not accessible by lifts or the general public and negotiating uneven surfaces and unmade paths.
To be successful in this role you will have:
- At least 3 years’ experience in museum work or a related field
- Demonstrated commitment to and understanding of the role of museums in preserving cultural heritage and communicating its significance to the wider community
- Sound knowledge of general museum practice, with particular emphasis on collection management, preventative conservation, exhibition installation, and related museum policies and procedures
- Sound knowledge of museum legislative requirements with regards to firearms, ammunition, medical and pharmaceutical collections
- Demonstrated high-level computer skills in MS Office and museum database programs
- Knowledge of web-based communication as it relates to museums
- Well-developed spoken written and presentation skills, and an ability to represent the Association in a professional manner
- Excellent organisational skills and proven ability to manage a range of projects simultaneously
- Demonstrated capacity to show initiative and provide creative solutions to practical problems
- Ability to supervise and train other staff and volunteers
An undergraduate degree in a relevant area is essential. Tertiary qualifications in Museum Studies, Cultural Heritage studies, History, Public history, Archaeology, Material Culture or related Material Sciences will be highly regarded.
For details on how to apply please visit our website at www.sovereignhill.com.au/careers
Applications close 5pm Wednesday 3rd March 2021
Applicants must be eligible to work in Australia and appointment is subject to satisfactory Police Record and Working with Children Checks.
