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Expressions of interest are sought for the position of Manager Conservation, EL1, in the Discovery and Collections Division, National Museum of Australia until 30 June 2022.

Expressions of Interest, including a two-page statement outlining your suitability against the selection criteria outlined in the position description, a CV and contact details for two current referees are to be sent to Linda Byrne, Head Collection Care and Management, by 11.30pm, Thursday 19 August 2021 via [email protected]

Enquiries regarding the position should be also directed to Linda Byrne via [email protected]

The job opportunity

The Museum has an exciting opportunity for a professional to join the Collection Care and Management Business Unit as the Manager, Conservation to lead and manage the multi-disciplinary teams that make up Conservation, including large technology lab, paper and textiles lab, objects lab and preventative conservation.

The role is responsible for the effective programming and management of the operations of the Conservation work unit, for the oversight of projects and for the implementation and delivery of key initiatives and programs within Conservation.

The position works directly to the Head, Collection Care and Management and strongly collaborates and consults with the Manager, Registration and other senior Museum staff to achieve positive long-term preservation and business outcomes.

What will the successful candidate bring to the role?

The successful candidate for this position will have expertise across a broad range of conservation areas.  They bring with them extensive and varied experience in conservation of Museum collections and well-developed knowledge of conservation ethics and best practice.  They provide technical advice on a broad range of conservation matters and can successfully communicate that advice in a manner easily understood by a cross-section of staff and stakeholders.

As a leader, they inspire their teams to innovate and support initiative and measured risk taking.  They are highly organised with excellent time management, good planning and prioritising skills, and understand how to broadly apply principles of risk assessment and management.  They are experienced staff managers and have had success in staff development and performance along with improvements in team efficiency and productivity.

They spearhead the production and implementation of strategic long-term collection conservation planning.  They initiate continuous improvements including refining and implementing collection policies and procedures in collaboration with staff across the Museum.  They advocate for the care and management of collection and raise the knowledge and awareness of staff across the Museum and wider sector.

The successful candidate is intuitive and anticipates risks and issues before they arise.  They are analytical and know how to present information and technical detail to persuade and influence action and support.  They enjoy problem-solving and see challenges as opportunities for change, growth, and innovation.

The incumbent will have project management skills, are effective negotiators, and are skilled in resolving complex matters.  They are persistent and have the determination to see initiatives completed, overcome obstacles, and take responsibility for achieving quality outcomes. They have exceptional interpersonal skills that lead to productive and collaborative working relationships with a broad range of museum professionals and stakeholders.

Expectations

The Museum expects all employees to display these professional capabilities, as relevant to their position and classification.

Leadership
Demonstrate leadership in how programs are delivered, striving to create a new benchmark in excellence.

Collaboration and connection
Work together to create a culture where collaboration across business units is seamless to delivering the shared vision.

Courage and innovation
Be bold and decisive, embrace challenges and opportunities and actively seek ways to continually improve and streamline our services for the benefit of the whole Museum.

Agility and resilience
Embrace and respond to change as a normal part of our working environment.

Respect and integrity
Display respect and integrity when working together, embracing the APS values of being committed to service, accountable, respectful, ethical, and impartial.

Selection criteria

Applicants must respond to each of the following selection criteria and include contact details for two referees in their application.

  1. Tertiary qualifications, proven technical knowledge, and professional experience in conservation.
  2. Demonstrated experience and well-developed skills in leadership and staff management.
  3. Highly developed communication, interpersonal, written, verbal, and presentation skills.
  4. Well-developed analytical skills with proven experience initiating, planning, controlling, and executing programs, activities, projects, and strategies.
  5. Technical knowledge of risks and hazards associated with collections and proven experience in applying effective risk assessment and management practice.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. The National Museum of Australia is an equal employment opportunity workplace.

The National Museum of Australia is committed to ensuring a child-safe and child-friendly environment.  All employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to and support for these principles in theory and practice.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this vacancy, applicants must:

  • be an Australian citizen
  • undergo a number of pre-employment checks, including a police records check.

Ready to apply?

Visit http://www.nma.gov.au/about_us/employment and apply online.