The Senior Textiles Conservator contributes to the professional conservation, management, storage and preservation of items from the National Collection. The primary work of this lab includes supervision of on-going survey, treatment, preservation, hazard mitigation and maintenance programs for a range of textile and related objects including uniforms and accessories, flags, leather and saddlery, medals, plastics and rubbers. The lab may also be required to provide assistance to other labs as required. The senior conservator also devises, develops and implements new or improved conservation processes and techniques; documents work performed; supervises staff, contractors and volunteers; prepares items for exhibition, loan and access; and participates in Section and Memorial management activities.
Core Responsibilities
- Under general direction from the Conservation Manager, Textiles, Art, Paper and Photographs, manage the daily operations of the textiles conservation laboratory, including the development and implementation of the Memorial’s conservation and preservation programs, and Work Health and Safety compliance
- Manage the work of staff, contractors, volunteers and interns and assist with their training and development
- Undertake research and scientific analysis to determine the authenticity, composition, condition and deterioration processes of the Memorial’s textile and related Collections where appropriate
- Document all conservation and preservation activities on the Memorial’s Collection Management System
- Develop and implement new conservation techniques and procedures as required including the on-going mitigation of collection hazards
- Liaise with, and provide assistance to, other conservation labs as required, such as with the conservation of objects, large technology, paper and photographic collections
- Participate in multi-disciplinary teams for the delivery of exhibitions and other projects, establishing and maintaining liaison with other staff responsible for the preservation, care, development and use of collection material, especially with regard to the storage, handling and display of textiles and related objects
- Provide conservation and preservation advice to other sections of the Memorial, professional colleagues and to the wider community
- Conduct manual handling tasks including movement of a wide range of objects including but not limited to textiles and heraldry collections
The Memorial is committed to workplace diversity and maintains an environment that values the contribution of people from different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. The Memorial welcomes applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, veterans, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds and people with a disability. To be eligible for ongoing or non-ongoing employment, Australian Citizenship is required.
For more information or to apply visit: AWM jobs.
