Conservator

Conservators care for the Museum’s National Historical Collection and other holdings in the Museum’s care. They support many of the Museum’s activities involving the collection and manage risks to the preservation of the collection in the many diverse ways the collection is accessed, used and stored.

Key Accountabilities

The Conservator role is part of a diverse team, reporting to a Senior Conservator in a busy and dynamic work environment.  While a Conservator is based in a material specialist area, the role will work across all types of materials as required.  

The role encompasses a broad range of conservation activities, including collection assessments for object condition, pest activity and hazards; undertaking interventive conservation treatments; delivering preventive conservation and hazard management programs; preparing objects for display; maintaining gallery displays; supporting exhibition installation and de-installation; mount assessment and display preparation; and undertaking collection storage and rehousing activities. There will also be opportunities to participate in public programs, respond to occasional public and sector enquiries, and work on collaborative projects within the sector. Conservators also represent their team at meetings where appropriate and may occasionally travel domestically and internationally to support touring exhibitions and remote collection work.   

The position entails working closely with conservation, registration, exhibitions and curatorial colleagues and a broad range of internal stakeholders across the organisation, as well as external stakeholders, volunteers and contractors on a variety of collection matters. The role will also contribute to cross-skilling other conservators by providing training and mentoring in specialist materials conservation and collection activities related to areas of expertise and knowledge.  

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 record check
• hold or be eligible to hold a security clearance at the level specified in the position description.

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

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under RecruitAbility you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under RecruitAbility; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the position.

The Museum 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.

To Apply

Applicants must include a two page pitch addressing their suitability for the role against the essential and desirable skills, experience and qualifications defined in the position description with their application. Applicants must also provide a current CV and contact details for 2 referees.

Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday 30 August 2026.

Visit https://www.nma.gov.au/about/employment and apply online.

Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. If you require, or would like to discuss reasonable adjustments, please contact the Contact Officer for this position.