Cultural Collection Enhancement Project Assistant, First Nations

Cultural Collection Enhancement Project Assistant, First Nations

Join us at the Australian Museum and help us to achieve our Mission to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change. 

About the Project 

The Cultural Collection Enhancement branch (CCE) delivers on the Collection Enhancement Project (CEP). CEP is a 10-year project that is digitising the Australian Museum (AM)’s biological, geological, and cultural collections. This includes digital registration of collection material in the collection management system, digitisation - imaging cultural collection materials, barcoding collections, supporting community consultation activities and enhancing collection documentation and metadata.  

The AM’s Cultural Collections are located across several AM sites. The AM’s CEP Cultural Collection programs include work across six collections: Pasifika Cultural Collections; Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands Cultural Collection; Aboriginal Archaeology Collections; World Cultures Collection; Archives; and Rare Books Library. 

About the Role 

The CCE Project Assistant, First Nations supports the Head of Digitisation, First Nations and the CCE team in delivering First Nations digitisation and collection enhancement projects at the Australian Museum, including the Cultural Collection Enhancement and First Nations Community Access to Archives programs. 

The role provides administrative, coordination and project support services, contributing to culturally appropriate project delivery through the application of Indigenous Cultural & Intellectual Property (ICIP) principles and cultural protocols, while maintaining high museum standards. 

Employment Status:

•  Clerk Grade 5/6
•  Full-time, 35 hours a week. Fixed-Term (Up to 30th June 2029)
•  Location: Australian Museum, multiple sites

You will be paid a competitive total remuneration package of $116,832 - $128,912, including an annual salary of $102,936 - $113,579, plus employer’s contribution to superannuation (currently 12%) and annual leave loading.  

Click on the following links to begin the journey to find your new career at the AM

•  Role Description
•  AM Candidate Pack

About you 

You are a highly organised and proactive project support professional with experience coordinating projects, managing competing priorities and working collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders. You have strong administrative and communication skills, a customer-focused approach, and a demonstrated understanding of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) principles and culturally appropriate engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 
 

To be eligible for this role at the Australian Museum, you must hold full working rights in Australia and meet all essential requirements listed in the position description. 
 

Knowledge and Experience

•  Proven ability to organise, prioritise, and manage multiple competing tasks and deadlines, demonstrating flexibility and sound judgement when priorities change at short notice.
•  Experience working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders with competing demands to support project delivery and positive service outcomes.
•  Strong communication skills across a range of formats, with the ability to express information clearly - verbally (face-to-face or video conferencing) and in writing (email, reports, and other documentation).
•  Sound understanding of culturally appropriate collection practices and the application of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) principles when working with First Nations cultural materials, communities and stakeholders.
•  Experience using digital systems and technologies to support project administration, records management, collection documentation and reporting activities.
•  Holds a current full NSW Driver’s Licence. The role holder must be prepared to travel between the AM’s various sites and to external stakeholders as needed to support the work of the First Nations Division and the AM.

Essential Requirements

•  Relevant qualifications and/or demonstrated experience in project management, arts administration, museums, cultural heritage, archives, information management or a related field.
•  Demonstrated understanding of culturally appropriate collection practices and experience working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and cultural materials.

About the Australian Museum 

The Australian Museum is truly a great place to work. We aim 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.    

The Australian Museum acknowledges that we operate on the lands, waters and skies of many First Nations Peoples. As Australia’s first museum, we share the responsibility of advocating for Country and honouring First Nations Peoples and knowledges. 

Check out our current exhibitions and events here 

Benefits 

Besides working together with other like-minded people, you will have access to professional development opportunities and dedicated Wellbeing programs.  

How to Apply 

Applicants must submit 

As part of the online application process, you will be prompted to answer the following targeted questions: 

The successful candidate applicant will be subject to national criminal records check. As recommended by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), the Australian Museum encourages all applicants who can be safely vaccinated for COVID-19, to be so. 

Contact person: Hiring Manager Meredith Lynch Underwood, Head of Digitisation First Nations at meredith.lynchunderwood@austmus.gov.au or  0405 822 570 .  

Inclusive and Welcoming 

The Australian Museum is committed to building a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve.  

We actively encourage applications from First Nations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; people with disability, including physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, neurological, psychosocial, and chronic health conditions, whether visible or hidden; people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; people of all ages; members of the LGBTQIA+ community; and people from all socioeconomic backgrounds. 

If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact the hiring manager or include your requirements in your application. This may include alternative formats, communication support, flexible interviews, accessible locations, or extra assessment time. Any information you share will be kept confidential.