Assistant Conservator

**State Library of New South Wales**

**Assistant Conservator**

**Library Services Division, Collection Care Branch**

**Ongoing full time role**
- Opportunity to work at one of NSW top cultural institutions in spacious conservation labs
- Remuneration package up to $92,755 p.a. (package includes salary between $69,686 - $82,193 p.a., plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading)

**About the State Library**

The State Library of New South Wales is one of Australia's oldest and most important public institutions. Collecting actively since 1826, the Library preserves and presents the social, cultural and scientific history of our State and our Nation for the benefit of all.

The Library Services Division provides high quality services for readers and access to the State Library’s rich heritage, print and digital collections and develops and preserves these collections for future generations. Library Services is reader-focused, encourages an innovative and outward focused approach, maximises the use of technology and is a leader in digital innovation to continually improve reader services and enable independent access for readers. The Division collaborates across the Library and with other libraries and cultural institutions.

The Collection Care Branch develops and implements storage, preservation, and conservation programs for all physical material formats in the collections of the State Library. The Branch undertakes individual conservation treatments and preparation of items for display in-house, and for loan to other institutions, assuming the registration function for these. Collection Care is responsible for the collection conservation program, in order to maintain access to collections through their maintenance; conservation of individual items; and processing of new acquisitions to the collection to ensure accessibility. The Branch monitors environmental conditions within the Library, coordinates collection disaster-response strategies and trains staff in correct handling of the collection.

**About the Role**

In this role, you will work collaboratively in a team and will be involved in conservation of collection items to help support the long-term preservation of the collection, as well as preparation of items for exhibition and display to enable access for visitors.

We are looking for an individual who can communicate effectively, can balance multiple deadlines and stakeholders, and who has strong problem-solving skills. Experience in the preparation and installation of exhibitions is desirable.

**Knowledge and Experience**

To be successful in this role, you will have the following knowledge and experience:

- Experience working with cultural heritage materials.
- Demonstrated excellent manual dexterity in a craft-based or technical-based activity.

**What we offer**
- Flexible working conditions, including the ability to work extra hours where required over several days or weeks and then reclaim those hours as time off.
- Professional development opportunities, including study support and targeted training programs to further develop in your career.
- Wellbeing initiatives including an Employee Assistance Program, flu vaccinations, gym programs and staff discounts at the Library café and bookshop.
- Staff engagement activities, such as workplace committees, a staff suggestion scheme, and all staff actively participating in the development of the Library’s Strategic Plan.

**How to apply**
- An up-to-date copy of your CV
- A response to the following questions

Please keep question responses to a maximum of 3 paragraphs.
- Provide an example of a support or enclosure for either display, storage or transport of either a 2D or 3D cultural heritage item which you have designed and constructed and describe the conservation principles you had to consider.

**Talent Pool**

Applicants not initially offered a role but who have been assessed through the recruitment process as being suitable will be placed in the Talent Pool to fill future ongoing and temporary vacancies as they arise. Placement in the Talent Pool remains valid for 18 months.

**Eligibility to apply**
- an Australian citizen or
- a permanent resident of Australia, or
- a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand passport or a citizen of another country with an appropriate visa that allows you to work in Australia for the period of temporary employment or if you are seeking ongoing employment, you must hold a permanent visa that allows you to work in Australia.

**Role Description (pdf)**
**Role Description (word)**
**NSW Public Sector Capability Framework**
**State Library Accessibility Guide