Conservator

Authorised and posted on behalf of the Ngaanyatjarra Council

**Employer**: Ngaanyatjarra Council
**Location**: Warburton, Western Australia (Ngaanyatjarra Lands - Remote Community-Based Role)
**Employment Type**: Full-Time,

**About Ngaanyatjarra Council**

Ngaanyatjarra Council is committed to supporting the preservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage, artworks, and traditions. The Ngaanyatjarra Lands, located in the central desert region of Western Australia, are home to multiple remote Aboriginal communities, including Warburton, Warakurna, and Blackstone. We work collaboratively with these communities to safeguard cultural knowledge and artifacts for future generations. We are currently seeking an experienced **Arts Conservator & Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Preservation Coordinator** to join our team and contribute to the care, conservation, and education of Indigenous heritage materials.

**Role Summary**

The **Arts Conservator & Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Preservation Coordinator** will play a crucial role in researching, conserving, and protecting Indigenous artworks and cultural artifacts, ensuring alignment with Aboriginal traditions and community values. This role involves working closely with community elders, artists, and cultural custodians to maintain, restore, and promote Aboriginal heritage materials.

**Key ResponsibilitiesArts and Cultural Support**
- Research the history of artworks and cultural items within the Warburton collection.
- Analyse and test materials to determine authenticity, condition, and conservation needs.
- Participate in disaster recovery efforts, including restoring water-damaged items.
- Provide training and guidance to staff, artists, and community members on conservation techniques.
- Develop and implement community education programs and workshops on conservation practices.
- Promote heritage conservation through exhibitions, public outreach, and publications.

**Conservation & Cultural Heritage Preservation**
- Develop and implement conservation plans for Aboriginal artworks and materials.
- Ensure conservation methods respect and align with Aboriginal cultural values and traditions.
- Assess the condition of historical and contemporary Aboriginal artworks and conduct preventive conservation.
- Oversee storage conditions, climate control, and safe transportation of artworks and artifacts.
- Train community members and emerging conservators in preservation techniques.

**Studio & Collection Management**
- Maintain records of conservation treatments, including digital cataloging and condition reports.
- Manage storage, documentation, and transportation of cultural materials.
- Ensure appropriate conservation-grade materials are used for restoration and preservation.

**Administrative & Stakeholder Engagement**
- Document artworks through photography before and after treatments.
- Maintain comprehensive records of conservation decisions and treatment outcomes.
- Maintain social media accounts and website, promoting conservation activities.
- Establish partnerships with museums, galleries, and academic institutions.
- Adhere to occupational health and safety guidelines related to conservation work.

**Skills, Knowledge & Experience Required**
- **Minimum of 3 years of experience** in art conservation, heritage preservation, or a related field.
- Relevant **qualifications** in art conservation, museum studies, or cultural heritage management.
- Strong understanding of **preventive and remedial conservation techniques**.
- Experience working with **Aboriginal communities** in a culturally sensitive manner.
- Knowledge of **Aboriginal cultural protocols** related to conservation and preservation.
- Ability to handle fragile and culturally significant items with **utmost care and respect**.
- Experience managing **collection care, documentation, and archiving** using digital cataloging systems.
- Proven ability to **secure funding** for conservation projects.
- Strong **problem-solving and research skills**, with an ability to work in remote environments.
- **Manual driver’s license** and willingness to travel to remote communities for conservation projects.

**Accountability & Reporting**
- Reports to the **General Manager - Communities and Sustainable Development**.
- Accountable to the **Ngaanyatjarra Council** and its defined management structure.
- Engages with **Ngaanyatjarra communities**, ensuring respect for governance and reporting structures.
- Expected to uphold **high ethical standards** and maintain transparent communication with all stakeholders.

**How to Apply**

Join us in preserving Aboriginal culture and history for future generations

Pay: $88,000.00 - $98,000.00 per year

Schedule:

- 8 hour shift

Application Question(s):

- Are you an Australian citizen or permanent resident?

Work Authorisation:

- Australia (required)

Work Location: In person