Cultural Collection Officer, First Nations

Cultural Collection Officer, First Nations (ID)

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

About the Role

A core pillar for the AM is to 'Be a Leader and Advocate for First Nations History' and to enhance our workforce in the First Nations Collection area. This is a temporary, on-site role (10 months with possibility for extension) in our First Nations Division, working across multiple AM sites.

The Cultural Collections Officer, First Nations is an identified position responsible for the care and maintaining of the Australian Museum's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) Cultural Collection located across several AM sites.

Working under the direction of the Senior Collection Officer, First Nations, in a team led by the Head of Collections & Engagement (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander), you will support the appropriate custodial care of, and engagement with, the Collection. This includes assisting with community access facilitation and collaboration on projects, to ensure the information shared is culturally appropriate, community-led, and enriches the care and understanding of the First Nations Cultural Collection.

This role facilitates visits from First Nations community members and approved external stakeholders seeking to access the First Nations Cultural Collection, and also facilitates appropriate access for contractors and, if applicable, interns/volunteers to the Collection.

Employment Status:

• Clerk Grade 3/4
• Fixed term
• Full time 35 hours per week

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

• Role Description
• AM Candidate Pack

You will be paid a competitive annual salary $84,659 - $92,701, plus employer's contribution to superannuation (currently 12%) and annual leave loading.

About You

We're looking for a committed and passionate individual eager to build their expertise in collection management of cultural collections and associated administration systems. You'll receive comprehensive training and support to help you thrive in this role.

You're energised by fast-paced environments and excel at juggling competing priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail. Your strong communication skills enable effective collaboration with colleagues, stakeholders, and First Nations community members. You value meaningful engagement and approach these interactions with cultural respect and understanding the significance of connecting communities with their cultural heritage.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• An understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultural practices, including Aboriginal cultural heritage management and cultural protocols.
• Appropriate approved tertiary qualifications in a relevant subject area, or relevant equivalent professional and/or cultural practice and experience.
• Capacity to develop and care for cultural collections, including the ability to recognise the quality of objects, their conditions, provenance, and authenticity.
• Capacity to work in contemporary collection management practices. Experience with using databases such as KE EMu is desirable, especially in data manipulation and database skills, including data entry, data clean up, Excel proficiency, and file management.
• Proven ability in the professional handling, packing, transport and storage of cultural objects.
• Understanding of culturally appropriate collection practices, cultural awareness, and terminology in order to perform in processes that are culturally aware and appropriate. Capacity to embed ICIP into work practice.
• Proven record in community consultation, especially with First Nations, Pasifika, and/or CALD (cultures and languages other than English) communities.
• Holds a current full NSW Driver's Licence. You must be prepared to travel between the AM's multiple sites which hold its collections, and to external stakeholders as needed to support the work of the First Nations Collections team.

Essential requirements

• Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. Aboriginality/Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

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.

Recent staff survey results confirm that our staff feel valued, accepted and supported and that they believe the AM is an inclusive workplace. AM staff also report a high level of job satisfaction.

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 and dedicated Wellbeing programs.

How to apply

Applicants must submit (if submitted as attachment, please upload as PDF):

1. A one to two page covering letter which addresses the role description's essential requirements, key knowledge and experience

2. Resume

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

1. Using a specific example, outline the factors you would need to consider to ensure safe working practices in the First Nations Cultural Collection. Your answer should also explain the importance of each consideration. (300 words maximum)

2. Please describe an example from a project you have worked on that involved working with First Nations cultural objects and information. What aspects did you need to consider and why? (300 words maximum)

For more details, Frequently Asked Questions and how to apply for the role go to I Work for NSW.

The successful applicant will be subject to national criminal records check. As recommended by 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: Melanie van Olffen, Senior Collection Officer First Nations Collections;

Inclusive and welcoming

The Australian Museum is an NSW Public Service organisation and aims to attract and retain the right people for the right jobs. The AM is a diverse and inclusive workplace where genuine participation and contribution is enabled, and everyone, regardless of their background, identity or circumstances is valued, accepted and supported to thrive at work.

This means that we are embedding diversity and inclusion in everything we do on a daily basis, whether it be our recruitment processes, workplace culture, career development programs, customer service or policies and procedures. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment process to better enable you to shine, please reach out to the contact person or note this in your application.