Conservation Technician

The Conservation Technician (Preventive and Administration) supports the day-to-day operations of the Conservation Department. The Conservation Department has 5 main sections that are responsible for ensuring the care of the collection whilst in storage, on display and loan. These sections are based on the materials of the collection and how the collection will be used and are: Paintings, Paper/Photography, Textiles, Objects (including time-based, electrical, and kinetic works of art) and the preventive/loan management section. This role will support all areas through administrative and technical support especially in the area of preventive conservation.

This is a non-ongoing employment opportunity until June 2027.

The key duties of the position include:

In accordance with the APS 4 work level standards, you will:

• Provide administrative support and assistance to the Conservation department including but not limited to arranging meetings, assisting with department records and reporting, updating the internet page and assisting with purchasing supplies.
• Assist with the management of the day-to-day operations of the NGA quarantine treatment room. Record treatments undertaken and WOA housed in the quarantine treatment room. Provide support as required to all sections of the department in the preparation of works of art for display and storage.
• Undertake pest treatments as advised by conservators on a wide range objects in the collection and on loan to the gallery. Maintain WH&S requirements associated with the quarantine treatment room and pest treatments.
• Assist with the general preventive conservation functions of the department, such as pest inspections, gallery maintenance, environmental monitoring, etc.  Assist other sections of the department as required in preparing works from the collection for display and storage.
• Liaise well with all stake holders on the scheduling and movements of works of art within the quarantine treatment room. Maintain accurate stock and art movement records for all works of art treated.

Eligibility

Citizenship – To be eligible for employment with the Gallery, you must be an Australian citizen.

Police Check – to be eligible for this role you must complete a police check.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION - Qualifications, Certifications and Registrations

Role specific mandatory qualifications certification and/or registrations include:

• Hold a Current Driver License
• Good colour vision, manual dexterity, and physical health commensurate with the duties of the position. (Ability to lift, climb ladders, work at heights, use tools and equipment).

Notes

HOW TO APPLY

To apply for this role please go to the National Gallery's Careers portal.

You should provide a tailored CV (maximum of three pages) along with a statement of no more than two pages that outlines your skills, capabilities and experience, against the information above.

In your statement response you should keep in mind the capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role, as identified in the information above.  Try not to duplicate information that can be found in your CV but do highlight any specific examples or achievements that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.

An order of merit may be established from this selection process and may be used to fill future identical vacancies over the next 12 months. Selection may be based on application and referee reports only. If you do not wish to be added to an order of merit, please notify us in your application.

Getting to know the National Gallery of Australia

The National Gallery is one of Australia's leading visual arts institutions. The National Gallery is based in Canberra and is a vital part of the Australian cultural landscape. Our Purpose is to collect, preserve, promote and share the national collection of art. The Vision of the National Gallery is to be the international reference point for art in Australia, inspiring all people to explore, experience and learn. Our Values include Boldness, Integrity, Respect, and Excellence.