Australian Museum

Reference number req219

Occupation

Science and Technology

Work type

Part-Time

Location

Sydney City

Salary Information

Closing date

18 August 2026 at 10:00am

Technical Officer Ichthyology

Job Closing date: 11:59PM, 18****th August 2026

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 Australian Museum's Collections Enhancement Project (CEP) is transforming access to one of Australia's most significant natural science collections. Through large-scale digitisation, documentation and collection enhancement, the project is improving the discoverability and long-term value of millions of specimens for researchers, educators, communities and the public.

As part of this work, the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI) is undertaking the curation and accessioning of a scientifically significant collection of larval and juvenile fishes. This project will ensure these valuable specimens are preserved, documented and made accessible to support future scientific research into Australia's aquatic biodiversity.

About the Role

Working within the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI), this key role takes part in the curation and accessioning of a large collection of larval and juvenile fish specimens into the Australian Museum's Ichthyology Collection.

Working alongside the Collection Manager, Ichthyology team and Collections Enhancement Project staff, the role-holder will undertake specimen identification, curation, inventory management and collection preparation while maintaining the highest standards of specimen care. The role also collaborates closely with digitisation staff to ensure specimens are photographed, documented and accessioned using established workflows and collection management systems.

This is a hands-on technical role suited to someone who enjoys working carefully and methodically with natural history collections. The role involves handling delicate specimens preserved in ethanol and other hazardous chemicals, requiring a strong commitment to workplace health and safety and attention to detail.

Employment Status:

- Technical Officer 1/2
- Fixed Term, up to 10 months (with possibility of extension)
- Part-Time, 7 hours a week, 2 roles available

You will be paid a competitive pro-rated total remuneration package of $80,921 - $118,119, including a pro-rated annual salary of $71,297 - $104,070, plus employer contributions 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 an organised and detail-oriented collections professional with experience working with preserved zoological specimens, ideally within ichthyology or aquatic biology. You have sound taxonomic identification skills and enjoy the technical challenge of curating scientifically important collections.

You work well independently, can maintain accuracy while undertaking repetitive tasks, and are comfortable managing large volumes of collection material. You are equally effective collaborating with colleagues and understand the importance of maintaining high-quality collection data to support research and public access.

Most importantly, you have a genuine interest in natural history collections and are committed to preserving Australia's scientific heritage through careful, accurate and professional collection management.

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

- Demonstrated capacity to support collections staff in the maintenance of collections (including databasing.
- Demonstrated experience in identification and taxonomy of fishes.
- Knowledge and understanding of the application of Work Health and Safety (WH&S;) legislation and regulations.
- Adequate knowledge and experience in order to deliver the Key Accountabilities and perform to the Focus Capabilities outlined in the relevant Role Description.

Essential Requirements

- TAFE qualifications in a relevant field or BSc or BSc (Hons) preferred.

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 workplace 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

- A one to two page covering letter which address the role descriptions essential requirements, key knowledge and experience.
- Resume

As part of the online application process, you will be prompted to answer the following targeted questions:
- Describe a time when you were responsible for curating, managing or working with a scientific or museum collection. How did you ensure the integrity, accuracy and quality of the collection while balancing competing priorities or technical requirements? (300 words maximum)
- This role requires working independently on repetitive technical tasks while handling fragile specimens preserved in hazardous chemicals and collaborating with colleagues to support digitisation and collection management. Describe a time when you successfully managed this type of work. How did you maintain accuracy, follow safe work practices and contribute to a successful outcome? (300 words maximum)

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: Yi-Kai Tea, Curator Ichthyology and Group Manager Ichthyology, [email protected]

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.

📌 Technical Officer Ichthyology (Sydney)
🏢 Nsw Government
📍 Sydney