National Museum of Australia – Canberra ACT

Conservators care for the Museum’s National Historical Collection and other holdings in the Museum’s care. They support many of the Museum’s activities involving the collection and manage risks to the preservation of the collection in the many diverse ways the collection is accessed, used and stored.

This recruitment process is being used to fill one current non-ongoing vacancy to 25 July 2027 - Objects Conservator.

A merit pool will be established for future ongoing and non-ongoing Conservator vacancies at the same classification level - any specialisation area, that could arise within the next 18 months.

APS5 Conservator positions are established within the Museum's specialist conservation laboratories of Paper & Textiles, Objects & Painted Surfaces, and Large Technology.

Conservators care for the Museum’s National Historical Collection and other holdings in the Museum’s care. They support many of the Museum’s activities involving the collection and manage risks to the preservation of the collection in the many diverse ways the collection is accessed, used and stored.

This recruitment process is being used to fill one current non-ongoing vacancy to 25 July 2027 - Objects Conservator.

A merit pool will be established for future ongoing and non-ongoing Conservator vacancies at the same classification level - any specialisation area, that could arise within the next 18 months.

APS5 Conservator positions are established within the Museum's specialist conservation laboratories of Paper & Textiles, Objects & Painted Surfaces, and Large Technology.

The key duties of the position include:

The Conservator role is part of a diverse team, reporting to a Senior Conservator in a busy and dynamic work workplace. While a Conservator is based in a material specialist area, the role will work across all types of materials as required.

The role encompasses a broad range of conservation activities, including collection assessments for object condition,



pest activity and hazards; undertaking interventive conservation treatments; delivering preventive conservation and hazard management programs; preparing objects for display; maintaining gallery displays; supporting exhibition installation and de-installation; mount assessment and display preparation; and undertaking collection storage and rehousing activities. There will also be opportunities to participate in public programs, respond to occasional public and sector enquiries, and work on collaborative projects within the sector. Conservators also represent their team at meetings where appropriate and may occasionally travel domestically and internationally to support touring exhibitions and remote collection work.

The position entails working closely with conservation, registration, exhibitions and curatorial colleagues and a broad range of internal stakeholders across the organisation, as well as external stakeholders, volunteers and contractors on a variety of collection matters. The role will also contribute to cross-skilling other conservators by providing training and mentoring in specialist materials conservation and collection activities related to areas of expertise and knowledge.

Eligibility

To be eligible to apply for this vacancy, applicants must:

- be an Australian citizen
- undergo a number of pre-employment checks, including a police record check
- hold or be eligible to hold a security clearance at the level specified in the position description.

The National Museum of Australia is an equal employment opportunity workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and those from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply for roles at the Museum.

RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy.



Under RecruitAbility you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under RecruitAbility; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the position.

The Museum is committed to ensuring a child-safe and child-friendly environment.All employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to, and support for, these principles, in theory and practice.

Applications close 11:59pm on Sunday 30 August 2026.

Getting to know the National Museum of Australia

The National Museum of Australia is recognised at home and around the world as the place where the story of Australia comes alive. The Museum is the only institution equipped to tell the complex and comprehensive story of Australia from 65,000 years ago to the present day. The story of Australia is a remarkable one, from the ancient and enduring histories of the world’s oldest living cultures to the achievements of modern Australia.

It is a story that is ever evolving and growing – and it is a story for a nation and for the world. Our vision and mission

- The Museum inspires, challenges and empowers people to find their voice and place in the world.
- We strive to build a just and equitable society that honours and respects the

First Nations peoples of this continent and all who have come after.

- We collect, document, research and make accessible heritage collections that represent the diversity of experience in Australia.
- We engage with audiences physically and digitally to promote learning, dialogue and debate about our past, present and future.
- We promote collaborative work across the breadth of artistic and creative practice to enhance the cultural life of our nation.
- We value and respect the commitment and contribution of all who participate in and contribute to the Museum’s community.
- The National Museum of Australia brings to life the rich and diverse stories of Australia through compelling objects, ideas and events.

For more information, visit the NMA website.

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📌 Conservator (Canberra)
🏢 National Museum of Australia
📍 Canberra