ABOUT MUSEUMS VICTORIA:
Ever dreamed of working in a place where dinosaurs roam, stars explode, and the world's most intriguing stories come to life?
Welcome to Museums Victoria (MV)—where every day is a new opportunity to create unforgettable experiences.
As one of the southern hemisphere's largest and most iconic museum organisations, we're not just about exhibits; we're about engaging, immersive moments that spark curiosity, creativity, and connection.
Home to the awe-inspiring Melbourne Museum, the culturally rich Immigration Museum, the mind-expanding Scienceworks, and the World Heritage-listed Royal Exhibition Building, MV is a place where events transform spaces and stories into something truly unmissable.
Join a passionate team that brings ideas to life and makes discovery part of everyday experience.
Museums Victoria acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters on which we work, and pays respect to their Elders past and present.
We recognise the deep and ongoing connection First Peoples have to Country, culture and community, and we are committed to caring for Ancestors and cultural material in a way that honours that connection.
About the position
As Senior Collection Manager, First Peoples Archaeology Collection and First Peoples Restricted Collection, you will manage the First Peoples Archaeology Collection and First Peoples Restricted Collection comprising archaeological and Secret-Sacred Cultural Objects.
The role is responsible for ensuring these collections are cared for, documented and managed in ways that are responsive to the needs and aspirations of First Peoples Communities, while meeting Museums Victoria's cultural, legal and collection management responsibilities.
A central part of the role is working directly with First Peoples Communities, government agencies and other stakeholders to support culturally appropriate access, research, documentation and co-facilitating repatriation of Secret-Sacred Cultural Objects to Australian Communities of origin.
Some of the key duties include:
* Managing the First Peoples Archaeology Collection and First Peoples Restricted Collection according to best international collection management practice, including storage, movement, location control, health and safety, handling and conservation.
* Ensuring appropriate cultural protocols are observed in the care, management and access of both collections,



including briefing and supervising staff and visitors.
* Liaising with First Peoples Community representatives, First Peoples – State Relations and the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council, as required.
* Undertaking archaeological research on the First Peoples Archaeology Collection and enhancing catalogue records and collection documentation.
* Undertaking archival research on the First Peoples Restricted Collection and enhancing catalogue and documentation records.
* Working closely with First Peoples Research and Collections curatorial and collections staff on research, documentation, consultation, deaccession and repatriation for the First Peoples Restricted Collection.
* Responding to First Peoples Community requests for information and access to the First Peoples Archaeology Collection and First Peoples Restricted Collection.
* Conducting audits and reconciliations on the First Peoples Archaeology Collection and First Peoples Restricted Collection; and generate reporting statistics as required.
* Working collaboratively with the First Peoples Research and Collections curatorial and collections staff to achieve the identified outputs of Museums Victoria's repatriation program.
* Participating in the development of policies and procedures relating to collection development and management of the First Peoples Collections.
Supervising and training project staff and volunteers engaged to work on the First Peoples Collections.
The successful applicant will have:
* Completed tertiary qualifications in Australian Archaeology at BA Honours level or higher.
* A minimum of five years' experience managing a First Peoples Archaeology Collection.
* Extensive knowledge and experience in the management of First Peoples Collections, and in the development and implementation of related policies and procedures.
* Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with representatives of First Peoples Communities regarding culturally sensitive matters.
* Knowledge of the legal issues concerning the management,



deaccession and repatriation of First Peoples Australian Restricted cultural material.
* Demonstrated ability in the preparation of written submissions and reporting statistics.
* Experience in the implementation of cultural protocols and procedures for the management of First Peoples Restricted cultural material.
* Demonstrated knowledge of collection management principles and practice, including storage, packing and transportation.
* Excellent communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively within and across departments in a networked organisation, and the ability to communicate effectively with key stakeholder groups and professional networks
* Ability to train and supervise volunteers and project staff.
* A current driver's licence is essential.
* The successful applicant is required to undergo a National Police Records Check and Working with Children Check and be assessed as suitable (new employees are required to meet this cost).
Other information
This is a full time, ongoing position, classified at Grade 4, Value Range 1 ($100,894 to $114,476) under the Museums Victoria Cultural and Creative Agencies Enterprise Agreement ****.
Salary will be commensurate with this classification, plus superannuation.
In accordance with VCAT exemption number A******, applications for this position are restricted to male applicants only.
This exemption exists in recognition of the cultural lore associated with the care of secret-sacred material held within the Restricted Collection.
The successful applicant will be required to:
Undergo a National Police Records Check and be assessed as suitable (recent employees are required to meet this cost) Work across multiple Museums Victoria sites, including Melbourne Museum and the Moreland Collection Store Facility
HOW TO APPLY?
To view the full position description, visit Careers – Museums Victoria.
From the Current Vacancies page, select "All Jobs" and click through to this job's listing.
To apply, please click "Apply for this Job" at the bottom of the job listing page.
For more information about this position, please contact Jade Hadfield at ******.
Please submit the following two documents with your application:
Your Resume
A 1–2 page cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria as outlined in the Role Statement (please refer to the attached document)
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: 18 SEPTEMBER **** (11:59pm)

📌 Senior Collection Manager, First Peoples Archaeology Collection And First Peoples Restricted Collection (Melbourne)
🏢 Victoria
📍 Melbourne