Work with the only national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural institution solely dedicated to telling the story of Australia's First Nations peoples.
Working as part of a small multidisciplinary team providing specialist expertise.
Undertake conservation assessments and complex treatments across a broad range of material types, support preventive conservation programs, exhibitions, transport, and rehousing.
About AIATSIS AIATSIS has a proud identity as Australia's only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-led national cultural institution that celebrates, educates, and inspires people from all walks of life to connect with the rights, knowledge, cultures and stories of Australia's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
We play a vital role in developing deeper and shared understandings of our Nation's history and future on Australia's truth-telling journey, working towards collective healing.
About Collection Services Group The Collections Services Group is responsible for the development, management, preservation and provision of access to the AIATSIS Collection at both Maraga (Canberra) and Mparntwe (Central Australia) sites.
The Group manages, describes, preserves digitises and provides access to the AIATSIS Collection.
About the team The program includes the Rights and Policy Unit, the Acquisition, Registration and Cultural Gifts Unit and the Curatorial, Exhibition, Conservation and Loans Unit.
Key operational activities include developing, conserving and preserving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage material in the AIATSIS collection in a culturally safe way.
Engaging with donors and depositors to expand the collection, curating domestic and international display and exhibitions (both online and physical), implementing collection care practices,



facilitating loans and managing the rights and policy environment of the AIATSIS collection.This role requires a qualified and experienced Conservator, who will be responsible for the care and preservation of the AIATSIS Collection.
Key responsibilities include: • routine operation of all aspects of conservation and collection care to the highest professional standards, including hands-on treatments, condition assessments, risk management, preparation for exhibition and loans, and rehousing.
• maintain conservation records and documentation on all treatments, condition reports advice on, acquisitions, exhibition display, loans, work activities and project scheduling.
• liaise with Curatorial staff, Registration and other technical staff and support the Assistant Director in the conservation needs of the collection.
• provide expert advice on all matters relating to the conservation and care of the collection.
• participate, develop and contribute to conservation methodologies, technique and materials research relevant to the care of the collections.
• participate and support all conservation activities including design and manufacture of packing and display systems, integrated pest management, and disaster response.
• other duties as required.
Our Ideal Candidate You will have substantial qualified experience in conservation within a cultural institution, or community organisation, and a demonstrated understanding of the role of a specialist collection in meeting the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people.
You will come with the following skills, experience and attributes:



• professional qualifications and hands on training in Conservation is essential, including at least five years relevant professional experience.
A specialisation in the conservation of paper based and bound material is highly desirable.
Equivalent relevant skills and experience will be recognised.
• sound knowledge and practical experience in the conservation of cultural heritage collections, including an understanding of the appropriate care and management of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people's cultural materials.
This includes Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), relevant cultural protocols, and cultural safety considerations.
• proven ability to apply established conservation principles, techniques and practices across a broad range of material types.
• demonstrated hands on experience and knowledge, including conservation treatment, collection storage, packing and transport, exhibition preparation and installation.
• well-developed written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships and work collaboratively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• strong organisational, time management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and deliver quality outcomes.
• demonstrated experience in the development and improvement of work practices and experience using collection management systems.
How To apply This vacancy is being advertised concurrently under an affirmative measures and identified recruitment process.
There is 1 position available.
Identified candidates are required to demonstrate an understanding of the diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, their cultures, and their issues and to be able to communicate respectfully with them.
Please apply through our online recruitment system (eRecruit)

📌 Conservator (Australia)
🏢 Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)
📍 Australia