Research and Collections Officer – Digitisation Project

Term Contract – Part-time 21 hours per week – 3 years

Preserve the past. Open it up to the future.

- Own a three-year project with a lasting legacy.
- 21 hours a week with flexibility around your working days.
- Work hands-on with fascinating local history collections, objects and archives.

LET’S EXPLORE THE JOB We are looking for a detail-focused Research and Collections Officer to take ownership of an exciting three-year digitisation project, helping make Lake Macquarie’s history and collections more accessible to our community

This is more than a role supporting a project, you will help build it, shape it and drive it forward.

Working across our physical collections, databases and digital content, you will identify what needs to be digitised, catalogue and photograph or scan materials, improve collection records and help create a more accessible online collection.

You’ll also tackle the challenges that come with digitising historical collections, investigating gaps, improving data and image quality, refining processes and helping establish sustainable approaches to digital preservation and collection management.

By the end of the project, priority collections will be digitised, catalogued and more accessible online, with stronger records, improved preservation practices and sustainable processes in place for the future.

You’ll help deliver a program of work that includes:

- Auditing and prioritising library, museum and local history collections for digitisation
- Scanning and photographing books, maps, pamphlets, brochures and other collection materials
- Creating, updating and improving collection records and digital content
- Working with our collection management database to link, maintain and improve records
- Identifying opportunities to improve image quality, data integrity and collection accessibility
- Supporting the preservation, storage and rehousing of significant and fragile collection items
- Contributing to exhibitions, heritage programs and research
- Helping establish sustainable digital preservation, data management and collection processes.

Read the position statement and Draft 3-year project plan to learn more about this exciting opportunity.

This position

- Is primarily based between Speers Point Library and Sugar Valley Library Museum, with occasional work across other ACT facilities and external locations.
- Offers 21 hours per week with flexibility around your working days,



in consultation with the team.
- May require work across departmental service delivery Monday to Sunday, between 8.00am and 9.00pm.
- Requires a Working with Children Check to be completed prior to commencement.

LET’S HEAR ABOUT YOU You will have an eye for detail and a genuine curiosity about collections, objects, databases and digital information. You’ll enjoy getting into the detail, investigating records, identifying gaps, making connections and finding practical solutions to unexpected challenges.

You’ll be naturally organised and methodical, with the initiative to work autonomously and keep a project moving. You’ll also enjoy working collaboratively, knowing when to draw on the expertise of others and contributing ideas that improve how collections are managed, preserved and made accessible.

You will bring:

- Diploma in information systems, libraries, museums or history.
- Demonstrated knowledge of cultural collections, digitisation, and museum and library industry best practice.
- Demonstrated knowledge of diversity, inclusion and representation issues relevant to cultural collections, research and Aboriginal culture and history.
- Ability to handle, lift and transport cultural collections to industry standards.

LET’S REVEAL THE PERKS

- Competitive salary from $40.78 to $47.40 per hour plus 12% superannuation
- Annual Enterprise Agreement pay increases apply
- Commencing salary aligned to your skills and experience with annual reviews supporting progression through the salary range
- Lead a project with legacy - your work will help preserve and open up Lake Macquarie’s history for future generations.
- 21 hours a week with flexibility around your working days.
- Autonomy with support - take ownership of your work while being backed by a wider team of specialists.
- Work with fascinating collections - get hands-on with local history, objects and archives.
- We value your health and wellbeing and offer generous, discounted gym memberships through our Corporate Fitness program, connect with colleagues through our social club,



be inspired by regular wellbeing initiatives, annual flu vaccinations, and confidential support via our employee assistance (EAP) program
- At Lake Macquarie City Council, we value our staff and the hard work they do. In return we offer a range of benefits click here to view more benefits on offer

CHOOSE THE LAKE MAC WAY We know it is our people that will shape the future of our city. That’s why we’re passionate about providing a workplace that empowers our staff to be creative, innovative and bold. When you join the team at Lake Macquarie City Council, you’re joining a group of people with a commitment to make our city even better. We’re proud of our city and the work we do, and we know you will be too.

We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workforce. We believe that a diverse network of employees, which truly reflects the people it serves and represents, is best equipped to understand and meet the needs of our community. We welcome and encourage applications from all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, the LGBTIQ+ community, refugees and people with disability.

We understand the skills and attributes veterans can bring to our Council.

LET’S START

- If you’re a project qualified who knows how to navigate complexity, bring people together and turn a plan into action, we want to hear from you. Apply by midnight, Sunday 11 October 2026.
- For enquiries related to the duties of the role, please contact Jane Britt, Coordinator Special Projects and Systems on [0436 806 374](tel:0436 806 374) or via email [email protected]
- For questions regarding the recruitment process, please contact Georgina Green Talent Attraction Partner, 4921 0495 or via email [email protected]
- Your experience throughout the application process matters to us. If you'd like feedback on your application or interview, don't hesitate to get in touch — we're here for you!
- To complete your online application, you will be asked to upload a copy of your resume and provide responses to questions which are based on the criteria listed in the Position Statement.
- Please note that as part of Lake Macquarie City Council’s recruitment process, prior to an offer of employment being made, recommended candidates may be subject to a medical assessment which may include alcohol and other drugs testing.

📌 Research and Collection Officer (Speers Point)
🏢 Lake Macquarie City Council
📍 Speers Point