Key Responsibilities & Operational Scope

The core responsibilities and primary duties for this position within Australian War Memorial include:

• Under general direction from the Manager, Conservation Laboratories, manage the daily operations of the Objects Conservation laboratory, including the development and implementation of the Memorial’s conservation and preservation programs, and Work Health and Safety compliance.
• Manage the work of Object and New Acquisition Conservation staff, contractors, volunteers and interns and assist with their training and development.
• Maintain contemporary knowledge of and perform conservation practices and undertake research and scientific analysis to determine the authenticity, composition, condition and deterioration processes of objects in the Memorial’s National Collection and related collections where appropriate.
• Document all condition, conservation and preservation activities on the Memorial’s Collection Management System.
• Effectively identify and manage risks inherent in collection and subsequent risk to staff in keeping with the Memorial’s Standard Operating Procedures and Collection Management Plans.
• Liaise with, and help, other conservation labs as required, such as with the conservation of textiles, large technology, painted objects, paper and photographic collections.
• Participate in multi-disciplinary teams for the delivery of the Memorial’s exhibition and loans program and other projects, establishing and maintaining liaison with other staff responsible for the preservation, care, development and use of collection material, especially regarding the storage, handling and display of objects.
• Provide conservation and preservation advice to other sections of the Memorial, professional colleagues and to the wider community.
• Conduct manual handling tasks including movement of a wide range of objects and collection material including but not limited to art and heraldry collections.
• Lead and contribute to a healthy and functioning workplace culture, upholding the APS Code of Conduct and the Memorial’s Values and Behaviours.

Mandatory Eligibility & Security Clearance

Applicants must satisfy the following statutory and organizational requirements:

• Citizenship: Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, candidates must generally be Australian citizens to be eligible for engagement.
• Security Clearance: The successful candidate must be able to obtain and maintain an Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) security clearance (Baseline, Negative Vetting 1, or Negative Vetting 2 as required by the agency).
• Probationary Period: Employment may be subject to a probationary period, character checks, and pre-engagement screening.
• Tertiary qualifications in conservation are required, as well as considerable practical experience as a professional object conservator.
• All applicants external to AWM that are offered employment will be required to successfully undergo a National Police Check, even if they currently hold a security clearance. The check is conducted in accordance with the Australian Government Protective Security Policy Framework requirements.
• RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information visit: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability. This initiative/program is only applicable where the successful applicant will be employed under the Public Service Act 1999. Similar conditions may apply when employed under other Acts. For clarification please contact the advertising agency.

Working Arrangements & Public Sector Benefits

Work Model: Flexible. Details: We support a range of flexible work arrangements in accordance with our Teamwork Agreement.

Australian Public Service positions provide comprehensive Commonwealth benefits including a standard 15.4% employer superannuation contribution, attractive leave provisions, and structured career progression pathways across the Australian Public Service.