APS 4 - Conservation Officer

• Conserve the Library’s collection for access now and future generations across the world
• Work across a diverse range of preservation activities and projects on the key voices in Australian history
• Opportunity for technical skills growth as you contribute to a dynamic and collaborative team

As a world leading library, the National Library of Australia offers an innovative and collaborative workplace where exceptional team players and technical specialists can flourish. As part of the Library’s team, you will help support organisational reform, working collaboratively with your team to shape the Library’s future.

The Library is seeking to fill an ongoing APS 4 Conservation Officer role in the Collection Care Section of the Collection Branch.

The Conservation Officer will be part of the team that facilitates access to the Library’s collection through a range of Library activities and strategically focused preservation actions; and will work across a range of work priorities including:

• The annual prioritised treatment program, including estimating treatment timeframes, surveying collections and undertaking conservation treatments.
• The Library’s exhibitions and loans program, including the preparation and installation of objects for display and/or loan.
• The Library’s new acquisition program for physical collections; including providing advice, inspections and treatments.
• The strategic preventive conservation program, including environmental monitoring, pest checking and incident preparation and response.
• The Library’s digitisation projects, surveying and preparing collections identified for digitisation.
• Liaising with Library staff on a broad range of preservation issues including providing training on collection handling and advice on storage and housing requirements.

• Have good hand skills, evidence of manual dexterity, practical approaches and ability to work across a range of collection material types.
• Be able to carry out complex conservation treatments on individual items plus engage with broader collection-wide preservation approaches.
• Be flexible and adaptable.
• Have the ability to communicate complex technical issues to a broad audience.
• Work well individually with limited supervision as well as working collaboratively in a team.
• Liaise with internal and external stakeholders regarding the delivery of their responsibilities.
• Show initiative and seek to advance preservation and broader Library goals.