About the role

The National Archives’ Digital Archiving Cadet Program is an opportunity to continue professional study while getting hands-on experience in the management of digital records that define Australia’s past and shape its future.

The Access and Public Engagement branch is responsible for helping the public access and engage with the national archival collection. The branch manages the digital platforms and research facilities that the public uses, delivers educational programs and exhibitions, provides marketing and communications support, and organises corporate events and partnerships.

The Collection Management branch is responsible for protecting the records in the national collection. This branch helps preserve as well as digitise records, so they are more accessible to the public. Collection Management also provides advice on information management policies and delivers services at National Archives offices around Australia.

While working part time (equivalent of three days a week) at National Archives, the Digital Archiving Cadet will be supported to complete the Graduate Certificate in Digital Archiving from Charles Sturt University. Learning will be completed remotely on a part time basis (2 subjects per semester, over two semesters / 0.5 load). All course fees will be fully covered by the National Archives as part of the cadetship program. The study component of the cadetship is online and is to be completed outside of working hours at the National Archives.

The successful cadet will undertake three rotations during the eleven-month program, primarily in the Collection Management, and Access and Public Engagement branches. During the rotations, the successful cadet will build practical skills and experience in a range of roles. Tasks will vary from cadet to cadet, dependent on rotations, but may include (not limited to) the following:

• Arranging and describing archival collections
• Digitisation of collection items
• Responding to client queries
• Assisting with public seminars
• Research in different aspects of recordkeeping and archival management
• Preservation of collection items
• Transfer of archival records

Preference will be given to applicants who are able to work in Canberra, but requests to be based in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne or Sydney will be considered. Relocation assistance may be provided on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility      

• Under section 22(8) of the Public Service Act 1999, employees must be Australian citizens to be employed in the Australian Public Service (APS)
• Successful applicants must meet the requirements (either an undergraduate university degree, or 5 years minimum equivalent professional experience in a related field) for enrolment in the Graduate Certificate in Digital Archiving at Charles Sturt University– for more information see: Graduate Certificate in Digital Archiving - Study (csu.edu.au).
• Successful applicants will be required to undergo the process to obtain and maintain the required security clearance level for the role as indicated.
• Successful applicants will be required to undergo a mandatory National Police Check.
• Your employment with National Archives will be contingent on the satisfactory completion of a three-month period of probationary employment.

How to apply

You need to apply through our e-recruitment system.

Your application will need to include:

• Evidence of an Undergraduate University Degree OR 5 years minimum equivalent professional experience in a related field
• The names and contact details of at least two referees, one of whom should be a current supervisor at university/ work or a current academic advisor.
• Your current resume
• A statement (500 words maximum) responding to the ‘Desirable attributes’ listed above, as they relate to the possible tasks listed under ‘About the Role’. In your response, please describe how your skills, knowledge and experience/qualifications would make you a suitable candidate for the role. Please take into account the Performance Expectations for an APS Level 4, and the National Archives’ Vision, Mission and Commitments as expressed in Strategy 2030 and Our Values.