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 Digital Archiving Cadet (Affirmative Measure - Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander) role is open to applicants of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage only.

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.

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.

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

The successful cadet can elect a preferred capital city to work from (dependent on available resources at the preferred State Office), but applicants are encouraged to consider working at National Archives’ head office in Canberra.  Relocation assistance may be provided on a case-by-case basis.

Privacy

Information about an employee's racial or ethnic origin is 'sensitive information' for the purposes of the Privacy Act 1988. Sensitive information has a higher level of protection and the person's consent is required for the information to be collected. The Australian Privacy Principles provide that an agency can only use or disclose sensitive information for the purpose for which it was collected. Privacy legislation requires managers and HR practitioners to obtain consent from an individual to share information about their Indigenous status with other people in the agency. For more information please view Use and disclosure of employee information.

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)
• Applicants must meet the requirements (either an undergraduate university degree, or proof of 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).
• Affirmative Measures: The filling of this vacancy is intended to constitute an affirmative measure under section 8(1) of the 'Racial Discrimination Act 1975'. This vacancy is only available to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people Eligible applicants:
  • are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent; and
  • identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander; and
  • are accepted by their community as being Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander.
• Confirmation of Heritage: Evidence of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status.
  To demonstrate eligibility for employment under this affirmative measure, you are required to provide evidence of your heritage as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person within your first three-months of employment. Suitable evidence of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander status may include:

a) A letter signed by the Chairperson of an incorporated Indigenous organisation confirming that the applicant is recognised as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, or

b) A confirmation of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent document executed by an Indigenous organisation.

Please visit Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Recruitment Guide | Australian Public Service Commission (apsc.gov.au) for more information or contact us to discuss this process and let us know how we can support you.

• 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 equivalent professional experience in a related field
• Evidence of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage
• 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 consider the Performance Expectations for an APS Level 4, and the National Archives’ Vision, Mission and Commitments as expressed in Strategy 2030 and Our Values.