Who we are
National Archives of Australia (National Archives) provides leadership in the best practice management of the official record of the Commonwealth and ensures that Australian Government information of enduring significance is secured, preserved and available to government agencies, researchers and the community.
Our vision: National Archives is committed to being a world-leading archive and strives to strengthen Australia's cultural identity and democracy by connecting people with the evidence of Australian Government activities and decisions.
National Archives endeavour to meet the future needs of government and expectations of the Australian public in our rapidly changing digital environment. Underpinning the transformative strategies to enable, secure, connect and innovate is a drive for comprehensive digital capability and service delivery. National Archives is committed to:
- innovation
- collaboration
- inclusion
National Archives is also committed to developing the capability and expertise of our staff, we offer a Studies Assistance Program that supports staff to achieve individual goals as well as increasing their capacity to help achieve National Archives’ strategic objectives. Our Health and Wellbeing Program encourages and supports a healthier workplace and healthy lifestyle choices for all employees.
About the role
The Technology branch supports the National Archives in meeting its vision and reaching its strategic goals through services, technology, infrastructure, software, security and governance of its information assets to secure and protect against cyber security threats. The Applications Integration section is responsible for the development, integration and support of the National Archives collection management and digital presence applications. We work closely with business areas and I&T sections to deliver products and services.
The Software Tester and Technical Writer plays a critical role in ensuring the quality, reliability, and usability of the National Archives’ digital applications. As part of the Applications Integration Section, this role supports the agency’s digital transformation by designing and executing test plans, identifying defects, and producing clear, user-focused technical documentation. The role contributes to the maturity of the agency’s software development lifecycle (SDLC), supports DevOps practices, and ensures that systems are secure, scalable, and well-documented for internal and external users.
Under limited direction the main duties of the role are to:
- Design and execute test plans, coordinate the testing process with stakeholders, undertaking system regression testing, user acceptance testing, and production verification testing, to assure quality outcomes and maximise delivery efficiency.
- Identify, document, and track software defects using issue tracking tools such as DevOps and ServiceNow.
- Collaborate and assist with developers and stakeholders in analysing business requirements to clarify expected behaviours.
- Create and maintain technical documentation, procedural manuals including system design and functional specifications, SOP’s and guides.
- Contribute to the development of automated testing frameworks and scripts where appropriate.
- Promote and apply the APS and National Archives values and contemporary people management principles and practices in diversity, workplace health and safety and participative management.
- Implement, promote and apply the National Archives’ Vision, Mission and Commitments as expressed in Strategy 2030 and Our Values.
The following skills and capabilities are desirable:
- A minimum of 3-5 years’ experience in testing, QA or a similar role.
- Strong understanding of software development lifecycles, testing methodologies, and defect management.
- Experience with test automation tools (e.g. Selenium, Postman, Playwright) is highly desirable.
- Proficiency in writing clear, structured technical documentation for both technical and non-technical audiences
- Familiarity with DevOps tools and practices (e.g. CI/CD pipelines, Git, Azure Devops).
- Experience with documentation platforms such as SharePoint, or Markdown-based systems.
- Tertiary qualifications in Information Technology, Computer Science, or a related field.
Are you eligible?
To be eligible for the role you must be an Australian citizen. If you are selected, you will be required to successfully undergo a pre-employment check and be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance at a Baseline clearance level.
How to apply
You need to apply through our e-recruitment system.
Your application will need to include:
• the names and contact details of at least two referees, one of whom should be a current supervisor.
• your current resume.
• statement (1000 words maximum), describing how your skills, knowledge, and experience/qualifications would enable you to perform the duties of the role taking into account the “Performance Expectations” at the relevant classification and National Archives’ Vision, Mission and Commitments as expressed in Strategy 2025–2030: Evolving National Archives and Our Values.
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 see: https://www.apsc.gov.au/recruitability
