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 Collection Management Branch is responsible for transferring, storing, preserving and digitising the National Archives' collection so it remains accessible for future generations. The Branch develops policies and systems as well as provides services, undertakes research, and implements projects to ensure the care, management and accessibility of archival records. The Branch is also responsible for identifying information management requirements for Australian Government agencies to ensure Australian Government information assets (records, information and data) are created, collected and managed effectively.

The Preservation section is responsible for the preservation and long-term accessibility of the most significant records of the Commonwealth in both physical and digital form. We carry out daily activities for the preservation of archival records in all formats and make long-term decisions to ensure that the collection will be available years from now regardless of technology.

Under limited direction the main duties of the role are to:

• Undertake basic and complex preservation treatments on archival collection materials.
• Coordinate and participate in projects to support the preservation of archival records, including the preservation and management of physical records to meet long-term preservation objectives, with particular emphasis on paper and photographic formats.
• Monitor, prioritise, coordinate and undertake preservation services, liaise with internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to the planning, management, and reporting activities as they relate to the preservation of the national archival collection.
• Supervise and train team members and other staff as required.
• Contribute to the development of user guides, procedures, specifications and guidelines relevant to the preservation of the national archival collection ensuring that the best practices are in place.
• Provide technical advice on preservation issues to internal and external stakeholders and deliver records handling training.
• Maintain a well-developed understanding of National and International Preservation practices, standards and policies.
• Apply the principles of APS Values, Code of Conduct, workplace diversity principles, work health and safety and participative management within a work and team environment.
• Promote and apply the National Archives’ Vision, Mission and Commitments as expressed in Strategy 2025–2030: Evolving National Archives and Our Values.

Qualifications in conservation, preservation or archival collection management are desirable.

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 Negative Vetting Level 1 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 the National Archives’ Vision, Mission and Commitments as expressed in the 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