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 Access and Public Engagement Branch is the public face of the National Archives of Australia, delivering reference, description and research services, examination for the release of records in the open period, exhibition, education and public programs, publishing (including digital publishing), marketing, partnerships and events on site at national and state offices, and online. All programs and activities support the key National Archives’ role of providing an accessible, visible and interpreted national archival collection.

Reference Services consists of two client-focused teams that provide strategic direction and oversight of the National Archives’ National Reference Service in an increasingly digital environment comprising: onsite and online reference services to assist researchers, the community and government agencies to access the national archival collection; development and delivery of onsite, online and offsite programs to educate and connect communities to the collection; and co-ordination of the National Archives' volunteer program.

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

• Provide support services to public and official researchers in the National Office Research Centre, Canberra including ordering and issuing records, taking orders for copying, and photocopying records.
• Respond to routine reference inquiries from remote researchers, in accordance with reference procedures and standards of service, while maintaining appropriate records.
• Actively support and maintain working relationships across the organisation and with stakeholders using effective oral and written communication.
• Work as part of a team in a cooperative and friendly manner and manage own work priorities, often in the context of meeting tight deadlines.
• Apply the principles of APS Values, Code of Conduct, workplace diversity, work health and safety and participative management within a work and team environment.
• Apply the National Archives’ Vision, Mission and Commitments as expressed in Strategy 2030: Evolving National Archives and Our Values.

Knowledge of or ability to develop knowledge of National Archives’ collection, archival processes, including records handling, and providing access under the Archives Act 1983 is desirable.

You must also be able to meet the inherent physical requirements of this role which includes repetitive, sedentary, screen-based work and/or the ability to pack, sort, lift (up to 7 kilos at shoulder height) and relocate records in accordance with established work health and safety practices and archival principles.

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 2 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