FNCAA Archivist
Job Closing: 3rd September, 2026
Join us at the Australian Museum and help us to achieve our Mission to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change.
About the Project
The First Nations Community Access to Archives (FNCAA) project is focused on improving access to the Australian Museum’s archival collections for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, particularly material relating to First Nations Peoples, languages, histories and cultural knowledge.
Working collaboratively with First Nations communities, knowledge holders and Museum teams, the project will identify, research, digitise and enhance significant archival material to improve its discoverability and accessibility. Central to the project is ensuring that Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP), cultural protocols and community perspectives inform how archival material is understood, documented, managed and made accessible.
About the Role
The FNCAA Archivist is the project’s specialist in Australian Museum Archives collection content and archival practice, providing expert advice and research to support the identification, interpretation, digitisation and culturally appropriate access of archival material relating to First Nations Peoples, languages and histories.
Working closely with the Senior Project Coordinator, FNCAA, First Nations teams, and Archives staff , you will undertake complex archival and collection research, help prioritise material for digitisation and access, and coordinate the preparation and quality assurance of archival records and digital assets.
You will also contribute to the development of culturally appropriate archival access frameworks, procedures and workflows; provide specialist advice and capability-building to the project team; and support engagement with First Nations communities and knowledge holders. Through this work, you will help ensure archival collections are accurately documented, sustainably managed and increasingly accessible, while upholding ICIP protocols, cultural safety, relevant legislation, professional archival standards and Museum collection management requirements.
Employment Status:
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Clerk Grade 7/8
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Fixed Term (until 30th June 202
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Part-time, 21 hours per week
You will be paid a competitive pro-rated total remuneration package of $79,664 - $88,184, including a pro-rated annual salary of $70,189 - $77,695, plus employer’s contribution to superannuation (currently 12%) and annual leave loading.
Click on the following links to begin the journey to find your new career at the AM
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Role Description
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AM Candidate Pack
About you
You are an experienced archives or collections professional with strong knowledge of Australian archival practice, records and collection management, and the legal, ethical and professional frameworks that guide access to archival material.
You will bring strong research and analytical skills, sound professional judgement and the ability to interpret complex archival material and translate your expertise into practical advice, procedures and accessible collection information. You are confident working with collection management and digital asset management systems and understand the importance of high-quality metadata, documentation and digital preservation in improving the discoverability and long-term accessibility of collections.
Importantly, you will bring a culturally informed and respectful approach to working with First Nations cultural material, communities and knowledge holders. You understand the importance of ICIP, cultural protocols and cultural safety and can work collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams while balancing community priorities, collection care, archival standards and project requirements.
To be eligible for this role at the Australian Museum, you must hold full working rights in Australia and meet all essential requirements listed in the position description.
Knowledge and Experience
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Demonstrated experience working with government and/or collected archives including description, access, preservation, handling, digital archiving and digitisation. Knowledge of NSW legislative and regulatory frameworks relevant to museum archive collections.
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Understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) protocols as applied to archival collections.
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Demonstrated understanding and experience working with First Nations data governance frameworks, data sovereignty principles, and Indigenous knowledge protocols.
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Experience in developing policies, procedures, and documentation to support ICIP management and cultural access in archival collection.
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Demonstrated research and information management skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
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Demonstrated ability to organise work, manage multiple tasks and meet project deadlines.
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Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate across museum teams and engage respectfully with First Nations communities and stakeholders.
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Experience using databases, archival record management system, and/or collection management systems (such as EMu) or the ability to quickly learn new systems.
Essential Requirements
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Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or professional experience in archives, museum or cultural collections, with a demonstrated understanding of culturally appropriate practices when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collections and communities.
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This is not an Identified role. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.
About the Australian Museum
The Australian Museum is truly a great place to work. We aim to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. We commit to transform the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; be a strong advocate for First Nations’ culture; and continue to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs.
The Australian Museum acknowledges that we operate on the lands, waters and skies of many First Nations Peoples. As Australia’s first museum, we share the responsibility of advocating for Country and honouring First Nations Peoples and knowledges.
Check out our current exhibitions and events here
Benefits
Besides working together with other like-minded people, you will have access to professional development opportunities and dedicated Wellbeing programs.
How to Apply
Applicants must submit
As part of the online application process, you will be prompted to answer the following targeted questions:
Tell us about a time you worked with culturally sensitive or significant archival or collection material and collaborated with communities, knowledge holders or other stakeholders. How did you ensure cultural protocols, ethical considerations and appropriate professional standards were respected? (400 words)
Describe a situation where you were required to manage competing priorities while working with fragile, significant or complex archival or collection material. How did you balance access or project requirements with collection care, security and quality standards, and what was the outcome? (400 words)
The successful candidate applicant will be subject to national criminal records check. As recommended by the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI), the Australian Museum encourages all applicants who can be safely vaccinated for COVID-19, to be so.
Contact person: Meredith Lynch-Underwood, Head of Digitisation, First Nations, [email protected]
Inclusive and Welcoming
The Australian Museum is committed to building a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve.
We actively encourage applications from First Nations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; people with disability, including physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, neurological, psychosocial, and chronic health conditions, whether visible or hidden; people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; people of all ages; members of the LGBTQIA+ community; and people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.
If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact the hiring manager or include your requirements in your application. This may include alternative formats, communication support, flexible interviews, accessible locations, or extra assessment time. Any information you share will be kept confidential.
