A living library for now, for the future, for all of us
Conservator
State Library of New South Wales
Library Services Division | Collection Care
Conservator Grade 2
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Full-time temporary for up to 9 months, with possibility of extension
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Work at one of the top cultural institutions in the country
- Competitive remuneration package up to $136,562 p.a. (package includes salary between $101,911 - $120,478 p.a., plus employer’s contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading)
About the State Library
The State Library of New South Wales is one of Australia's oldest and most important public institutions. The Library preserves and presents the history of our State and our Nation for the benefit of all, offering essential services, extraordinary collections and magical experiences. Its rich collections, both physical and digital, alongside partnerships with the public library network across NSW and other vibrant collaborations enable Australians to examine their past and imagine their future.
The Collection Care Branch develops and implements preservation, storage, and conservation treatment programs for all material formats in the collections of the State Library. The Branch undertakes individual conservation treatments and preparation of items for display and for loan to other institutions.
About the Role
We are seeking a Conservator Grade 2, reporting to the Senior Conservator, Books, Objects and Paintings, to provide specialist conservation expertise and other preservation and conservation activities related to the collection at the State Library.
You will undertake and lead conservation and preservation tasks including but not limited to examination, reporting and conservation of collection items to agreed standards, and work on exhibition preparation and installation as required to support the ongoing preservation of the collections, and to facilitate access to them.
The successful candidate will work closely with other Collection Care staff as well as cataloguers, curatorial staff, and other collection specialists.
About you
To be successful in this role, you will have the following knowledge and experience:
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Tertiary qualifications in materials conservation; or tertiary qualifications in the fields of Chemistry, Biology, Materials Science, Archaeology, Anthropology or Fine Arts, or qualifications deemed by the State Librarian to be equivalent; and a minimum of five years conservation experience.
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Experience in both routine and complex materials conservation within at least one specialist area, and well-developed knowledge of the philosophy, concepts and history of materials conservation, storage conditions, and related scientific processes.
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A good understanding of conservation ethics as adopted by the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials.
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Experience in communicating with stakeholders and preparing high quality documentation and reports.
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Demonstrated ability to plan, schedule and manage your work program Adequate knowledge and experience to deliver the Key Accountabilities and perform to the Focus Capabilities outlined in the Role Description.
What we offer
The State Library of NSW is a great place to work. We are a purpose-driven organisation, and you would be working with colleagues who are collaborative, knowledgeable, and like-minded.
Working at the Library gives you access to a range of benefits including:
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Flexible working arrangements
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A range of wellbeing events, lunchtime groups and initiatives like discounted gym programs, annual flu vaccinations and access to an employee assistance program
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Professional development opportunities including time off for study
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Staff discounts at the Library café and bookshop
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Staff engagement activities
How to apply
To apply for this role please submit an up-to-date copy of your CV and provide a response to the following two questions. Attach your answers as part of your application and/or as part of your cover letter. Please keep question responses to a maximum of 3 paragraphs and respond to the shortlisting questions in your own words - we’re looking to understand your perspective, not answers generated by AI tools.
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Please provide an example of a significant conservation project you have undertaken. This may involve preventive conservation and/or interventive conservation treatment. Describe the project, the rationale for your chosen approach, the work carried out, the skills demonstrated, and any consultation with internal stakeholders.
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Please provide an example of an exhibition or loan project you have been responsible for. Outline the project, the composition of the project team, explain how you managed the project, and describe the outcome.
The State Library of NSW welcomes and encourages applications from people with diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTQI+, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, veterans and workers of all ages.
Candidates can request a reasonable adjustment throughout each step of the recruitment process by noting this in your application or contacting the People and Culture Team via
[email protected].
Talent Pool
Applicants not initially offered a role but have been assessed through the recruitment process as being suitable will be placed in the Talent Pool to fill future ongoing and temporary vacancies as they arise. Placement in the Talent Pool remains valid for 18 months.
Eligibility to apply
To be eligible to apply for this role you must be either;
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an Australian citizen or
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a permanent resident of Australia, or
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a New Zealand citizen with a current New Zealand passport or a citizen of another country with an appropriate visa that allows you to work in Australia for the period of temporary employment or if you are seeking ongoing employment, you must hold a permanent visa that allows you to work in Australia.
Appointment to this role is subject to Pre-employment Checks. Additional checks may be required throughout your tenure at the Library should the accountabilities of your role change.
Further information that may assist you with applying for this role
Role Description (pdf)
Role Description (word)
Applying for a role in the NSW Public Service
NSW Public Sector Capability Framework
State Library Accessibility Guide
The Guide for applying for roles at the State Library of NSW will assist you in completing your application and provide you with an understanding of the selection process.
If you have any questions about the role, please contact Felicity Corkill on [email protected] or (0 9273 1776.
Closing date for applications: Monday 7 September 2026 (10:00am).
