Archives Access Officer
Join us at the Australian Museum and help us to achieve our Mission to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change
Job Closing date: 11:59pm, 14 August 2026
About the Project
The Australian Museum is committed to improving access to its rich archival and cultural collections through meaningful partnerships with First Nations communities. The First Nations Community Access to Archives Project aims to enhance the discoverability, accessibility and cultural context of archival materials relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Working alongside community members, knowledge holders and Museum specialists, this project supports culturally appropriate access to archival collections through research, documentation enhancement, digitisation and community engagement. Guided by Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) principles, the project seeks to ensure collections are managed respectfully and remain valuable resources for current and future generations.
About the Role
As the Archives Access Officer, First Nations, you will play an important role in improving access to the Australian Museum's archival and cultural collections. You'll undertake archival research, enhance collection records and metadata, prepare collection material for digitisation, and support community access activities that help connect First Nations communities with their cultural heritage.
Working collaboratively with Museum staff, community members and knowledge holders, you'll contribute to the delivery of a significant cultural collections project by ensuring archival materials are accurately documented, safely managed and accessible through culturally appropriate practices. This is a rewarding opportunity to combine archival and collections expertise with community engagement in a role that delivers lasting cultural outcomes.
Employment Status:
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Clerk Grade 3/4
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Fixed Term (Until 30 June 202
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Part-Time, 28 hours per week, 2 roles available
You will be paid a competitive pro-rated total remuneration package of $79,176 – $86,698, including a pro-rated annual salary of $69,759 – $76,386, plus the 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 passionate about preserving and improving access to cultural heritage and understand the importance of working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and knowledge holders. You enjoy detailed research and documentation work and have excellent organisational skills that enable you to manage multiple project priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Knowledge and Experience
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Experience working with archival, museum, library or cultural collections, or in a similar collections-based environment.
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Basic knowledge of archival principles, collection documentation and metadata management.
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Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures, and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) protocols.
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Experience using databases or collection management systems (such as EMu) or the ability to quickly learn new systems.
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Demonstrated research and information management skills, with attention to detail and accuracy.
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Ability to organise work, manage multiple tasks and meet project deadlines.
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Well-developed communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and engage respectfully with First Nations communities and stakeholders.
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Experience handling archival or collection materials, or the ability to safely learn collection handling and digitisation procedures.
Essential Requirements
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This is an Identified role. Applicants must be an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person. Aboriginality is a genuine occupational qualification authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).
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Relevant technical qualifications and/or experience in archives, museum or cultural collections, with an understanding of culturally appropriate practices when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander collections and communities.
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
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A one to two page covering letter which address the role descriptions essential requirements, key knowledge and experience.
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Resume
As part of the online application process, you will be prompted to answer the following targeted questions:
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Describe a time when you contributed to improving access to archival, museum or cultural heritage collections while managing competing priorities. (350 words maximum)
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The Australian Museum is committed to improving culturally appropriate access to First Nations collections through collaboration, accurate documentation and respectful collection management. Describe a relevant example that demonstrates your ability to contribute to this type of work. (300 words maximum)
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: Russell Perkins, Senior Project Coordinator, FNCAA, [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.
