Aboriginal Targeted - Archaeology Collection Office

NIT; New South Wales; On-site; AUD 99,000 - 108,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian Museum is seeking an Archaeology Collection Officer, First Nations, for a fixed-term 2-year role within the First Nations Division. You will care for First Nations Archaeology Collections across multiple sites, maintain records and assist with access for communities and stakeholders.

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to culturally appropriate practices, collection projects and public engagement, with travel between AM sites and national scope as required.

Qualifications

• Experience with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultural practices.
• Proven ability to develop and care for high-quality cultural collections.
• Experience with contemporary collection management and KE EMu.
• Experience in handling, packing, transport, and storage of cultural objects.
• Ability to apply culturally appropriate collection practices and ICIP.
• Strong community consultation with First Nations.
• Must hold NSW Driver Licence and be willing to travel between sites.

Responsibilities

• Support care, documentation, research, movement and accessibility of First Nations Archaeology Collections.
• Maintain collection records and assist with object handling and storage.
• Provide access for First Nations communities and stakeholders.
• Contribute to collection projects and public engagement.

Skills

Aboriginal heritage practices

Cultural collections care

Collection management (KE EMu)

Object handling & transport

Cultural awareness

ICIP integration

Community consultation

Driver licence NSW

Education

Relevant tertiary qualification

Tools

KE EMu database

Job description

Join us at the Australian Museum and help us to achieve our Mission to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change.

While all applications are welcome, this is an Aboriginal targeted recruitment. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are strongly encouraged to apply.Join us at the Australian Museum and help us to achieve our Mission to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change.

About the Project

This role is available for a fixed term of 2 years to support a period of increased operational activity within the First Nations Division. During this time, the Division is delivering several significant strategic priorities, including the development of the Australian Museum's permanent First Nations gallery, expanded community consultation and engagement activities, and increased collection management requirements arising from these initiatives. The role will provide essential support for the management, documentation, preservation, care and accessibility of the Archaeology Collections, helping to ensure business-as-usual collection operations are maintained while these priority programs are delivered. The two-year term aligns with the anticipated period of increased demand and will allow future operational requirements to be reviewed at the conclusion of this period

About the Role

As the Archaeology Collection Officer, First Nations, you will support the care, documentation, research, movement and accessibility of the Australian Museum’s First Nations Archaeology Collections across multiple sites. Working closely with the Senior Collection Officer, you will maintain accurate collection records, assist with object handling and storage, facilitate appropriate access for First Nations communities and other stakeholders, and contribute to collection projects and public engagement. This role would suit someone with qualifications or experience in archaeology, museum or gallery collections, or collection management, together with a strong interest in archaeological collections and a commitment to culturally appropriate practice.

Employment Status:

• Fixed Term (up to 2 years)
• Full Time

You will be paid a competitive total remuneration package of $98,970 - $108,372, including an annual salary of $87,199- $95,482, plus employer’s contribution to superannuation (currently 12%) and annual leave loading.

You are organised, detail-oriented and genuinely curious, with a strong interest in archaeology and cultural collections. You bring sound research and problem-solving skills, communicate clearly and respectfully, and work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team. You are committed to culturally appropriate practice and understand the importance of building respectful relationships with First Nations communities and other stakeholders.

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

• Experience regarding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts and cultural practices, including understanding and applying Aboriginal cultural heritage management and cultural protocols.
• Proven ability to develop and care for cultural collections of high quality, including the ability to recognise the quality of objects, their conditions, provenance, and authenticity.
• Demonstrated experience in contemporary collection management practices, including the use of databases such as KE EMu.
• Experience in the professional handling, packing, transport and storage of cultural objects.
• Application of culturally appropriate collection practices, cultural awareness, and terminology in order to perform in processes that are culturally aware and appropriate.
• Capacity to embed ICIP into work practice.
• Proven record in community consultation, especially with First Nations.
• Appropriate approved tertiary qualifications in a relevant subject area, or relevant equivalent professional practice and research experience.
• Holds a current NSW Driver Licence. The role holder must be prepared to travel between the AM’s various sites which holds its collections, and to external stakeholders as needed to support the work of the First Nations Collections team.

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

Besides working together with other like-minded people, you will have access to professional development opportunities and dedicated Wellbeing programs.

Shortlisting and interview will take place from late November to early December 2026.
We may use this recruitment to create a Talent Pool for similar ongoing or temporary vacancies we have over the next 18 months.

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.

The successful candidate applicant will be subject to national criminal records check.

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.

The National Indigenous Times acknowledges and pays respect to past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation. We recognise Aboriginal Community's continuing connection to their lands, waters and stories and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded.