Assistant Conservator

Australian National Maritime Museum; Sydney; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian National Maritime Museum in Pyrmont NSW is seeking an Assistant Conservator to join the Conservation team. You will help ensure the stories of every object in the National Maritime Collection can be shared for generations to come.

Working alongside experienced conservators and museum professionals, you will contribute to the care, preservation and accessibility of nationally significant collection material.

Qualifications

• Completed tertiary qualifications in Materials Conservation or related discipline.
• Current membership of the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials.
• Experience with preventive conservation, collection care and treatments.

Responsibilities

• Undertake preventive conservation, collection care and practical treatment activities.
• Monitor collection environments and identify risks to collection material.
• Prepare condition reports, treatment records and photographic documentation.
• Contribute to conservation projects, exhibitions, loans and gallery maintenance.
• Assist with conservation assessments, research and treatment planning.

Skills

Conservation principles

Preventive conservation

Documentation

Exhibitions and loans

Team collaboration

Education

Tertiary qualification in Materials Conservation

Membership of Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials

Job description

Australian National Maritime Museum – Pyrmont NSW

The Australian National Maritime Museum is where Australia's stories meet the sea. As one of the nation's leading cultural institutions and one of Sydney's most visited museums, we ignite curiosity, inspire discovery, and connect people with the powerful stories that have shaped Australia's relationship with the ocean, rivers, and waterways. Located on the spectacular waters of Darling Harbour, the Museum welcomes more than 2.5 million visitors each year and is supported by a passionate community of employees, volunteers, members and supporters who are united by a shared purpose: to create meaningful experiences that inspire a deeper understanding of our maritime heritage and future.

About the role

The Australian National Maritime Museum is seeking an Assistant Conservator to join the Conservation team. You will help ensure the stories of every object in the National Maritime Collection can be shared for generations to come.

Working alongside experienced conservators and museum professionals, you will contribute to the care, preservation and accessibility of nationally significant collection material. From preventive conservation and practical treatments to exhibitions and loans, you will play a hands‑on role in protecting Australia's maritime heritage.

What you will do

In this role, you will:

Undertake preventive conservation, collection care and practical treatment activities

Monitor collection environments and identify risks to collection material

Prepare condition reports, treatment records and photographic documentation

Contribute to conservation projects, exhibitions, loans and gallery maintenance

Assist with conservation assessments, research and treatment planning

Work collaboratively across the Museum to support collection preservation and access

What you will bring

You are passionate about cultural heritage conservation and enjoy practical, hands‑on work. You bring:

Knowledge of contemporary conservation principles, practices and professional standards

Experience in preventive conservation, collection care and conservation treatments

Sound judgement and the ability to identify and respond to collection risks

Strong organisational skills, accuracy and attention to detail

The ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines

To be eligible, you must have:

Completed tertiary qualifications in Materials Conservation, Cultural Heritage Conservation or a related discipline, or an equivalent combination of relevant qualifications, training and experience

Current membership of the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials

This is opportunity to:

Work with nationally significant collection material

Contribute to exhibitions, loans and conservation projects

Join a collaborative team committed to high-quality collection care

Help preserve and share Australia's maritime stories