Environment & Heritage - Senior Archivist

Sydney Water; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 134,000 - 163,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Hybrid work environment

Continuous professional growth

24/7 wellbeing support

Discounted private health insurance

Family first

Fitness Passport

Novated leasing

Job summary

Sydney Water is seeking a Senior Archivist to lead the administration, conservation and sentencing of the Joint Sydney Water and WaterNSW Historical Archive collection dating back to 1888. The role focuses on statutory compliance, collection management procedures, and delivering interpretation of our history for internal and public audiences.

You will collaborate with the Natural Assets & Heritage Team and Records Management Teams, champion metadata, and oversee moves to state repositories while

Qualifications

• Experience describing, categorising, digitising, storing, preserving and retrieving archive materials.
• Strong communication skills with minimal supervision.
• Membership of appropriate bodies such as the Australian Society of Archivists (ASA) is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement and maintain collection management procedures for archives and moveable heritage.
• Apply retention/disposal authorities and collection development policy.
• Apply metadata to materials in the collection.
• Facilitate transfer of holdings to the State Archives Collection/NSW Govt Records Repository and manage digitisation efforts.
• Oversee external contractors for sentencing, conservation, digitisation, packaging and transfer; support inquiries.
• Maintain effective relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders.

Skills

Archive management

Communication

Self-motivation

Education

Tertiary qualifications in archives/records management/information studies

Tools

GIPA archives enquiries

Job description

• Hybrid working arrangement including Parramatta, West Ryde and working from home
• Permanent role - EA14 (38 hour week) - $148,386.65 + super + RDO
• Would suit autonomous and self-motivated records management professional with a passion for history

We are seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Senior Archivist to join our team. Working with the Natural Assets & Heritage Team and Records Management Teams, this is a unique opportunity to maintain and administer the Joint Sydney Water and WaterNSW Historical Archive collection which dates to 1888.

About the Role

In this role you will lead the administration, conservation and sentencing of the existing archive collection and support us in celebrating the significant history of our organisations and our people. You will be responsible for the overall management of a vast historical collection of records, artefacts and moveable heritage items that demonstrate the historical evolution of Sydney Water and WaterNSW.

You will lead the development and implementation of targeted archives collection management procedures to ensure statutory compliance and enable successful outcomes which support business needs. You will be responsible for ensuring that our organisations meet all required legislative and industry-based archive management obligations.

You will lead the curation of an archives collection which reflects the values, history and significance of our organisations and the importance of water for our customers and the community. You will support our internal heritage, education, marketing, media and communications teams to identify and deliver interpretation outcomes which tell our historical narrative and improve public awareness.

You should be self-motivated, enjoy working under minimal supervision and have a desire to ensure processes and legislative compliance are followed. You must have strong organisational and communication skills to regularly update your manager and team with task progress and must be able to reprioritise based on business needs and direction.

The role includes the following responsibilities

• Development, implement and maintain collection management procedures for archives collection and moveable heritage.
• Apply retention/disposal authorities and collection development policy to accept/reject and assess material.
• Apply metadata to materials in the collection.
• Facilitate the transfer of holdings into the State Archives Collection and/or NSW Govt Records Repository as required and manage the implementation of other records keeping tools to rationalise the physical collection, including digitisation of records.
• Oversee external contractors to undertake sentencing, conservation, digitisation, packaging and transfer of archive collection material.Support internal staff, external customer and formal GIPA archives collection enquiries for the organisations.
• Maintain effective working relationships with internal business areas and external stakeholders.

The role involves handling boxes and archive materials and using step ladders in a safe manner.

About You

In addition to tertiary qualifications in archives, records management, or information studies (or equivalent professional experience) and membership of appropriate bodies such as the Australian Society of Archivists (ASA) we are looking for:

• Experience in the description, categorisation, digitisation, storage, preservation, and retrieval of archive material in a range of media and formats.
• Experience identifying and evaluating collection holdings - to determine their relevance to requests for information, including application of access directions or internal policy on sharing of information assets.
• Well-developed communication skills and the ability to work with minimal supervision.

Does this sound like you?

Applications close 15th November 2026 at 11.59 AEST

We support you throughout the application process and can provide adjustments where required.

For more information, please contact Marc Evans, Talent Acquisition Partner at [e-mail]

Please refer to the JOB PROFILE for full role accountabilities.

Dive into Our Great Benefits

• Competitive Remuneration: We'll ensure your skills and contributions are recognised and rewarded.
• Hybrid Work Environment: A flexible balance of office collaboration and remote working.
• Continuous Professional Growth: Access to leadership and development programs to support your career.
• 24/7 Wellbeing Support: Free and confidential wellbeing services for you and your family through our Employee Assistance Program.
• Discounted Private Health Insurance: Access affordable health cover options.
• Family First: Up to 18 weeks paid parental leave and childcare support benefits.
• Fitness Passport: Access to a wide network of gyms and aquatic centres across NSW.
• Novated Leasing: Flexible vehicle financing options to support your lifestyle.

As part of the application process, Sydney Water will be collecting your personal information to assess your suitability for the role. Your personal information may also be used to establish a Dayforce talent profile. Your personal information will be collected in accordance with Dayforce’s Terms and Privacy Policy and Sydney Water’sPrivacy Collection Statement – recruitment. Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which include a criminal history check.