Objects Conservator, Sydney

International Conservation Services; Sydney; Hybrid; AUD 77,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Professional development allowance

Sponsorship of onsite safety training

Mobile phone for business use

Great working environment

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

International Conservation Services in Sydney seeks an Objects Conservator to blend hands-on conservation with project management for diverse site and lab projects. Salary range: $77,256 - $88,008 plus 12% superannuation; based at our Sydney labs.

The role covers developing conservation methodologies, quoting, and all technical aspects of conservation, with responsibilities in project planning, budget control, subcontractor coordination, and client liaison.

Qualifications

• Hands-on conservation experience with objects.
• Graduate-level qualification in cultural heritage conservation.
• Minimum of four years of professional experience as an object/built heritage conservator.
• Australian citizenship or right to work.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.

Responsibilities

• Develop and advise on conservation methodologies in collaboration with team members.
• Quoting and undertaking all technical aspects of conservation.
• Project planning and implementation, budget and time management.
• Subcontractor coordination, writing project reports, liaising with clients.

Skills

Hands-on conservation

Project management

Public art conservation

Built heritage conservation

Team collaboration

Education

Graduate-level qualification in cultural heritage conservation

Job description

plus superannuation at the statutory rate

Use your hands-on objects conservation and project management skills to work on conservation projects in a huge variety of settings.

We have an opening for an Objects Conservator to join ICSSydney. Based at our Sydney labs you will have the opportunity to undertake hands‑on conservation treatments combined with project management for a wide variety of site and lab-based projects. Salary will be commensurate with experience and level of appointment in the range of $77,256 - $88,008 plus 12% superannuation.

Role

This role blends practical conservation work with the coordination of projects across diverse settings. Projects range from the conservation of heritage materials in buildings, industrial structures, ruins, monuments, and public art, through to smaller-scale objects for private clients. The ideal candidate will be as comfortable working hands‑on with small objects of varied material types as they are contributing collaboratively to conservation outcomes in larger, site-based contexts.

You will be responsible for developing and advising on conservation methodologies in collaboration with team members, quoting, and undertaking all technical aspects of conservation. Other responsibilities include project planning and implementation, budget and time management, subcontractor coordination, writing project reports and liaising with clients. You will also support the preparation of tenders and submissions, advise on the management of WHS risks, maintain excellent relations with clients, and contribute to smooth team functioning.

Team

Conservation work undertaken by ICSS includes a wide range of work for public institutions, corporate and private clients covering heritage sites, sculptures, monuments and memorials, heritage interiors, artworks, metal objects, organic and plastic objects, ceramics, stone and glass objects, and archaeological and industrial artefacts. The team also regularly consults on and writes condition assessments, maintenance plans and treatment proposals.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Hands‑on skills as an Objects Conservator, with experience in public art or built heritage conservation
• A graduate level qualification in cultural heritage conservation with a speciality in object conservation or commensurate experience
• A minimum of four years of professional experience working as an object/built heritage conservator with experience in private practice regarded favourably
• Strong commitment to ICSS values and ethical professional practice
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team environment
• Outcomes‑focused, with a level‑headed approach, helpful attitude and excellent work ethic
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Sound working knowledge of, and commitment to, safe work practices
• Ability to foster good client relationships
• Membership of an appropriate professional organisation, or eligibility to apply for membership
• Australian citizenship or right to work
• Drivers licence

What we offer:

In return for your hard work and professionalism, you will be entitled to a range of benefits including:

• Wide variety and scale of projects
• A generous annual professional development allowance
• Sponsorship of onsite safety certifications such as White Card, Working at Heights etc
• Mobile phone for business and personal use
• Great working environment and people
• Flexible working arrangements