Collections Technician (Archives)

New Zealand Government; Canterbury; On-site; NZD 64,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fully funded life cover

Critical illness protection

Free will services

Job summary

NZ Defence Force (NZDF) seeks a detail-oriented Collections Technician (Archives) to care for and provide access to archivals linked to New Zealand's military heritage.

Reporting to the Research Curator, you catalog, preserve, research and assist visitors and researchers, with digitisation and exhibitions involvement.

The role requires experience in archival, library, museum, or heritage settings, strong communication, and willingness to travel domestically occasionally.

Qualifications

• Experience in cataloguing collections in an archive, library, museum, or research environment.
• Proven research skills and experience responding to enquiries.
• Practical experience handling, storing, and preserving paper-based collections.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Preserve and manage archival collections and historical records.
• Conduct research and assist visitors, researchers, and NZDF personnel with enquiries.
• Support digitisation and collections care projects and contribute to exhibitions and public programs.

Skills

Archives knowledge

Cataloguing experience

Customer service

Research skills

Job description

Mo te tunga | About the roleWe are seeking a detail-oriented and passionate Collections Technician (Archives) to support the care, management, and accessibility of our research collections. Reporting to the Research Curator, you will play a key role in cataloguing, preserving, researching, and providing access to archival collections that support the Museum's mission to collect, protect, and share stories of New Zealand's military heritage.This is an exciting opportunity for someone with archival, library, museum, or collections management experience who enjoys a mix of hands-on collections care, research support, and public engagement.Preserve and manage nationally significant archival collections and historical records.Conduct research and assist visitors, researchers, and NZDF personnel with archive enquiries.Support digitisation and collections care projects that improve access to heritage collections.Play an active role in exhibitions, public programmes, and sharing stories from New Zealand's military history.The salary for this role ranges from $64,455 -$ 75,017, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.Applications may be reviewed upon receipt. It is advised to apply early to avoid disappointment, as this role may close ahead of time due to a high volume of applicants.Nga pukenga me nga wheako | Skills and ExperienceYou will bring a combination of collections management expertise, archival knowledge, and strong customer service skills.Other skills include:A sound understanding of museum, archive, library, or heritage sector practices.Experience cataloguing collections in an archive, library, museum, or research environment.Proven research skills and experience responding to enquiries.Practical experience handling, storing, and preserving paper-based collections.Strong written and verbal communication skills.The ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, volunteers, researchers, and external stakeholders.No candidate is expected to meet every desired skill / experience listed. If your background differs from what we've outlined but you believe you can contribute to the role, we encourage you to apply.This role requires occasional domestic travel . It would be beneficial to have a Class 1 Full Driver's Licence.Nou te rourou | What's in it for youSafeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all - irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics - NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.Me pehea te tuku tono | How to ApplyApplications close on Wednesday 18 November 2026.Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.Please Note:All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description.Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.NZDF Employees/Members - please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.NZDF Contractors - please apply via the Defence Careers website.NZDF Reserves - please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.Please Note:To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:Low Level Security ClearanceYou must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last five (5) years.You must have a five (5) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.