Curator – Textiles

Museums Aotearoa; Waiouru; On-site; NZD 74,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

National Army Museum in New Zealand seeks a Curator - Textiles to care for, research and document its textile collection and help tell soldiers' stories.

Working with a small team, you will catalog items, maintain records, and lead preventative care, with opportunities to engage researchers and the public.

Experience in museum environments or heritage contexts is valued; a relevant degree and a current driver's license are advantageous.

Qualifications

• Proactive and organised; enjoys independent work and ownership of tasks.
• Strong research skills and a keen eye for detail; interest in NZ military heritage.
• Experience in museum, heritage or collection-based environments is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Care for, preserve and develop the National Army Museum textile collection.
• Research, catalogue and document military textiles.
• Maintain accurate collection records and provenance information.
• Lead preventative collection care activities.
• Provide collection information to researchers, stakeholders and the public.

Skills

Autonomy

Attention to detail

Sewing skills

Cataloguing

Museum Studies degree

History/Heritage background

Driver's license

Education

Degree in Museum Studies, History, Heritage, Conservation or related field

Job description

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As Curator - Textiles, you will be responsible for the care, research, documentation and development of the National Army Museum's textile collection. Working within a close-knit team, you'll help preserve and share the stories of New Zealand soldiers through one of the country's largest military textile collections.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Caring for, preserving and developing the National Army Museum textile collection


• Researching, cataloguing and documenting military textiles


• Maintaining accurate collection records and provenance information


• Leading preventative collection care activities


• Providing collection information to researchers, stakeholders and the public

The salary for this role starts at $74,124 with a midpoint of $82,239, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We're looking for a proactive and organised individual who enjoys working independently and taking ownership of their work. You'll bring a keen eye for detail, strong research skills, and a genuine interest in preserving and sharing New Zealand's military heritage. Experience working with museum, heritage or collection-based environments will be highly regarded.

We’re Seeking The Following Skills/qualifications:

• Ability to work autonomously and manage competing priorities


• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy


• Basic sewing machine skills would be advantageous


• Experience cataloguing and maintaining collection records


• Degree in Museum Studies, History, Heritage, Conservation or a related field


• Museum, heritage, collections or conservation experience


• A current full driver’s licence

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Safeguard 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. 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.

Applications close on Thursday 17 September 2026.

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 Clearance

• You 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.