Hocken Collections Assistant

University of Otago; Dunedin; On-site; NZD 64,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Otago – North Dunedin invites applications for a Collections Assistant (Hocken Published Collections). This permanent, full-time role supports meticulous collection management and helps researchers and communities discover and access Hocken collections.

Based in Dunedin, you’ll work with archivists, curators and librarians to support the heritage collections. Some physical work including handling material and occasional Saturday half-days is required.

Qualifications

• Experience in a library, archive, museum or heritage institution.
• Creative, problem-solving mindset and eagerness to learn.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• Commitment to precision and high accuracy.
• Competent with computers, databases and basic systems.
• Ability to work as part of a team with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Provide meticulous collection management for Hocken published collections.
• Assist researchers and communities to discover and access collections.
• Work with a team of collection assistants, archivists, curators and librarians.
• Interact with students, staff and communities to guide use of collections.
• Handle collections material; some physical work and working at height.

Skills

New Zealand history

Pacific history

Library experience

Creative problem solving

Communication

Attention to detail

Computer skills

Teamwork

Tools

Microscft Office

Job description

University of Otago – North Dunedin, South Island

The role | Te mahi

The University Library is seeking a Collections Assistant (Hocken Published Collections) to join our team.

In this collections and research focused role, you’ll work in a team to provide meticulous collection management, while also ensuring that researchers and communities can discover and access Hocken collections.

You’ll work closely with Collection Assistants, Archivists, Curators, and Librarians in the Hocken and University Libraries to meticulously maintain Hocken’s significant published collections. You’ll also spend time in person assisting and interacting with students, staff and communities to positively guide their use of Hocken collections to fulfil their diverse research needs.

If you appreciate the heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific, while also being a systems thinker with an eye for detail interested in providing access to collections, this role will offer you the opportunity to work with nationally significant heritage collections, contributing to the research success of the Hocken’s diverse stakeholders.

What you’ll bring:

• Sound general knowledge of New Zealand and Pacific history and culture.
• Experience working in a library, archive, museum or related heritage institution.
• A creative, problem-solving mindset and enthusiasm for learning.
• Excellent communication and customer service skills.
• A commitment to precision and the ability to be accurate at all times.
• Competency in the use of computers, including familiarity with databases and Microscft Office and an ability to adapt to new systems.
• The capacity to work as a member of a highly competent team without direct supervision.

The Hocken is one of the foremost research libraries in New Zealand celebrating the histories, culture and natural environment of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific.

The Hocken is part of the University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Library, which provides high-quality information resources and services, recognising the diversity and needs of all stakeholders. Our expert teams strive to be responsive and innovative in our service delivery and to be a vital contributor to the University and wider community.

This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week) position, Monday to Friday, located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The position will be required to work occasional rostered half-days (3.5 hours) on Saturdays.

The appointment range for this role is $63,508 to $68,185. Top of range $73,640.

Please note that some physical work is involved, including handling collection material and working at height.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this job.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. This means that we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives are valued and respected.

Applications quoting reference number 2601382 will close on Sunday, 27 September 2026.