Senior Objects Conservator Conservation Department Executive Level 1 Position No. 5042 $98,157 - $112,003 pa Ongoing Vacancy
The position We have an upcoming vacancy in our Conservation team for a highly experienced Senior Objects Conservator. In this role you will lead a small team of objects conservators in undertaking the care, conservation and restoration of the Gallery’s object collection. Our collection includes sculptures, decorative arts, contemporary installations, fibre art and bark paintings.
You will also be responsible for managing the team’s workload schedules for the care of objects that are on exhibition, loan and travelling exhibitions. Having extensive knowledge and understanding of materials and methods, your advice to staff and stakeholders on storage requirements for these works of art will be highly valued.
To be successful in the role, you will also have experience in the preparation of data and information for financial and corporate reporting, including developing policies and guidelines. As a highly experienced conservator, you will be responsible for sharing your knowledge and training other staff within the Gallery in the contemporary techniques and practises in the care of the collection.
This is a full-time, ongoing employment opportunity available in the Conservation Department within the Exhibitions and Collections Portfolio.
How to apply If you are interested in this role you must submit a current resume/CV, the NGA Personal Particulars form and a brief statement of claims addressing the selection criteria (1–2 page pitch), which details your skills, experience and qualifications which are relevant to this position. Please note that the selection criteria do not need to be addressed individually. The job description and selection documentation are available below.
Contact Further information about the position may be obtained by contacting Debbie Ward on (02) 6240 6657 or [email protected]. The Recruitment Officer may also be contacted on (02) 6240 6447.
Closing date Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 29 September 2019 and should be emailed to [email protected].
Position Title: Senior Objects Conservator
Position Number: 5042
NGA Level: Executive Level 1
Department Conservation
Portfolio: Exhibitions and Collections
Immediate Supervisor: Head of Conservation (EL2)
Direct Reports: Objects Conservators – NGA6, NGA5/6, NGA4/5 Conservation Assistant – NGA3/4
Position Location: NGA Parkes / Hume Store
Requirements: Australian Citizenship Police Check Tertiary qualification in the conservation of cultural materials
About the NGA The National Gallery of Australia (the National Gallery) is one of Australia’s leading visual arts institutions. The National Gallery is based in Canberra and is a vital part of the Australian cultural landscape. The Vision of the National Gallery is to inspire every Australian to experience creativity and learning through art. Our Mission is to lead a progressive national cultural agenda by championing art and its value in our lives. The National Gallery’s values include art for everyone, striving for excellence, creative engagement, courage and respect.
Overview The Senior Objects Conservator is responsible to the Head of Conservation for the care, conservation and restoration of the Gallery’s object collection, including sculpture, decorative arts, contemporary installations, fibre art and bark paintings. This position is also responsible for the management of the staff (currently 4) within the objects section and their development. Senior Objects Conservator also manages and schedules the workload of the section which includes caring for the collection for exhibition, loan, travelling exhibitions and providing advice on storage requirements for this works of art. The Senior Objects conservator is also responsible for the corporate reporting for the section.
Duty Statement:
1. Develop, monitor and maintain the workflow of the Objects section to ensure exhibition, loan and travelling exhibition deadlines can be managed and resources effectively. Mange and promote staff development and training within the section.
Position Description – Senior Objects Conservator (PN5042) Date Approved: 11 / 09 / 2019
2. Supervise the conservation, documentation and research of objects within the National Collection and on loan to the NGA. Carry out examinations, treatments and maintain conservation records of objects to the highest professional standards.
3. Provide expert advice on all matters relating to the preservation of Objects. This may include internal stakeholders for curators, exhibition development, scheduling, storage, movement and transportation of objects within the collection.
4. Initiate and coordinate research and development into conservation methods and materials and into the techniques of works of art. Participate and encourage staff to develop lectures and research projects relevant to the NGA collection.
5. Participate in preventative conservation activities including design and manufacture of packing and display systems, design and maintenance of storage systems, integrated pest management, environmental control activities and disaster response.
6. Undertake other duties as required by the Head of Conservation, including preparations of policies, guidelines, corporate and financial reporting for the Department.
Selection Criteria: The following criterions are not listed in order of importance, as a high level of expertise in most fields is required to successfully undertake the duties of the position.
1. Demonstrated ability and experience to successfully manage, supervise and develop staff, manage resources, budgets and work schedules in an environment of competing demand and priorities is essential.
2. Professional qualifications and extensive experience in the conservation, documentation and analysis of a wide range of cultural and art objects. Experience within a large cultural institution with a wide variety of media is essential.
3. Extensive knowledge and understanding of the materials and techniques of traditional and contemporary works of art within the field of objects and a sound knowledge of art history.
4. Demonstrated ability to initiate, conduct and co-ordinate research in fields relevant to objects conservation. Experience in publishing, lecturing and sharing knowledge about this research and training other staff within the institution in the correct care of the collection.
5. Excellent oral and written communication and interpersonal skills and proven ability to liaise effectively with people in a diverse range of professional disciplines and the public. Experience in corporate reporting is required.
Qualifications, Certifications and Registrations • Relevant qualifications in fine arts conservation is essential.
• Applicants will be required to support that they have good colour vision, manual dexterity, and physical health commensurate with the duties of the position (working for extended period on the floor, climbing ladders and working in EWP’s etc.).
• A current driver’s licence will be required to facilitate operations at offsite storage areas, disaster recovery operations and other operational requirements
• Up to date knowledge in the handling and safe use of chemicals related to textile conservation and use of appropriate safety equipment.
Position Description – Senior Objects Conservator (PN5042) Date Approved: 11 / 09 / 2019
• An awareness of manual handling procedures in line with current Work Health and Safety requirements. ______
Work, Health & Safety Obligations The Conservation Technician is required to ensure that they meet duty of care obligations as required under WHS legislation. This is achieved by:
• being accountable and taking ownership of health and safety matters within their control or ability to promote a culture of health and safety within the Gallery.
• working with colleagues to enhance health and safety and ensure that it becomes a part of everyday Gallery business. ______Note: In line with APS recruitment practices you must hold Australian Citizenship and satisfy a police check. The requirement to hold Australian Citizenship may be waived under exceptional circumstances.
Position Description – Senior Objects Conservator (PN5042) Date Approved: 11 / 09 / 2019