The Museum

The National Museum of Australia opened in early 2001 and has become a landmark among Australian museums in the quality and high standard of its exhibitions, public programs and the integrated use of technologies. The Museum presents Australian objects and stories inclusive of the many different cultures and experiences that have shaped our nation.

The Museum offers:

• interesting and creative work;
• an attractive and creative working environment;
• competitive salary, family-friendly policies and opportunities to excel; and
• results that you can see and from which you can have immediate job satisfaction.

Responsibilities of the section

The Curatorial section is responsible for the conceptual development of the Museum's collections, research, exhibitions and public programs. It has three thematic areas - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories; Australian History and Society since 1788; and People's interaction with the Environment. The section has the following responsibilities:

• Developing the National Historical Collection to represent Australian History and experience for present and future generations;
• Maintaining and developing high quality exhibitions and other programs that are challenging and entertaining for national and international audiences;
• Enhancing the NMA's research standing as an authority on Australian history and experience;
• Cultivating partnerships with leading cultural and academic organisations and associations;
• Contributing to the development of a stimulating and productive workplace in which staff are valued and respected.

Responsibilities of the position

As an Assistant Curator you will assist in the conceptual development and delivery of collection, exhibition and research projects, publications, outreach programs and visitor services. You will be responsible for:

• Assisting with the development, research and documentation of the National Historical Collection;
• Assisting with research and content development for main galleries, temporary and travelling exhibitions, public programs, publications and other products;
• Preparing routine correspondence, briefing material, reports and proposals as required;
• Providing expertise relating to either social, political, Indigenous and/or environmental history;
• Participating in a range of project teams comprising Museum colleagues and external contractors;
• Ensuring that you have sufficient supervision, instruction and equipment to undertake your work safely.

Assistant curators are encouraged to publish in the Museum's three thematic areas and in museology, and to participate in broader curatorial forums and events.

Remuneration

Annual salary of between $50,249 and $53,716 plus superannuation. Employment conditions are covered by the National Museum of Australia Workplace Agreement 2005 to 2008.

Capabilities of the person

The position calls for someone with the following capabilities, which are also reflected in the Selection Criteria:

Knowing and understanding the business

Know what others do

• Inquire how others work to improve own role.
• Tap into personal networks to gather information that improves own work and overall understanding of the business.
• Know how the work others' do affects own role.

Creating and Innovating

Develop new ways of working

• Define problems and gather information to help formulate solutions.
• Question current ways of working and develop improvements.
• Develop a 'can-do' mindset to being creative and innovative.

Communicating with skill

Explore and adapt

• Explain complex processes in an easily understood way.
• Construct and present logical arguments to make a case.
• Use a variety of communication strategies adapted to audience needs.
• Seek out and analyse relevant information from a variety of sources.
• Write and speak persuasively.

Working well with others and together

Acknowledge others

• Share information and ideas with others.
• Ask for ideas and input when making decisions and give credit for contribution.
• Respect others' priorities, opinions and views.

Getting results

Understand accountability

• Know where to find resources and use them to achieve results.
• Seek opportunities to gain new knowledge to enhance results.
• Set goals for self and others.
  

Selection criteria

The position operates within the context of a dynamic and changing environment and will be assessed in relation to the repsonsibilities and capabilities required of the position holder as outlined in this document.

1. Tertiary qualifications and/or equivalent knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas (25%):
   * Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories and cultures;
   * Australian social and cultural histories;
   * Australian environmental histories.
2. An understanding of curatorial practice, including collections and exhibition development. (25%)
3. Well developed written and oral communcation skills, including interpersonal and liaison skills. (20%)
4. Ability to work cooperatively in small team environments. (15%)
5. Ability to manage tasks and competing deadlines. (15%)

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Note: Applications should include contact details for two referees. This selection process will create a merit list which may be used to fill similar positions over the next 12 months. The Museum reserves the right to contact other persons familiar with the applicant's professional activities and abilities.

Further Enquiries

For further enquireies contact Martha Sear, Senior Curator on 02 6208 5039 or email recruitment@nma.gov.au

Apply

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