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 a Curator you will take a key role in the conceptual development and delivery of collection, exhibition and research projects, publications, outreach programs and visitor services. You will be responsible for:

• Contributing to the development, research and documentation of the National Historical Collection;
• Researching and developing content for main galleries, temporary exhibitions, public programs, publications and other products;
• Preparing correspondence, briefing material, reports and proposals as required;
• Provididng expertise relating to either socail, 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.

Remuneration

Annual salary of between $55,179 and $58,511 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

Evaluate opportunities

• Continually research current, emerging and future trends and developments in the sector/area of expertise.
• Understand the diversity of customers and stakeholders to create new opportunities.
• Anaylse problems and suggest appropriate responses.

Creating and innovating

Think outside the square

• Ask a mountain of questions to get all the information needed.
• Research and adapt experience from other disciplines/ organisations to improve service.
• Be receptive to new ideas and explore possibilities without rejecting them out-of-hand.
• Continually find new ideas to create different solutions to a problem.

Communicating with skill

Explore and adapt

• Explain complex processes in an easily undertood 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.
• Negotiate to achieve a win/win result.

Working well with others and together

Involve others

• Ask for ideas and input when making decisions and give credit for contribution.
• Accept different viewpoints and learn from them.
• Take a consistent approach when dealing with others.

Getting reults

Ensure performance meets objectives

• Think and act flexibly to achieve outcomes.
• Identify opportunities for learning for self and others.
• Articulate what an excellent result and good performance looks like and work with others to achieve it.
• Manage resources and identify and set priorities, understanding that resources are finite.
• Organise and share information.

Selection criteria

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

1. Tertiary qualifications, conceptual knowledge and demonstrated 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. Demonstrated skills and knowledge of curatorial practice, including collections and exhibition development. (25%)
3. Well developed written and oral communication skills, including strong interpersonal and liaison skills. (20%)
4. Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively in small team environments. (15%)
5. Demonstrated ability to manage curatorial projects by ensuring high quality work is delivered within time and budget. (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 enquiries contact Amanda Reynolds, A/g Senior Curator on 02 6208 5309 or email recruitment@nma.gov.au

Apply

Apply online now