Specialist Conservator

Role overview

State Library of Queensland is looking for a skilled cultural materials conservator to help safeguard Queensland’s documentary heritage. This position focuses on preserving paper, photographic and bound materials so they remain available for research, exhibition and public access well into the future.

The organisation exists to protect and share Queensland’s stories, from rare heritage items to contemporary collections that reflect the lives of people across the state. Conservation is central to that mission.

What you will do

In this specialist conservation role, you will treat paper, photograph and book materials, prepare items for exhibition or loan, and put preventive conservation measures into practice.

You will report to the Coordinator Conservation and handle complex treatment decisions, recommending approaches that reflect best practice and align with the AICCM Code of Ethics and Practice. The role also involves researching and applying new or emerging conservation methods, as well as supporting the development of emerging conservators and student placements.

You will help promote preventive care across the organisation through environmental monitoring, handling and care training, pest management, mould remediation and the development of safe archival storage methods.

Just as importantly, you will help maintain a culturally safe, respectful and positive workplace where colleagues are supported to do their best work.

Qualifications and eligibility

To be considered, you must hold relevant tertiary qualifications in materials conservation.

You also need to be eligible for membership of the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Materials (AICCM).

Additional information

• The vacancy may stay open for up to 12 months and applications may be used for other similar or identical roles during that time.
• All appointments are subject to criminal history screening under section 52 of the Public Sector Act 2022.
• Current and former public sector employees must declare any prior serious disciplinary action, as required under section 71 of the Public Sector Act 2022.
• All employees must disclose any actual, potential or perceived conflicts of interest in line with sections 89, 182 or 183 of the Public Sector Act 2022.
• Applications must be submitted online.
• Files uploaded with the application must be in Microsoft Word or PDF format; compressed or zipped files are not accepted.