Heritage Collections Supervisor

Role overview

Mackay Regional Council is looking for a Heritage Collections Supervisor to take responsibility for the care, growth and promotion of the Mackay Heritage Collection. The position also supports the delivery of dependable, high-quality library and information services for the Mackay community. You will guide by example, keep day-to-day operations running smoothly, and make sure work is completed safely, efficiently and to a strong standard.

Key duties

• Manage and coordinate the full scope of the library’s heritage collection work to support excellent service delivery and effective resource use.
• Plan, develop and promote heritage materials, programs and collections for the local community.
• Assist patrons with local history research, reference support and information requests.
• Oversee conservation and preservation activities so heritage items retain their historical value.
• Prepare and share timely updates and advice on the strategic and operational performance of heritage services.
• Develop strong working connections with internal teams and external partners such as museums, historical societies, the State Library of Queensland and public library networks.
• Support, coach and motivate staff so the team remains capable, collaborative and continuously improving.
• Contribute to planning for library services and help put relevant plans into action within your area.
• Carry out other duties assigned within the scope of the role.

About you

We are seeking a community-minded library or heritage collections professional who brings strong customer service, communication and stakeholder engagement skills. You should understand the value of protecting local history while also making heritage resources useful, accessible and engaging for the public. The role suits someone who is comfortable supporting staff, solving problems, managing reference enquiries and working with a wide range of stakeholders. A practical, improvement-focused approach and respect for historical materials are important.

Qualifications and licence requirements

• A qualification in Library and Information Services, or an equivalent background, is essential; extensive experience managing library collections may also be considered.
• A Working with Children Blue Card is required.
• A current Queensland C-class driver licence is desirable if the duties require it.

Experience and capability

• Experience in developing, maintaining and promoting heritage collections.
• Hands-on knowledge of cataloguing, preservation, conservation, accessioning and archival practices.
• Background in delivering strong customer service in a library, collections or community service setting.
• Ability to handle reference enquiries and provide dependable information services.
• Awareness of contemporary and emerging issues affecting public libraries and heritage collections.
• Proven ability to build constructive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience supporting or leading staff in a team environment.

Skills and knowledge

• Strong customer service approach.
• Effective communication, advocacy, liaison and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to research and respond to reference queries accurately.
• Understanding of public library resources and systems.
• Awareness of current affairs and the local community.
• Knowledge of heritage collection development, preservation, conservation and archival standards.
• Comfort using new technology and improving work practices.
• Ability to interpret, apply and develop operating procedures.
• Confident computer skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Understanding of legal and workplace requirements relevant to library services, including local government, equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination obligations.

Benefits

• Base annual salary of $91,166.17.
• The chance to make a real contribution by preserving and sharing Mackay’s local history and heritage resources.
• Leadership responsibility with opportunity to support and grow a small team within library services.
• Exposure to strategic and operational planning while building expertise in collections and library services.
• Collaboration with Council staff, museums, historical societies, the State Library of Queensland and public library networks.
• A supportive environment that values quality outcomes, continuous improvement and community connection.

Additional information

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume. The application deadline is Thursday, 09 July 2026. Candidates who move beyond interview stage may be asked to complete pre-employment assessments and checks relevant to the role.