Manager, Conservation
Job Details
Job Title: Manager, Conservation
Employment Type: Ongoing/Non-Ongoing
Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 6
Closing Date: 11:30pm AEDT, 19 December 2024
Contact: Jacqueline Jordan, 0262772765, jacqueline.jordan@aph.gov.au
The Opportunity
The Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS) is recruiting for a Parliamentary Service Level 6 Manager, Conservation within Design Integrity & Collections Branch.
The Art Collections team is responsible for the custody, care, development, and promotion of the Parliament House Art Collections. The Parliament House Art Collections are nationally significant and consist of more than 6,000 works spanning all genres of Australian art. The collections were created and are maintained as an essential element of the building’s architectural fabric and working life reflecting the unique qualities of Australia. They include the Historic Memorials Collection, Parliament House Art/Craft Program (architectural commissions), Official Gifts Collection, Rotational Collection of contemporary art, and Archive Collection of supporting material.
The successful candidate will lead conservation of the Parliament House Art Collections through preventive and interventive conservation projects, programs and advice. The Collections Care unit performs a variety of functions to ensure the conservation, documentation and safe access to the Parliament House Art Collections as well as inward loans. This includes the development, implementation and review of relevant policy, plans and procedures for the Art Collections team, departmental colleagues and other building occupants in best practice collections care.
Who we are looking for
We’re seeking an experienced professional with strong skills in leading a team to deliver the strategic conservation of collections with a focus on facilitating access and understanding. Candidates with strong interpersonal and project management skills are encouraged to apply.
The successful candidates will bring significant knowledge of conservation practice supported by a scientific and risk management approach, excellent written and verbal communication skills across a range of contexts, and substantial experience delivering complex projects in a public context.
Tertiary qualifications in Conservation or Heritage Management or a similar field; and relevant experience within a gallery, museum or similar organisation will be well regarded.
Previous experience using a variety of collection and data management systems such as Vernon Collection Management System (CMS) software and Fotoware Digital Asset Management Systems and location tracking will also be highly regarded.
This role requires Working at heights certification or the willingness to obtain. Obtaining and maintenance of an Elevated Work Platform Licence below 11m may be required for specific projects.
- The successful applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a Baseline Vetting (Protected/Restricted) security clearance.
At DPS, we acknowledge the value diversity brings. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that ensures all our people can contribute to our shared purpose. We welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, mature age people, people from diverse backgrounds and people with disability.
Duty Statement
Classification: Parliamentary Service Level 6
Branch: Design Integrity & Collections Branch
Section: Art Collections
Immediate supervisor: PEL1 Assistant Director, Collections Care
Under limited/general direction undertake duties in accordance with the agreed standards for the Parliamentary Service Level 6 classification. The duties will include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. Lead a team in the delivery of projects, programs and activities to conserve the Parliament House Art Collections (PHACs), inward loans and proposed acquisitions.
2. Lead the management of risk to PHACs including engaging effectively with and providing conservation expertise to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders of varying backgrounds through various formats (such as evaluation reports, risk management strategies, presentations, training delivery, collections handling and installation, disaster preparedness, incident response).
3. Lead the monitoring, review, development and application of best practice conservation policy, plans, and procedures for the Art Collections team.
4. Lead and oversee the procurement of conservation resources, including goods, services, professional development and apply sound contract management practices to support the delivery of conservation projects, programs and goals.
5. Lead ongoing and non-ongoing staff or contractors to safely handle, move, install, and/or undertake conservation activities (including the use of hazardous materials and equipment) on a range of significant collection materials, including the development, monitoring and review of Workplace Health and Safety controls and documentation.
Employees of DPS are required to be able, and to be seen to be able, to provide professional advice and services to all Senators and Members without favour or prejudice.
The Selection Criteria for the position are listed below.
Demonstrated experience and skill leading a team to design and deliver best practice interventive and/or preventive conservation projects and programs for works of art and/or items of historical significance in a museum, gallery or similar organisation.
Demonstrated ability to lead high performing members of a multi-disciplinary section, in a public, sensitive, and responsive environment, to work effectively across several programs and projects concurrently.
Highly developed written and verbal communication skills and demonstrated experience in communicating complex and technical conservation techniques or approaches to foster understanding by and engagement with a variety of audiences.
Demonstrated experience in applying a scientific approach to the management of risk for collections including the development, implementation and/or review of policies, procedures and plans.
Demonstrated skill and experience in the procurement and management of resources in accordance with the Commonwealth Procurement Rules, including goods, services, and ability to apply sound contract management practices.
Demonstrated experience in overseeing staff and contractors to safely undertake work (including the use of hazardous materials and equipment), including coordination of training, and the development, monitoring and review of Workplace Health and Safety controls and documentation.
How to apply
Please upload a pitch (750 words maximum) describing how your skills and experience would contribute to the role and work of the department. Your pitch is an opportunity to tell us why you want to work at DPS, why your are interested in the role and what you can offer in the role.
Frame your pitch around the role description, the selection criteria and relevant ILS profile. You do not have to address the selection criteria individually, but you should reflect them in your statement as to why you are the best person for the role. Make sure to use relevant examples and accomplishments that demonstrate your ability to perform the role.
Our purpose and values
We proudly provide innovative, unified, and client-focused services to the Australian Parliament and parliamentarians. We are a values driven department, placing our values at the heart of everything we do; from our service offerings and decision making to our interactions with stakeholders and each other.
Our people are employed in a broad and unique range of professional, customer service and trade-based roles, all joined by a shared purpose: to make an enduring contribution to Australia’s parliamentary democracy. We have an inclusive workplace that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. While we come from all walks of life, we share a commitment to care for and protect our iconic workplace.
Every year, almost one million people visit Australian Parliament House to experience the parliamentary process, the building’s architecture, nationally significant art collections, events, tours, and food and dining experiences – all made possible by our people, who are active participants in an environment where no two days are the same.
What we can offer
Join our community based on innovative, unified, and client-focused services, where your skills and development will be nurtured. You will also enjoy:
• access to flexible work arrangements
• ongoing opportunities to learn and develop new capabilities
• a competitive remuneration package
• free secure underground parking
• free gym membership and access to recreational facilities
• on-site childcare, banking services, post office, value-for-money dining options and more.
Salary
Currently, the salary range for this position is $94,259 - $105,941 per annum.
Conditions of Employment
Employment opportunities at Department of Parliamentary Services are subject to a range of conditions prescribed in the Parliamentary Service Act 1999 which include:
• Australian citizenship – to be eligible for employment with DPS, applicants must be an Australian Citizen.
• Security clearance and character clearance – the preferred applicant will be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance at the level specified, as well as complete and be deemed suitable through a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.
• Health assessment – a pre-employment health assessment will be required where there are physical or medical requirements for the role.