Conservator

The State Library and Archives of Tasmania is looking for an expert conservator to manage conservation and lead preservation of our collections.

The State Library and Archives of Tasmania is looking for an expert conservator to manage day-to-day of the conservation lab and lead the preservation of our unique collections for our future generations! Libraries Tasmania is comprised of the State Library and Archives of Tasmania, 46 public libraries, the Risdon Prison library service, and the Office of the State Archivist. The State Library and Archives of Tasmania builds, manages and shares collections relating to the history of Tasmania and provides contemporary information resources for all Tasmanians. We provide services for recreation, learning, discovering our past, researching family history, or simply connecting with others.

About the role

You will be undertaking conservation services and provide high-level advice on particularly paper-based items, but not excluded from; paintings, photographic collections and other formats including objects and audiovisual. You will also provide advice on preservation related aspects of library, archives and museum services, including collections on display in public areas and secure loan items, environmental monitoring of storage and exhibition spaces.

The role is based at the conservation lab in Hobart, at the State Library and Archives of Tasmania building, and you will be managing a small team of conservation officers, volunteers, and occasionally external experts. You will also oversee the day-to-day of the lab and making sure facilities are well kept. As part of this role, you will also implement strategies to guide the development and provision of the State Library and Archives of Tasmania collections for long term preservation and access of materials by the Tasmanian community.

Key responsibilities

• Provide conservation services to ensure the preservation and safety of the primarily paper-based collection of, or loans to, Libraries Tasmania, including State Library and Archives of Tasmania and the Allport Library and Museum of Fine Arts.
• Responsible for contributing to the development of relevant policy and to undertake planning activities for the conservation, preservation, restoration, storage, and display of archival and library materials including disaster planning.
• Monitor the environmental conditions within storage and display areas and provide authoritative advice on matters of preservation, display, handling, and transportation; along with contributing to the maintenance of facilities and equipment of the Conservation Lab including budget and financial planning.
• Provide mentorship, feedback and/or guidance to other technical employees, contract conservators, conservation students and other less experienced staff when required.
• Provide advice and/or recommendations relevant to collection conservation, to other agencies and/or organisations and individuals responsible for library, archive and cultural heritage collections and act as a professional representative of Libraries Tasmania when required.

About you

You have at least five years of experience in conservation services in the GLAM sector and expert knowledge of conservation techniques and policies. We are seeking a highly organised and proactive professional, who enjoys working with others (a real team player!) and has an eye for detail as well as a passion for caring for unique collections.

Why join us?

This is an exciting opportunity to work on of Tasmania’s leading cultural institute, contributing and lead collection policies in a highly knowledgeable and collaborative setting. Applications close at COB on Sunday 30 March 2025. For a full Position Description go to Tasmanian Government Jobs