Archivist
Come and work with us at the Western Sydney Records Centre! Take part in providing and promoting access to the NSW State Archives Collection, which provides valuable evidence of events and decisions which have shaped our history, communities and lives. We are seeking a motivated and engaged Archivist who can deliver arrangement and description activities at our Western Sydney reading room. You will be joining a specialised and professional team that supports MHNSW to achieve its goals.
What the opportunity is:
- Employment with Museums of History NSW.
- Archivist Grade 1. Remuneration package includes salary ($75,728 - $98,943), employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.
- Ongoing full time employment.
- The role will work across Sydney.
- This recruitment may also result in a talent pool which will be used to fill similar roles on an ongoing or temporary basis.
What we do
Museums of History NSW brings together a portfolio of iconic museums, rich collections and heritage sites, the nation’s oldest archive collection, vital recordkeeping services and expert staff.
We bring history to life by sharing the stories of our places and collections. Through the State Archives Collection, we manage NSW’s official documentary heritage, supporting government transparency and the public’s right to access information.
These two roles do not just sit side by side – they inform and enrich each other. By preserving and making accessible our places, collections and archives, we create opportunities for people to explore the past and better understand their own place in the world. By supporting lifelong learning and inviting people to come together, we promote civic literacy, empathy, wellbeing and belonging.
We believe that history belongs to everyone. This is the promise and the purpose of MHNSW.
Museums of History NSW is a state cultural institution, established under the Museums of History NSW Act 2022. It is an agency of the NSW Department of Creative Industries, Tourism, Hospitality and Sport (DCITHS).
What you'll do with us:
MHNSW brings together the museums, historic houses and associated collections previously in the care of Sydney Living Museums with the vast collection of more than 13 million items held by the former NSW State Archives. This includes one of the world’s most complete and important collections documenting colonisation.
For more information on the role contact Kate Musgrave, Manager Collection Services via 02 8805 5375.
Click here for the role description including the capabilities required for this role.
What you need to do to apply
To apply you will need to submit the following:
- A one to two page cover letter outlining how your skills and experiences meet the essential requirements for this role.
- A current resume listing two referees, and
- Respond to the 2 targeted questions (no more than 300 words per answer). Your responses to the targeted questions should be submitted online during your application and not included in the covering letter.
What you need to tell us - Targeted questions:
1.Describe an experience where you have had to work with staff outside of your own team to meet a particular deadline. How did you ensure that the deadline was maintained?
2.Provide an example of where you have shown initiative to improve your work. What was the outcome of this initiative?
Essential requirements of the role:
- Possession of qualifications acceptable for professional membership of the Australian Society of Archivists (ASA) or other combination of qualifications and experience deemed by the agency head or Public Service Commission to be equivalent, that meet the minimum standards inherent in the ASA standard.
- Ability to participate in a rostered working arrangement in accordance with the provisions of the Flexible Working Agreement, which may include after hours or weekend work.
Also note:
- For additional resources to help prepare your application and understanding of the process please refer to Applying for a job.
- Our team can provide alternative formats to apply, make adjustments to the recruitment process and offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks. If you are a person who requires adjustment and would like to request assistance, please contact MHNSWrecruitment@mhnsw.au.
- For technical support with your application please contact MHNSWrecruitment@mhnsw.au.
- To be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.
- All successful candidates will be required to undergo a criminal record check with NSW Police.
- A talent pool may be created for future ongoing and temporary roles and is valid for a period of up to 18 months.
Submit your application before the closing date: 10am Monday 13 October 2025.
Diversity and Flexible Working
We are expert keepers and tellers of history, and its many stories, peoples, and cultures. We want to create a team and workplace that reflects this diversity as well as the diversity in the communities we serve. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better, more inclusive results and connects our people to our communities, to our history, and to each other.
Our vision is to support and empower First Nations people, communities and culture, and across the sites that we care for, we are committed to shifting perspectives, truth telling and delivering honest reflections on history.
We understand that flexibility means different things to different people and are committed to offering flexible work arrangements where and when possible.
Our team can provide alternative formats to apply, make adjustments to the recruitment process and offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks.
For more information, please visit:
Information on some of the different types of disabilities.
Information on adjustments available for the recruitment process.
Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.
📌 Archivist
🏢 Museums of History NSW
📍 Sydney