Collection Officer
Are you skilled in maintaining accurate collection documentation, coordinating acquisitions, supporting a collection stocktake program and managing collection movements to ensure smooth, compliant outcomes? Then this could be the role for you. We're seeking a motivated Collection Officer to increase public access to and engagement with our collections by delivering high‐quality collection management services and ensuring strong intellectual and legal control of collection material.
What the opportunity is:
* Employment with Museums of History NSW.
* Assistant Registrar Grade 1. Remuneration package includes salary ($71,777 - $88,035), employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.
* Full-time employment on an ongoing basis.
* The role will work across Sydney.
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:
In this role, you will provide collection management services that increase public access to and engagement with collections including implementing processes, systems, and practices to ensure the intellectual and legal control of museum collections.
For more information on the role, please contact Julieanne Rabier, Registrar, Collections Management via .
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. Give a specific example, in a museum context, where you have been responsible for processing acquisitions into the collection. Describe the registration requirements for the acquisition, the workflow involved, referencing your knowledge of and experience in current registration standards and procedures.
2. This role coordinates the documentation for the Museum of History NSW's stocktaking program, working closely with multidisciplinary teams across multiple sites. Please describe your experience and skills in conducting collection stocktakes and outline technology used in the process and strategies that enabled you to successfully deal with this complex process while managing relationships, competing demands and deadlines.
Essential requirements of the role:
* Tertiary qualification in history/museum studies/heritage interpretation or related field.
* Experience working in a cultural, museums or heritage environment.
* Knowledge of appropriate techniques/procedures for handling, display, transportation and storage of museum objects.
* Experience working with software applications/databases used to maintain and update collection information.
* Ability to manage lifting, carrying, standing, kneeling and moving around heritage sites, both internal and external environments is a genuine occupational requirement.
* NSW Driver's licence and willingness to travel between collection locations as required.
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 .
* For technical support with your application please contact .
* 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 25 May 2026.
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.
If you are a First Nations applicant who would like to have a yarn about the role, or require additional support, please contact Dennis Taylor our Manager First Nations Employment & Engagement on 02 8239 2284 or via .
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.