Manager, Preventive Conservation

Job Description

The Manager, Preventive Conservation leads the development and implementation of strategic preventive conservation, hazard management and conservation science programs to ensure the long-term preservation and integrity of the Museum’s collections. This role is responsible for driving high-quality risk management, environmental monitoring, and Integrated Pest Management strategies across multiple sites. As a senior leader within the Registration and Conservation Business Unit, the Manager provides expert technical advice and leadership to multi-disciplinary teams, working collaboratively with conservation, curatorial, exhibition, registration and public programs staff. The role plays a key part in developing risk mitigation strategies, disaster preparedness plans, and sustainable conservation initiatives that align with the Museum’s broader strategic objectives. Reporting to the Head of Registration and Conservation, the Manager ensures compliance with conservation best practices, Australian and international heritage standards, and APS integrity requirements. The role also develops policies and frameworks, builds workforce capability, and promotes cross-team collaboration to enhance conservation outcomes. Key accountabilities Build on existing and implement long-term preventive conservation strategies to mitigate environmental, physical, and chemical risks to collections. Lead conservation science programs, ensuring evidence-based decision-making and continuous improvement in collection care practices. Contribute to strategic planning within the Registration and Conservation Business Unit, ensuring alignment with the Museum’s vision and broader APS policy frameworks. Analyse trends and risks, identifying emerging challenges and recommending proactive measures. Oversee environmental monitoring and Integrated Pest Management, to ensure optimal storage and exhibition conditions for diverse collections. Implement strategies to mitigate risk to collections and staff including disaster preparedness, incident response and recovery planning and hazardous material management. Monitor conservation compliance, ensuring adherence to legislative, ethical, and regulatory frameworks for cultural heritage preservation. Drive innovation in preventive conservation methodologies, leveraging data and technology for enhanced decision-making. Lead and mentor other Museum professionals, fostering a high-performance culture focused on collaboration, professional development and knowledge-sharing. Engage with internal and external stakeholders, including curators, registrars, facilities managers and international conservation bodies, to foster a culture of continuous improvement. Champion ethical and sustainable conservation practices, ensuring the Museum upholds the highest standards of cultural materials management. Demonstrate resilience and adaptability, responding effectively to conservation challenges and balancing competing priorities. Provide expert conservation advice to Museum executives, curatorial teams and external partners, translating technical conservation principles into actionable strategies. Prepare high-quality reports, briefings, and policies on conservation risks, collection management, and regulatory compliance. Skills, experience and qualifications Essential: Tertiary qualifications in cultural materials conservation, or a related discipline, combined with extensive professional experience. Demonstrated expertise in preventive conservation and/or hazard management for museum collections. Proven experience in staff management and team leadership, fostering collaboration and capability-building. Well-developed analytical skills with proven experience initiating, planning, controlling, scheduling and executing programs, activities, projects and strategies. High-level communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to provide expert advice to senior leaders. Well-developed technical knowledge of risks and hazards associated with collections and proven experience in applying effective risk assessment, management practice and strategies. Desirable: Knowledge of international conservation standards, including ICCROM, AICCM and UNESCO heritage frameworks. Familiarity with emerging technologies and scientific advancements in preventive conservation and collection care. To be eligible to apply for this vacancy, applicants must: be an Australian citizen undergo a number of pre-employment checks, including a police record check hold or be eligible to hold a security clearance at the level specified in the position description. To apply for this position, applicants must include a one-page pitch (up to 750 words) addressing their suitability for the role against the essential and desirable skills, experience and qualifications. Applicants must also provide a current CV and contact details for referees. Applications close 11:59pm Wednesday 19 March 2025. Visit and apply online. #J-18808-Ljbffr