Digitising Technical Officer

Digitising Technical Officer

Join us at the Australian Museum and help us to achieve our Mission to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change.

About the Project

The Collection Enhancement Project (CEP) is the Australian Museum’s digitisation program, aiming to standardise and streamline digitisation activities across the Museum. The CEP is managed within two streams – Natural Science collections and Cultural collections – based on the specialised requirements and expertise needed to digitise such varied collection material. The focus within the Natural Science collections is to digitally register specimens to address legacy data issues, capture high resolution images, and barcode the specimens along with the relevant storage facilities. The aim of Natural Sciences CEP is to improve collection management, audit capabilities, and accessibility of the collections. The CEP is now in its final stage, with the focus on delivering the remaining completion targets consistently and to a high standard.  

About the Role

We are seeking a Digitising Technical Officer to provide technical support to the final stage of the Museum’s Collection Enhancement Project within the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI) Natural Science collections, particularly the Entomology, Malacology and Marine Invertebrates collections. Working within established CEP workflows, standards and procedures, you will work closely with collection staff, the CEP team and the Collection Systems and DigiVol teams to deliver agreed digitisation completion targets with consistent quality and output. The Digitising Technical Officer will handle and prepare fragile specimens and specimens stored in ethanol or formalin, register specimens through data entry in the Museum’s database (EMu) in line with CEP data standards, and image and barcode specimens. They will also monitor and report progress against completion targets, help prepare materials for the DigiVol program, and support CEP outreach activities. 

During the fixed term contract up to 30 June 2029, this role will be responsible for delivery a project with the following key milestones/deliverables:  

• Prepare 100 drawers (10,000 specimens) for DigiVol registrations. 
•  Photograph 500 primary type specimens. 
•  Support training of DigiVol Lab volunteers in the handling and digitisation of specimens. 
  

Employment Status:

• Technical Officer 1/2 
• Fixed term, 2.5 years up to 30 June 2029 
• Full time (35 hours per week)  

You will be paid a competitive total remuneration package of $80,921 - $118,119 , including an annual salary of $71,297 - $104,070, plus employer’s contribution to superannuation (currently 12%) and annual leave loading. 

Click on the following links to begin the journey to find your new career at the AM

• Roles Description
•  AM Candidate Pack

About you

We are seeking a Technical Officer with demonstrated knowledge and experience in the appropriate handling and digitisation of Natural Sciences collections in a museum setting, who can work independently to deliver consistent, high-quality output within established workflows 

To be eligible for this role at the Australian Museum, you must hold full working rights in Australia and meet all essential requirements listed in the position description.

Knowledge and Experience

• Demonstrated capacity to support collection staff in the maintenance and preparation of the collection for digitisation including the ability to handle fragile specimens and labels and experience in, or willingness to handle hazardous chemicals, including ethanol and formalin.  
  
• Demonstrated experience in working with collection management systems.  
  
• Demonstrated experience in imaging (e.g. taking high quality photographs) of collection specimens/objects.  
  
• Demonstrated basic knowledge and understanding of the application of Work Health and Safety (WH&S) legislation and regulations.  
   

Essential Requirements

• At minimum, TAFE qualifications in a relevant science field and equivalent experience in working with a natural science collection discipline (Entomology, Malacology or Marine Invertebrates).  
  
   

About the Australian Museum

The Australian Museum is truly a great place to work. We aim to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific. We commit to transform the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; be a strong advocate for First Nations’ culture; and continue to develop world-leading science, collections, exhibitions and education programs.  

The Australian Museum acknowledges that we operate on the lands, waters and skies of many First Nations Peoples. As Australia’s first museum, we share the responsibility of advocating for Country and honouring First Nations Peoples and knowledges.

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Benefits

Besides working together with other like-minded people, you will have access to professional development opportunities and dedicated Wellbeing programs.

How to Apply

Applicants must submit

1.      A one to two page covering letter which address the role descriptions essential requirements, key knowledge and experience.

2.      Resume

As part of the online application process, you will be prompted to answer the following targeted questions:

1. Please outline your experience in working with museum collections, what your role involved and if you have experience with digitising museum collections (including registering, photographing, and/or barcoding specimens). Please include if you have worked with fragile specimens and specimens preserved in hazardous chemicals.  (300 words maximum)  
2. The Australian Museum natural sciences collections consist of millions of specimens across several disciplines. Specimens come in a variety of forms such as mammal skins, pinned insects, and fluid-preserved fish. Please identify what significant challenges may face a technical officer responsible for digitising these collections, particularly in maintaining consistent quality and output during the final stage of a digitisation project. (300 words maximum) 

The successful candidate applicant will be subject to national criminal records check.

Contact person: Rhiannon Stephens Rhiannon.Stephens@Australian.Museum

Inclusive and Welcoming

The Australian Museum is committed to building a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve.

We actively encourage applications from First Nations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples; people with disability, including physical, sensory, cognitive, intellectual, neurological, psychosocial, and chronic health conditions, whether visible or hidden; people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds; people of all ages; members of the LGBTQIA+ community; and people from all socioeconomic backgrounds.

If you require adjustments during the recruitment process, please contact the hiring manager or include your requirements in your application. This may include alternative formats, communication support, flexible interviews, accessible locations, or extra assessment time. Any information you share will be kept confidential.