Project Digitisation Lead, First Nations Community Access to Archives (Targeted)

Project Digitisation Lead, First Nations Community Access to Archives (Targeted)

Are you passionate about the return of First Nations language and cultural material into communities across NSW? Do you want to support Aboriginal communities in their language and cultural revitalisation and education journeys? Come work on an exciting new project with a strengths focused team improving First Nations Community Access to the archives. In a highly supportive environment gain a deep understanding of the archival collection, what’s involved in archival research and analysis, and grow your leadership potential within a First Nations archival workforce.

 What the opportunity is:

• Employment with Museums of History NSW.
• Clerk Grade 5/6. Remuneration package includes salary ($102,936 - $113,579), employer's contribution to superannuation and annual leave loading.
• Full-time employment on a temporary basis until 30 June 2029.
• The role will work across Greater Sydney and be predominately based at the Western Sydney Records Centre.
  

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).

Project Overview

 MHNSW, in partnership with the Aboriginal Languages Trust (ALT), have developed the Supporting First Nations Community Access to Archives project, to enhance First Nations access to important archival documents that could unlock information about their histories and Languages. Under this initiative MHNSW and the ALT aim to provide a Culturally-safe avenue for Aboriginal peoples to access materials from the State Archives Collection and to engage with Communities about repatriation of their information.

This project involves searching the State Archives Collection for materials relating to First Nations people and their Languages, preserving and providing access to materials, engaging with Aboriginal Communities and ensuring the long-term sustainability of the materials as well as developing a workforce strategy for professionally trained First Nations archivists in NSW.
The initiative will be led by a First Nations team which will be built over the course of the project, who will be provided with on the job training working with state records and digitisation, and access to various support systems including Cultural mentors.
As this collection is from the early period of colonisation in Australia, materials may contain wording and images that are culturally insensitive and distressing to First Nations people. The collection is likely to contain information about historical events including Frontier Wars, Stolen Generations, land dispossession and laws and policies affecting First Nations Communities.
All role involved with this project will contribute to the reclamation and revitalisation of First Nations Languages in NSW by engaging with First Nations communities to facilitate and support access to materials pertaining to their Languages, Cultures and heritages.

What you'll do with us: 

In this role you will assist with and undertake complex digitisation activities to support the First Nations Community Access project team create high-quality digital files from a wide range of formats in order to complete delivery activities in accordance project requirements while supporting the optimisation of the project. Engage with the project team to ensure consultation occurs in the prioritisation of activities.
For more information on the role, you are welcome to contact Emily Hanna, Senior Archives Advisor, on 8805 5302.

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 highly desirable and essential requirements for this role, and
• A current resume listing two referees.

Essential requirements of the role:

• Significant experience utilising and supporting specialised digitisation and/or photographic equipment, including related software in a large bureau type environment.
• Experience handling and digitising sensitive archival or heritage collection material.
• Intermediate-advanced level of knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office, as well as intermediate experience with Records Management, Content Management, and/or Digital Assessment Management systems.
• High level knowledge of colour management, digitisation workflows, file management and significant experience using camera capture, image processing and other related methods including advanced knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite and Photoshop

Highly desirable

• This role is targeted to people of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, who identify as being an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander and accepted in Community.

Also note:

• This role is Targeted for Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander people by exception under Section 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977, NSW. Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.
• Material within the State Archives can be distressing to First Nations Peoples. If you have concerns or want to gain a deeper understanding of the role, please contact Jasmyn Irwin on (02) 9673 9466.
• 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, 3 August 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 dennis.taylor@mhnsw.au.

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 adjustments available for the recruitment process.

Thank you for your interest in this role. We look forward to receiving your application.