The full-time role of Head of Paper Conservation is available for 1 year from September 2025 to cover a parental leave vacancy. Ongoing employment is available after the first year as Senior Paper Conservator.

Based at our labs in Chatswood, Sydney, use your hands-on conservation, team management and project management skills in a wide variety of site and lab based projects. Salary commensurate with experience in the range of $94,368 - $103,824 plus 11.5% superannuation.

International Conservation Services (ICS) is Australia’s largest private conservation practice.  We conserve a wide range of cultural and heritage objects and artefacts including paintings, furniture, textiles, paper, sculpture, archaeological artefacts and wall finishes in buildings.

Role

Work in the Paper Team covers treatments on archival and library material, maps, plans, posters, photographs, wallpaper in historic buildings, documents, books, and artworks on paper including watercolours, gouache, prints, pastels, ink, pencil and oil on paper, and mixed media works.  The work involves a wide range of treatments from routine cleaning and stabilisation, through to executing complex treatments on both contemporary and historical works.  Coordinating the delivery of insurance jobs, often with support from casual staff, is also a feature of the work.

Day to day activities include consulting with clients and colleagues to quote on and undertake all technical aspects of conservation and client liaison. Disaster response is an important component of the work, which covers health and safety planning and recovery of items damaged by fire, flood and other emergency events.  You will alsowork closely with the Director of Fine Arts Conservation to write tenders and submissions for large jobs, and coordinate smooth team functioning.

Other responsibilities may include project planning and implementation, job budget management, time management, subcontractor liaison, disaster response, WHS in the lab, and report writing.  

Our ideal candidate will have:

• 6-10 years work experience as a Paper Conservator
• High level hands-on technical skills for a variety of project situations
• Excellent English written and verbal communication skills, including detailed report writing
• Ability to make positive contributions in a team environment and also work independently
• Experience in leading a small team and creating a positive work environment
• Experience managing projects involving ongoing staff, casual staff and contractors.
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Sound working knowledge of and commitment to WHS practicesin the workplace
• Commitment to providing excellent client service
• Membership of the AICCM (Australian Institute forConservation of Cultural Material) or equivalent other professionalorganisation, or eligibility to apply for membership
• Excellent computer skills including MS Office and basicphoto applications
• Drivers Licence (essential)

What we offer:

In return for your hardwork and professionalism, you will be entitled to a range of benefits including:

• Huge variety of type and scale of projects
• A generous annual professional development allowance
• Mobile phone for business and personal use
• Great working environment and people
• Flexible working arrangements

Salary will be commensurate with experience in the range of $94,368 - $103,824 plus 11.5% superannuation.

Download the position description and submit your application using the online application form on the ICS website.

Your application must include a detailed resume, two referee contacts from current or previous employers, and a covering letter outlining why you believe you are suited for this job. Please refer to the selection criteria on the final page of the position description.

Applications will be reviewed upon receipt.

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