POSITION DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Projects Conservator
AGENCY:
Department of The Premier and Cabinet
CLASS:
PO1
DIVISION:
Arts SA
POSITION NUMBER:
BRANCH:
Artlab Australia
REPORTS TO
 Principal Conservator, Projects
POSITIONS REPORTING TO THIS POSITION
 Nil
PRIMARY PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Projects Conservator is accountable to the Principal Conservator, Projects for the provision of large objects conservation services to a broad range of clients. (Large objects include sculptures and
monuments, building materials and large technology objects.)
KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES
Contribute to the preservation of large objects and collections by:
 Achieving performance targets to meet project deadlines and chargeable hours while
maintaining quality of work.
 Applying appropriate conservation techniques, including assessment, research and treatment,
and ensuring that such processes are fully evaluated and documented.
 Maintaining accurate and timely documentation of treatments, time and financial records.
 Ensuring that conservation procedures comply with best practice, and established national
and international standards and codes of ethics.
 Supporting the management of projects, in particular quoting & tendering, procurement,
health & safety plans and site logistics (including permits, approvals, access, equipment and
site setup).
 Undertaking preventive conservation activities such as surveying, condition checking,
rehousing, storage improvement, planning and implementing conservation projects.
 Participating in the delivery of Artlab marketing, training and community services programs.
Contribute to team flexibility and productivity by:
 Collaboratively and proactively supporting the work of team members and working on joint
projects, including those across Artlab.
Assist in the acquisition of equipment and materials, including acquiring technical information,
undertaking risk assessments and providing advice.
Assist in maintaining the security of work areas, consumables and original material.
Contribute to the safety, health and welfare of colleagues by assisting in the maintenance of Artlab’s
OHS&W management system.
Comply with relevant legislation, policies and procedures including Code of Ethics, OHS&W and
EEO.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS / INTERACTIONS
SPECIAL CONDITIONS
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Intra and interstate travel and the provision of services on-site at client locations will be required
together with some out-of-hours work. Some international travel may also be required.
Principal Conservator, Projects
Conservation Project Manager / Senior Metals Conservator
Work collaboratively with Projects team members, including casual staff and volunteers
Work collaboratively with staff from other teams, particularly Objects
Liaise with Arts SA client organisations
ESSENTIAL KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / EXPERIENCE
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KEY CHALLENGES
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Working flexibly across different projects and balancing competing deadlines
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Meeting performance targets

A moderate to high level of physical activity associated with site work

Challenging nature of site work (variable weather conditions, working at heights)
POSITION DIMENSIONS
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Staff: NA
Budget: NA
Experience in the conservation treatment of objects together with excellent hand
skills/manual dexterity and a well-developed ability to handle delicate, complex and large
objects composed of a variety of materials
Sound knowledge of conservation principles and ethics and of current conservation
practices, techniques and procedures
Well-developed problem solving and time management skills
Physical ability to undertake conservation treatment of large objects (including ability to work
on site and at heights) and valid driver’s licence
Sound teamwork skills, well-developed communication and presentation skills, and ability to
liaise effectively with a broad range of people
Competence in the use of information technology to achieve work objectives, including use
of PCs and Office software, the internet and other electronic and presentation tools
QUALIFICATIONS
DESIRABLE KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / EXPERIENCE
ESSENTIAL
A degree in Conservation of Cultural Material (or equivalent), specialising in objects conservation
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DESIRABLE
Further education or qualifications that will be of benefit in the carrying out of the specified duties.
In particular, a degree or equivalent in science, archaeology, fine arts or art history, or relevant
trade qualifications.
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Experience in the conservation of large, site-based and/or outdoor objects, with a
specialisation in metals conservation
Excellent conservation treatment skills and an ability to undertake complex treatments on
large objects
Experience in quoting and tendering for conservation work
Experience in delivery of training.
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for:
 Keeping accurate and complete records of business activities in accordance with the State
Records Act 1997.
 Maintaining a commitment to EEO, Diversity, Ethical Conduct and the legislative
requirements of the OHS&W Act 1986.
Signature: ………………………..……….
Date: …../…../……..