ROLE DESCRIPTION
STREAM E (ASO1–ASO2, OPS1–OPS2, TGO0-TGO1)
ROLE TITLE:
Casual Assistant, Aboriginal & Archaeology Collections
AGENCY:
Department of the Premier and Cabinet
CLASSIFICATION:
OPS2
DIVISION:
South Australian Museum
ROLE NUMBER:
AR1057
BUSINESS UNIT: Science, Humanities
REPORTS TO: Head of Collections
ROLES REPORTING TO THIS ROLE:
ROLE PURPOSE:
The Casual Assistant, Aboriginal & Archaeology Collections is accountable for the collection, preparation, incorporation, loan and interpretation of items in the South Australian Museum’s Humanities collections and for
facilitating public and research access to the collection.
KEY OUTCOMES OF ROLE:
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Assisting with the day-to-day management and reporting of the Humanities Collection.
Working with the Curatorial/Research collective and with other Collection Management staff to
achieve the proper care and storage of items in the Humanities Collections.
Providing collections management assistance in other collection areas when required.
Assisting with the storage of collections in a manner that promotes their long- term well-being.
Ensuring that the schedule of conservation is maintained by liaising with Researchers, Collection
Managers and the Head of Collections.
Ensuring specimens in the Humanities Collections are documented as far as practicable through
maintaining and refining both paper based and digital systems.
Ensuring the specimen register and loans records of the Collections are up-to-date and accurate.
8.
Ensuring requested loans are selected, sent and returned and that loan forms are prepared for
approval.
9. Assisting with limited research programs related to the collections.
10. Assisting with the promotion and interpretation of the Humanities Collections to all stakeholders,
including conducting occasional tours of collection areas, coordinating collections access,
contributing to exhibitions development and participating in professional organisations and
activities.
11. Assisting with collections augmentation through field work, sometimes in remote areas, and
collection exchanges/acquisitions.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS / INTERACTIONS:
 Head of Collections
 Senior Researcher Anthropology
 Senior Collection Manager Anthropology
 Researcher for Archaeology
 Collections/Research collective
SPECIAL CONDITIONS:
 Occasional intra-state travel may be necessary. Out of hours work may also be required. A current driver’s licence is required.
 The Agency is a smoke free workplace.
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA:
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Some experience with record keeping and cataloguing.
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Some experience with computer databases and image scanning.
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Some experience in dealing with work and public contacts courteously and effectively
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Sound verbal and written communication skills.
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Some knowledge of museum collection management practices.
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Some knowledge of computer databases, image scanning and the World Wide Web.
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Some knowledge of Humanities classification systems.
CORE COMPETENCIES & ASSOCIATED BEHAVIOURS EXPECTED AT THIS CLASSIFICATION:
Understands the Big Picture
Recognises how they contribute to the big picture
Understands and supports business objectives
Adapts to a changing environment
Demonstrates an awareness and solves everyday problems that may impact on own designated work
tasks
Is aware of both internal and external factors and influences that may affect own work outcomes
Achieves Results
Makes effective use of own capabilities
Monitors and evaluates available information correctly to deliver the best results
Understands how work practices are governed by Public Sector legislation, regulations and policies
Is responsive and completes tasks within set timelines
Contributes own expertise to achieve outcomes for the business unit
Embraces Business Excellence
DPC VALUES:
DPC’s Values support the achievement of our objectives and build a high performing workplace. We will:
 Put our customers and citizens at the centre of our decision making (Service)
 Encourage and support innovation (Innovation)
 Respect and value our people and ensure their safety and wellbeing (Respect)
 Take pride in our organisation, our work and ourselves (Professionalism)
CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES:
Responsible for:
 Keeping accurate and complete records of business activities in accordance with the State
Records Act 1997.
 Maintaining a commitment to the Public Sector Act 2009, Ethical Conduct and the legislative
requirements of the Public Sector Act 2009 and Work Health and Safety Act 2012.
 Supporting and advocating Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and diversity in the workplace
in accordance with EEO legislation. In particular, maintaining a commitment to promote an
inclusive workplace in support of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and other under
represented groups.
Displays a ‘can do’ attitude and is open to change
Understands and analyses what information is important and how it should be used.
Is responsive to learning opportunities and works towards agreed performance standards. Takes positive
action following constructive feedback
Committed to delivery of strong customer service by understanding needs
Provides support to effective financial monitoring, and adheres to procurement and contract procedures
Develops Positive Working Relationships
Listens to and considers different ideas and discusses issues with consideration and care.
Acts sensitively and constructively in conflict situations to prevent escalating the problem.
Shares information and contributes to team discussions
Builds and sustains positive relationships with team members, stakeholders and clients
Communicates messages clearly and concisely
Understands the Need for Professionalism
Adopts behaviour consistent with the principles, values and ethics of the organisation
Provides accurate advice and acknowledges mistakes and learns from them
Works as directed to achieve objectives in difficult circumstances remaining positive and responding in a
calm manner
Seeks feedback from others. Is aware of how behaviour impacts on others. Seeks self development
opportunities
Understands, values and responds to diversity and treats people with respect and courtesy
Maintains safe work practices and wellbeing of self and others