Conservation Manager

Tuhura Otago Museum is a New Zealand Immigration Accredited Employer

Dunedin, located on the southeastern coast of the South Island of New Zealand, is a city known for its rich history, stunning natural scenery, and vibrant cultural scene. We are home to New Zealand’s oldest university, the University of Otago, and the city’s cultural offerings extend to our renowned museums, galleries, and a thriving music and arts community. Positioned at the forefront of that cultural landscape, is Tūhura Otago Museum.

Our Museum was established in 1868, and through our province’s early gold rush history, we have been endowed with internationally significant collections. Today, our Museum houses some 1.5 million specimens and objects, spanning the Humanities and Natural Sciences.

To support our mission to “inspire and enrich our communities, and enhance understanding of the world through our collection, our people, and the stories we share”, we are seeking a seasoned conversation professional to join our team in a leadership capacity. Reporting to our Director of Collections, Research and Education, you will lead a small but passionate team and be entrusted in safeguarding, preserving and enhancing our diverse collections, spanning centuries and continents.

Key responsibilities for our Conservation Manager include:

• Providing conservation and collection leadership within Tūhura Otago Museum.
• Managing and assisting with the preparation of collection items for display, undertaking conservation assessments, scientific examinations, treatments, documentation, research, and publications.
• Working with our Collections and Research team and wider Museum team to monitor collection items and carry out preventive conservation.
• Assisting with the co-ordination and development of conservation policies within the Museum.
• Assuming responsibility for the conservation of Museum collection items according to professional conservation ethics, standards and practices.
• Providing hands-on leadership to enhance the longevity, stability and accessibility of collection items and facilitating public access to and enjoyment of the Museum collection.
• Taking a leadership role within the area of health and safety.

You will have a minimum of five years’ practical experience in the conservation of mixed collections (wood, metal, textile, plastics, stone, ceramics, glass, natural history specimens), a recognised tertiary qualification in conservation, and accreditation through ICON (or similar body). Strong communication skills, strategic thinking and the ability to collaborate and engage with your colleagues and our stakeholders are key attributes we value.

If you are looking for an opportunity to contribute your professional expertise and leadership capability as an integral part of our passionate team, whilst living in a city that is appreciated for its relaxed lifestyle, friendly community and natural beauty, we would welcome your application.

Tūhura Otago Museum is an approved employer with New Zealand Immigration for the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV). For further information, please visit https://www.immigration.govt.nz/new-zealand-visas/preparing-a-visa-appl…

To apply for the role, please do so at www.otagomuseum.nz/jobs by selecting the role you wish to apply for, completing the online application form, and uploading a single document cover letter and CV.

Applications will remain open until we discover our ideal candidate, so we encourage you to apply promptly.