Collections Curator

The Role

The Collections Curator will work collaboratively within a small team to provide curatorial and collections management support. The role contributes to collection development activities, including acquisition and disposal processes, while supporting the administrative and operational requirements of the Collections Management Directorate, History and Heritage – Air Force.

About our Team

We are seeking a motivated and professional Collections Curator to join the Collections Management Directorate, History and Heritage – Air Force, supporting the Senior Air Force Heritage Collections Manager (SAFHCM). The SAFHCM leads the stewardship of the Air Force Heritage Collection (AFHC), fulfilling the mission to collect, research, preserve and manage records and artefacts spanning the history of Australian military aviation from the Australian Flying Corps to today's Air Force.

Through this work, the Directorate enhances Air Force capability and reputation while meeting the expectations of a diverse range of stakeholders. Responsible for the management of the AFHC across a nationally dispersed network, the SAFHCM provides expert curatorial and collections management guidance to support the preservation, administration and accessibility of the AFHC. The role also works closely with government agencies, Air Force units, cultural institutions, veterans, serving members and their families, to deliver approved programs.

To support this important function, we are seeking a Collections Curator with experience in curatorial practice and collections management to join a small, high-performing team. Operating in a dynamic and fast-paced environment, the successful applicant will contribute to the ongoing development, management, and preservation of one of Australia's most significant military heritage collections.

Our Ideal Candidate

As part of a small team and under limited direction, the Collections Curator will undertake and contribute to moderately complex collections management activities within established timeframes. The role supports the achievement of History and Heritage – Air Force (HH-AF) objectives while operating within Directorate policies, procedures and governance frameworks.

To be successful in this role, the ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to source, analyse and manage information, represent the Senior Air Force Heritage Collections Manager (SAFHCM) and communicate effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Well-developed organisational and self-management skills, including the ability to prioritise competing tasks, manage workloads effectively and deliver timely, accountable outcomes in a dynamic environment.
• Practical experience in museum, archival or collections management practices, including the ability to undertake quality assurance activities and maintain accurate, relevant, and reliable collection data.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills with the demonstrated ability to share knowledge, provide guidance and contribute positively to team performance, including experience supervising or mentoring staff where appropriate.

Application Closing Date: 11:30pm Monday 24 August 2026.

For further information please review the job information pack, reference AF/04475/26 on https://defencecareers.nga.net.au/?jati=96BEE165-B817-79D4-F7CB-ED336AEB363E