Curator, Maritime Archaeology

• Full-time, Ongoing, APS 6 position
• $99,734 - $111,701 per annum plus 15.4% superannuation
• Australia’s leading museum located waterside in beautiful Darling Harbour

The Australian National Maritime Museum is seeking a highly experienced Curator, Maritime Archaeology to join the Knowledge team in a full-time, ongoing role. This position requires strong expertise in interpreting maritime archaeological sites related to Australia, both at home and abroad, spanning from prehistory to the recent past.

About the Australian National Maritime Museum
As one of Sydney’s most visited museums, the Australian National Maritime Museum shares our national maritime story across Australia and the world, online, onsite and through research, presentations and travelling exhibitions, and provides must-visit museum experiences that delight and inspire.

We connect our visitors with the oceans and waterways that are the heartbeat of who we are. From deep time to modern Australian and beyond, we explore our past, our present and future as an island nation shaped by sea, offering a sustainable and cohesive vision for the future.

The Museum welcomes over 2.5 million local, interstate and international visitors annually, and is supported by a thriving and passionate staff, membership, volunteer and education base. Find out more at sea.museum.

About the Role
The Curator, Maritime Archaeology plays a key role in investigating and interpreting maritime archaeological sites related to Australia, both at home and abroad, from prehistory to the recent past. It entails an active program of maritime archaeology, including participation in underwater and terrestrial expeditions and the appropriate dissemination of research results.

The position contributes significantly to maintaining a close relationship with the Commonwealth Underwater Cultural Heritage Program, State and Territory maritime archaeology/maritime heritage practitioners, and other external stakeholders. The Curator, Maritime Archaeology works with the Maritime Archaeology Manager to provide advice to the Museum’s Executive on matters relating to maritime archaeology and is responsible for aspects of the National Maritime Collection relating to Australia’s underwater cultural heritage, including historic shipwreck artefacts.

Please note: This recruitment process is intended to fill both current and future vacancies. While the position on offer is ongoing, a merit pool of suitable applicants may be established to fill similar ongoing and non-ongoing positions within the next 18 months.

Key Accountabilities
Under limited direction, this position is responsible for delivering the following functions:

• Provide professional and technical advice to internal and external stakeholders on maritime archaeology drawing on specialist knowledge and applying sound judgement.
• Prepare acquisition proposals and provide expert advice on submissions for maritime archaeology-related accessions into the National Maritime Collection, ensuring alignment with the Museum’s Collection Development Policy and Protection of Cultural Objects on Loan (PCOL) protocols.
• Work collaboratively with the Maritime Archaeology Manager to plan, coordinate and deliver maritime archaeology programs, both within and beyond Australian waters, ensuring outcomes align with organisational priorities.
• Contribute to the operational delivery of the Museum’s maritime archaeology activities, including participating in underwater diving programs, maintaining required certifications, and supporting fieldwork and training activities.
• Research, develop and deliver compelling content for interpretive and exhibition content relating to maritime archaeology ensuring accuracy, relevance and audience engagement.
• Represent the Museum in public forums, media opportunities, conferences, and cultural institutions networks effectively communicating maritime. archaeology work and enhancing the Museum’s profile.
• Undertake and publish research on maritime archaeology projects in both professional and general interest publications, contributing to the Museum’s knowledge base and reputation.
• Collaborate across the organisation and with key stakeholders to support the promotion of the Museum’s products, services, exhibitions, collections, events and commercial activities are being shared through inspiring and engaging content on site and online.

Selection Criteria
The successful candidate will demonstrate their capacity against the following:

• Demonstrated experience in maritime archaeology fieldwork, with the ability to apply specialist knowledge and contribute to the planning and delivery of field-based projects.
• Evidence of a publication record, including the ability to research, analyse and communicate maritime archaeology topics across academic, public and community-focused outputs.
• Strong public engagement and communication skills, with experience presenting in media, conferences, presentations, and digital outreach to diverse audiences.
• Proven ability to work effectively with a range of stakeholders including defence, government, the cultural sector and non-government organisations building collaborative and productive relationships.
• Demonstrated project management capability, including the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, work within budget constraints, and deliver outcomes across multiple projects.

Qualifications and/or relevant experience required
Mandatory:

• Postgraduate qualifications in maritime archaeology.
• Experience in museums, academia and/or underwater cultural heritage management.
• Rescue Diver Qualification along with Nitrox (EANx) endorsements, and a current, or ability to obtain a current dive medical.
• This role requires the physical ability to travel, including to remote and far offshore sites.

Desirable:

• Occupational SCUBA to 30m qualification (Part 1) under the Australian Diver Accreditation Scheme (ADAS).
• Surface-supplied breathing apparatus to 30m qualification (Part 2) under ADAS.
• Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) Coxswain Grade 3 (Near Coastal) certificate or similar commercial vessel operator qualification.
• Experience with Photogrammetric 3D Recording and digital model processing.
• Familiarity with or ability to use artefact or archival record keeping systems such as ELO or TMS.

When applying via our online e-recruitment system, please provide a written application addressing each Selection Criteria. Your current resume is also to be included in your application.
In addition to an application and your resume, the assessment process for this position may also include an interview and referee reports.

Applications Close: 11:30pm AEST, Sunday 26 April 2026. No applications will be accepted by mail or email.

Selection for this position will be made on the basis of relative merit which will be assessed against each item of the selection criteria. Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered for shortlisting by the Selection Panel. As part of the selection process the Selection Panel may invite candidates to undertake online testing, skills-based assessment and provide samples of written work at interview.

This position is open to all eligible members of the community, and we welcome and encourage applications from people with disability, the LGBTIQ+ communities, from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. To be an eligible member of the community, you must be an Australian citizen. Applications may be accepted from Australian permanent residents who are in the process of acquiring Australian citizenship. All employees will be required to satisfactorily complete an Australian Federal Police National Police Check and obtain and maintain a Working with Children Check registration.

What We Offer You
Working at the Museum offers a stunning office location plus access to a range of benefits including:

• A competitive salary, plus 15.4% superannuation
• Generous leave and flexible working arrangements
• Great training and development opportunities
• Rewards and recognition initiatives
• Our Employee Assistance Program (EAP – a free counselling service for you and your family).
• Wellbeing initiatives including free flu shots and reimbursement for optical
• Staff Regatta – Sailing on the Harbour.

RecuitAbility
RecruitAbility applies to this vacancy. Under the RecruitAbility scheme you will be invited to participate in further assessment activity for the vacancy if you choose to apply under the scheme; declare you have a disability; and meet the minimum requirements for the job. For more information see: RecruitAbility | Australian Public Service Commission (https://apsc.gov.au)

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