Archivist Processing and Description

• Apply your expertise in a values-based approach to archival description.
• Embed IDS&G principles into metadata finding aids and systems.
• Bring experience from formal study community work or caring for records on Country.
• This role is a special measure welcoming applicants from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to apply.

If you want your archival expertise to serve community-determined goals this is the role for you.

About VU:

At VU we aim to be one of the leading impact universities in the world. VU is an impactdriven university committed to equity excellence and opportunity. Based in Melbournes west and connected globally we put students first through the VU Block Model dualsector pathways and strong industry partnerships. We are a valuesled inclusive workplace where diverse talent is supported to make a real difference.

Victoria University is committed to promoting the participation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in education research knowledge exchange and employment. Victoria Universitys First Nations Action Plan outlines our commitment to Protecting Country and advancing recognition inclusion and self-determination for First Nations People

About the AHA:

The Aboriginal History Archive (AHA) is an Aboriginal-led initiative. We safeguard the evidence of Aboriginal self-determination and activate the power of our history to educate and transform. Every day we steward a community-controlled archive correct Australias historical narrative through primary sources and build the nations pipeline of Aboriginal historians researchers and archivists.

The Archive is a continuing part of the Aboriginal resistance Professor Gary Foley 2024

About the Role:

This is not just an archivist role - it is an opportunity to help build an Aboriginal-controlled institution that seeks to reshape Australias historical narrative.

You will steward the evidence of Aboriginal self-determination and resistance movements ensuring communities control their own stories while enhancing database quality and embedding Indigenous Data Sovereignty and Governance (IDS&G) principles into descriptive practices.

You will join a collaborative culturally grounded team working alongside fellow archivists community members and Aboriginal interns whom you will co-mentor and train. As the AHA builds a dedicated career pathway for Aboriginal historians archivists and researchers you will gain leadership experience while contributing to a vision of transitioning from a founder-led project to an Indigenous-governed institute.

If youve cared for community records or organised collections before - that counts.

Position Key Duties

• Contribute to development and implementation of processes for the accessioning arrangement and description of physical and digital archival collections
• Conduct conservation assessments and perform essential stabilisation tasks for physical materials coordinating with conservation specialists for complex preservation requirements.
• Provide high-quality advisory services to develop enhance and maintain detailed finding aids catalogue records and metadata that ensure consistent accurate and culturally respectful descriptions.
• Lead the systematic review and cleanup of legacy database records ensuring resolution of inconsistencies and enrichment of incomplete entries to maintain data integrity.
• Apply IDS&G and Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property principles in all descriptive and metadata practices.

Position Details:

• Classification:HEP7
• Salary:$101288 per annum - $109639 per annum
• Employment Type:Fixed term
• Hours per Week:36.75
• Location:Footscray Park

For a detailed overview of the roles duties and responsibilities please refer to the Position Description: Archivist Processing and Description

Special Measures:

This an identified opportunity under Special Measures of the Equal Employment Opportunity Act 2010. This means that only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

About You:

You bring archival expertise - whether gained through formal qualifications or through caring for community records organising collections on Country or working within community organisations.

Your background and experience

• Demonstrated hands-on experience in processing accessioning arranging and describing physical and digital collections.
• Proficiency with an archival collection management database and metadata standards in a culturally responsive way.
• Experience with database quality control legacy data clean up or auditing descriptions for accuracy consistency and discoverability.
• Understanding of preventive conservation principles and basic stabilisation tasks for physical materials.

What makes you an ideal fit

• Demonstrated application of IDS&G principles in collection management.
• Willingness to learn about the history of Aboriginal resistance.
• Experience collaborating with Aboriginal communities (or a genuine commitment to doing so).

Please note:The University is a Child Safe willbe requiredto hold a current Employee - Working with Children Check (WWCC) or be willing to obtain one prior tocommencingemployment.

Who to Contact

For further information relating to the position please contact:
Name:Rochelle Le Pere
Position Title:Project Manager
Email:

How to Apply

To submit your application please click on the Apply button.

Applications must be submitted as asingle documentcomprising:

• A cover letter
• Your curriculum vitae/resume
• Your responses addressing all selection criterialocatedin the position description
• Evidence of applicable qualificationslicencesand registration

Applications will close27 May 2026at5pm. This advert may close earlier should a suitable candidate beidentified. Early applications are strongly encouraged.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this role requires for applicants to have full and permanent working rights in Australia.

Why Join VU:

VU provides competitive salaries excellent superannuation and a variety of benefits. University fosters an environment where staff can excel achieve their goals and develop their careers. With a focus on diversity inclusion and family-friendly policies VU supports both professional and personal well-being. For more information please visitourCareers at VU Webpage

Our Commitment:

Victoria University is committed to fostering an inclusive respectful and socially responsible community. We honour our deep diversity by respecting First Nations perspectives and embedding sustainable approaches to Protecting Country while championing progressive inclusivity for allembracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples people with disability culturally and racially marginalised communities LGBTQIA individuals and people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds. As aWGEA Employer of Choice for Gender Equality we strive to create a place where everyone feels they belong and we ensure a positive barrierfree recruitment experience by providing adjustments and accessible formats upon request at or (03).