Vaile Conservator, Archaeology and Metals

Posted: 30/07/2026
Closing Date: 24/08/2026
Job Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Auckland
Job Category: Advertising, Media, Arts & Entertainment
Mō mātou | About us

Tāmaki Paenga Hira: Tui tui hono tangata, whenua me te moana.
Auckland War Memorial Museum: Connecting through sharing stories of people, lands and seas.

Auckland Museum is a much-loved culture and heritage organisation at the heart of Auckland's identity, committed to outstanding management of its world-class collections, developing and sharing engaging content through its galleries, exhibition, events, educational programmes and the permanent and volunteer staff who tell the Museum's stories. We are Auckland's home of commemoration as well as the country’s oldest research institution and a major tourist destination.

Job Description
Mō te tūranga | About the role

The Vaile Conservator, Archaeology and Metals is a key permanent role within the Collection Care team at Auckland Museum. Supported initially by the EE Vaile Fund, this specialist position focuses on the conservation and care of archaeological and historic metal collections, including ancient glass.

You will contribute to the Museum’s strategic priorities by providing both preventive and interventive conservation treatment, advising on best-practice care standards, and engaging with colleagues across the Museum. Your mahi will help enable access to taonga onsite, offsite, and online while upholding the Museum’s commitment to kaitiakitanga, He Korahi Māori, and Teu le Vā.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead conservation strategies and make a significant impact through expert treatment, research, and interdepartmental collaboration.

Desired Skills and Experience
Ō pūmanawa | What you will bring

A tertiary qualification in the Conservation of Cultural Materials
Minimum 5 years’ experience in the conservation of metals, ideally including archaeological contexts
Experience working with taonga Māori or culturally sensitive materials
Practical expertise in a wide range of treatment techniques, including materials analysis (e.g., FTIR, XRF, Oddy, and Microfader testing)
Proven ability to communicate conservation priorities effectively across teams and with external partners
Excellent written and oral communication skills
Membership with NZCCM or equivalent international professional body is desirable
Familiarity with tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori principles is an advantage
Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou | What we offer

Flexible work arrangements to enhance your work and home life.
Availability to purchase additional annual leave
An award-winning wellbeing programme including free membership with Boost app and Myeveryday wellbeing.
An active social club which is part of the fabric of Museum life
Life insurance from your first day and discounted Health Insurance
Free museum membership and other staff discounts
Discounted onsite parking
Accredited by Rainbow tick
Check out our benefits page to find out more about why we love working here.

Tono mai i tēnei rā! | Apply today!

Closing Date: Sunday, 6 July 2026. We may arrange interviews with strong candidates prior to the closing date of this advertisement. Starting salary guide: NZD $88,000 to $94,000 per annum dependent on relevant experience and qualifications. You must be eligible to work in New Zealand to apply for this specialised position. Please view the position description here or select the apply button to view if on the seek platform.

Auckland Museum offers a rich and fulfilling work life where we embrace diversity and nurture our bicultural capability as demonstrated in our Teu le Va and He Korahi Maori strategies. We also offer a range of great benefits such as flexible work and leave and an award-winning wellbeing programme.

This is a great opportunity for someone looking to be part of a fabulous New Zealand organisation committed to telling our national and Auckland stories, reflecting our unique place in the South Pacific.

He Oranga Tangata ka ao
Enriching lives. Inspiring discoveries