Job title: Curator Social and Natural History Collections
Ko wai mātou Who are we
Puke Ariki is a world-class cultural hub located in the heart of New Plymouth, Taranaki, blending a museum, library, and visitor information centre. Named after the "Hill of Chiefs," Puke Ariki honours the deep history and traditions of the region, bringing together stories of Taranaki’s people, environment, and culture.
At Puke Ariki, we strive to engage, educate, and inspire our community, ensuring the legacy of Taranaki’s past is cherished for future generations.
Ko te anga whakamua, me mātua mōhio ki ōna ahurea o mua – "To move forward, one must first understand the past."
Te āheinga The opportunity
As the Curator of Social and Natural History Collections, you will play a vital role in managing, preserving, and promoting Puke Ariki’s Social and Natural History collections for future generations. Your work will ensure these valuable assets remain accessible to the public and researchers, contributing to the cultural landscape of Taranaki.
Tino takohanga Key responsibilities
-Undertake best practice collection management and handling, documentation, cataloguing, housing and collection management for the Social and Natural History Collections.
-Research and utilise specialist resources and conservation techniques to ensure techniques used on the Social and Natural History Collections are the most appropriate and to museum standard.
-Maintain up-to-date and accurate databases and catalogues of the Collection.
-Deliver best practice and impactful exhibitions or contribute to exhibitions and exhibitions experiences, supporting research, documentation, interpretation and delivery.
-Support specialised internal and external research on the Social and Natural History Collections for inquiries, publication and exhibitions and promote and widen access to the Collection.
-Support Public Programme planning and delivery as relevant.
-Deliver and support the production of publications as well as presentations and exhibition-related materials.
-Undertake digital initiatives to preserve and promote the Collection.
-Ensure requests are answered in a timely manner and meet the performance expectations set.
-Assist with the preparation of and reporting on budgets and preparation of grants and sponsorship proposals.
-Contribute to Museum plans and policies as they relate to the Social and Natural History Collections.
-Contribute to a positive gallery team culture and collaboration across Cultural Experiences.
Ngā tino pūkenga me ngā wheako Essential skills and experience
-Relevant tertiary museum, heritage, curator or other qualification.
-Minimum 5 years’ experience in a relevant collection or curatorial role.
-Demonstrated experience in registration including object handling, cataloguing, movement and exhibition development and/or implementation
-Demonstrated experience with collection cataloguing and knowledge of Vernon data base a benefit
-A thorough knowledge of best practice care and preventative conservation processes for social and natural history objects.
-Knowledge of national and international museum practices and standards
-Capability in research, writing and public speaking and working in a team and with the public
-Knowledge of Taranaki social or natural history is an advantage
He aha ai a Taranaki? Why Taranaki?
With the stunning Mt Taranaki as a backdrop and the warm iron sands along our coast, it is no wonder Taranaki is one of the best regions in New Zealand and the world. In Taranaki it’s easy to achieve an enviable lifestyle without having to compromise your career. Our regions’ dynamic surf, multitude of parks and gardens, iconic walkways, major events calendar and mountain playground make this the place to live!
Ōu mātou rourou What we offer
At the New Plymouth District Council we aim to create and sustain a truly rewarding workplace environment for our staff including solid career pathways, learning and development opportunities as well as personal and professional development.
You can expect to start in this permanent full-time role with us between $78,207 - $84,289.
We have also put together an Our Peoples Package that spans Wellbeing, Development, Benefits, Culture and Recognition.
If you think this sounds like you, then we would love to hear from you!
Applications close Wednesday 23 October 2024