RWL Archive Intern 2025

ARCHIVE INTERNSHIP (Rowden White Library)

 

  • Part-time, Fixed Term, 13 weeks
  • Fantastic opportunity to gain professional skills and valuable work experience
  • You’ll be working within a varied and supportive workplace with a broad range of colleagues and clients.
  • Contribute to enriching the student experience at UMSU

UMSU – Where Passion Meets Purpose! 

With a living history that extends over 130 years, The University of Melbourne Student Union Inc (UMSU) is not just an organisation – it's a vibrant hub where creativity, diversity, and social justice intertwine to offer students of the University of Melbourne an enriching campus experience. We're the voice and heart of the student community, constantly buzzing with activities, events, and initiatives that make campus life unforgettable!

As a non-profit organisation run by students, for students, we keep the arts, representation, advocacy, live music, and cultural services alive on campus.

UMSU enables students to get more out of their time at the University. We provide opportunities for students to immerse themselves in a wealth of cultural facilities and events, whilst having access to quality support services. At its heart UMSU is committed to ensuring students have advocacy and representation on campus; ensuring student voices are heard while making students’ time at the University fun and enjoyable.

The UMSU Archive was established in 1993 and is under the care of the Rowden White Library which is responsible for its collection management and preservation.  The purpose of the Archive is to collect, preserve and make accessible to future generations material relating to the life and activity of students as it occurs in relation to the Student Union. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

 

Now in its fifth year, this internship is a developmental opportunity for a currently enrolled University of Melbourne student to gain valuable work experience across one of the University of Melbourne’s significant archive collections.

 

Working with UMSU staff and operating under the routine supervision of the Senior Library Archives and Events Officer, the position is accountable for collection management including the long-term access, storage and preservation of the collection.  It is anticipated the incumbent will use the skills and knowledge acquired through their academic pursuits and apply them in a professional setting.

 

 

Key Accountabilities will include:

 

  • Processing of the collection, including physical arrangement such as sort, box and label items;
  • Identify duplicates within the collection;
  • Create database records and edit existing records, as required:
  • Identify and allocate materials in need of conservation;
  • Identify and allocate materials in accordance with the Student Union digitisation policy and procedures;
  • Providing assistance to researchers as directed;

 

ABOUT YOU

 

To succeed in this intern opportunity, you will possess documented progress toward the completion of a degree in Art Curatorship/Museum Studies, Conservation at the University of Melbourne.  A valid Working with Children Check will also be required.  

 

Essential to your success will be your proven track record demonstrating strong interpersonal, analytical and communication skills, along with accurate data management.

 

You are an enthusiastic, highly motivated, methodical and organised professional with a genuine interest in pursuing this field of work as a career path.

 

If you're interested in further information, please see the position description here.

 

SELECTION CRITERIA

 

Essential Skills and Qualifications:

 

  • Progress towards the completion of a degree in Art Curatorship/Museum Studies, Conservation or similar;
  • A methodical, prudent approach with a keen eye for detail;
  • Strong interpersonal, analytical and communication skills, with the ability to show initiative and flexibility;
  • Demonstrated experience using a range of software systems including Microsoft office suite, with the ability to easily acquire new IT skills;
  • Ability to work independently and as an effective team member; and
  •     Proven ability to handle sensitive material with care, maintaining confidentiality of UMSU documents and other information.

 

 

Desirable Skills and Qualifications:

 

  • Experience in working with archives;
  • Experience working with archive databases and management systems;
  • Knowledge of the correct procedure for the safe handling of archival objects; and
  • An interest in or knowledge of conservation methods and practices.

 

In return we offer:

  • An eclectic workplace culture and flexible approach to our work;
  • True life/work balance – check out our benefits which include 5 weeks leave (pro-rata), leave loading 17.5% and 14% superannuation (pro-rata); and
  • Access to professional development opportunities tailored to you and your career path

 

This is a part time, fixed term (10.5 hours per week x 13 weeks) position with a starting base salary of $77,476.24 plus superannuation.

 

 

HOW TO APPLY 

 

Applications for this position close 5pm Friday, 14th February 2025 and should be addressed to

Sandy Hua at recruitment@union.unimelb.edu.au

 

Applications should include:

  • a covering letter (addressing the Selection Criteria)
  • curriculum vitae
  • contact details of three (3) referees


All applicants require:

  • a valid Employee Working with Children Check
  • verification of unrestricted work rights in Australia, for example, citizenship, passport or birth certificate
  • certified copies of qualifications, or documented progress so far


UMSU reserves the right to withdraw an advertised position at any stage.

At UMSU we value diversity, embrace difference and nurture a connected, safe and respectful community. UMSU is a proud member of the Australian Network for Disability. We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people of all cultures, abilities, sex and genders.