Part Time Registrar
Cairns Art Gallery is seeking a part-time Registrar to join our exhibitions team.
Salary: $37.73/hr plus superannuation
Job type: 0.4 FTE
Location: Cairns, QLD
Close date: Monday 29 June, 2026 at 11:59pm AEDT
Applications via SEEK
Registrar_PD.pdf
Position Objective
The Registrar plays a key role in advancing the Gallery's mission by maintaining the Cairns Art Collection to international museum standards, coordinating artwork movement and loans documentation, assisting with the monitoring of environmental and storage conditions, and ensuring accurate collection records on the Vernon database
The Registrar is essential in ensuring the careful handling, retrieval, packaging, return and relocation of collection material as well as assisting with incoming/outgoing loan works.
Key Responsibilities
Under general supervision and direction, this position is responsible for delivering the following functions:
- Assist the Exhibition Manager as required to coordinate, document and track all artwork movement for exhibitions and loans — including condition reporting, packing, transport quotes, installation and de-installation — ensuring loan conditions and international museum standards are met throughout.
- Maintain documentation around the Collection to international museum standards including support of the Cairns Art Collection information on the collection database (Vernon Software), accessioning new acquisitions, affixing accession numbers, recording locations, conducting regular inventories and supporting the annual stocktake and valuation.
- Monitor lighting, environmental conditions and condition of works on display; maintain storage areas, conservation supplies and workrooms to museum and OHS standards; and advise curators of any changes to artwork condition.
- Support the inward and outward loans program including condition reports, conservation and packing assessments, and loan documentation; assist with Cultural Gifts Program administration and collection folder management.
- Maintain accurate records on the Gallery's central filing system; update artist contacts database; assist with facility procedures, OH&S workplace checks, lock-up and Gallery operations including outside business hours as required.
Selection Criteria
The successful candidate will demonstrate their capacity against the following:
Essential
- Completion of a minimum of an associate diploma qualification and at least two years relevant work experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant skills, knowledge and experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of art handling procedures and documentation to museum standards, including condition reporting, packing and loans administration.
- Demonstrated knowledge of cataloguing and experience with collection management software (Vernon), the Microsoft Office suite and website development applications.
- Demonstrated organisational and administrative skills including the ability to plan and prioritise tasks, meet deadlines and work as a member of a team.
- Well-developed written and verbal communication skills together with a proven ability to positively interact with a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders.
- An understanding of copyright issues pertaining to moral and ethical rights.
- Demonstrated ability to supervise and train interns, volunteers, casual staff and contractors in museum-standard procedures.
- Valid driver’s licence (minimum C Class).
- Valid right to work in Australia.
Desirable
- Experience working with the Vernon collection management system or equivalent.
- Knowledge of preventive conservation and environmental monitoring in a museum or gallery context.
- Experience administering the Cultural Gifts Program or similar donation/acquisition processes.
- Current First Aid Certificate (HLTAID011) or willingness to obtain.
