POSITION DESCRIPTION: CONSERVATION PROJECTS ASSISTANT

Transcription

1 53 Victoria Avenue Chatswood NSW 2067 Australia t f w Title Reports to Division/Department Location Conservation Projects Assistant Senior Conservator / Senior Conservation Projects Manager Conservation Division ICS, 53 Victoria Avenue, Chatswood 1. PURPOSE The Conservation Project Assistant is responsible for supporting a wide range of projects according to their skills and experience. Day to day activities include working collaboratively with team members, developing technical methodologies in collaboration with team members, project implementation, sourcing materials, drafting and contributing to project reports, and liaising with subcontractors. Providing assistance with the preparation of tenders and submissions is a key responsibility, along with implementing contracts and liaising with clients. The Conservation Project Assistant also provides technical advice in areas of their expertise, and supports the work of colleagues in other ICS sections. ICS staff are encouraged to broaden their skill base by supporting projects in other disciplines when opportunities arise. Fostering client relationships and networking to promote future work opportunities is also an important element of the role. 2. ENVIRONMENT International Conservation Services provides a diverse range of heritage and cultural material conservation and consultancy services. Our clients include public institutions, corporations and private individuals. ICS employs approximately 25 staff in conservation, administration and management roles. Our intern program provides opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience each year, and we also employ casual staff according to resourcing needs. Most positions are based in Chatswood, Sydney, and the majority of work occurs in our labs or on site around Sydney. ICS also employs a small number of staff in Canberra and Melbourne. There may be opportunities for travel to sitebased projects around Australia and overseas. Team environment The Objects and Outdoor Heritage Team has a permanent staff of 6, augmented by interns, contract staff or casual staff on a regular basis. Conservation work covers a wide range of projects for public institutions and private clients covering metal objects, sculptures, monuments and memorials, organic and plastic objects, ceramics, stone and glass objects, and archaeological and industrial artefacts. HR:Position Descriptions:2017:Conservation Projects Assistant:PD Conservation Projects Assistant 19 Jan 17.docx 1

2 Day to day work is a combination of lab work on small objects and site-based conservation and heritage projects, with a requirement for both project management and hands-on technical skills. In-house work is conducted on movable objects featuring a wide variety of materials and conditions. On-site projects are focused on the conservation of heritage objects and materials in or on buildings, engineering structures, outdoor artworks, monuments, ruins, etc. The team regularly consults with clients and writes condition assessments, maintenance plans and treatment proposals, and provides project management expertise for work on heritage sites. 3. CLASSIFICATION LEVEL Positions are classified at the level which most accurately reflects the work performed by the staff member, as required by ICS, taking into account the skills and responsibilities required to perform that work. Key factors used to assess classification level are: level of supervision, independence and problem solving, type of tasks performed, complexity of tasks performed, and qualifications, training or experience required. 4. KEY RELATIONSHIPS Supervision The Conservation Projects Assistant reports to: the Team Leader/s other project managers on specific jobs They may supervise or oversee work undertaken by: conservation technicians casual staff subcontractors Collaboration and Communication Internal: Conservators in team Conservators in other ICS teams ICS Management Business Operations staff Conservation Technicians Interns and work experience students Casual staff members External: Clients and prospective clients (private, corporate and government sectors) Sub-contractors Suppliers HR:Position Descriptions:2017:Conservation Projects Assistant:PD Conservation Projects Assistant 19 Jan 17.docx 2

3 5. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES Conservation treatments Undertake conservation work in collaboration with team members and clients. Conduct research and seek guidance from colleagues or contacts as required. Work to a high technical standard in accordance with the AICCM Codes of Ethics and Practice and the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter. Work with other staff as required, both within the team and in collaboration with other ICS teams. Manage work to achieve on time, good quality, profitable outcomes. Maintain treatment records as required. Project Management Support the writing of submissions and quotes, eg. liaising with conservators and subcontractors to obtain pricing. Administration of contract compliance. Implement ICS processes and standard project management practices to carry out jobs. Communicate effectively with clients and colleagues about job requirements and progress. Establish and maintain up to date job files. Support projects in other teams as required. Client Relations Obtain a clear understanding of client requirements and scope of work. Develop and maintain excellent client relations to promote prospective work opportunities. Provide regular advice to supervisors about client feedback. Support supervisors to effectively deal with client concerns. Teamwork and leadership Actively contribute to the smooth functioning of the team, eg. participate in team meetings, identify improvements in work practices. Contribute to the skills development of peers and team members, eg. through sharing technical and professional insights and learnings. Ensure labs and equipment are properly maintained. Business operations Work effectively with ICS administration staff to support the smooth operation of business processes. Support the timely production of invoicing and monthly financial reports. Engage with and contribute to the achievement of ICS strategic and financial goals. Professional Development and training Actively engage in personal professional development, eg. through on-the-job acquisition of expertise, formal training, and through professional activities, organisations and events. Promotion of ICS Present a professional approach when engaging with clients and contractors. Build the reputation of ICS by providing, developing and promoting high quality ICS client service. Represent ICS at conferences and forums, and when presenting papers, talks and advice as required. 6. ACCOUNTABILITIES AND CHALLENGES The ICS environment is multi-faceted, dynamic and diverse. Staff engage in a wide range of technical and administrative duties that impact on the smooth flow of work across the company. All staff meet the following challenges according to their level of responsibility and experience: HR:Position Descriptions:2017:Conservation Projects Assistant:PD Conservation Projects Assistant 19 Jan 17.docx 3

4 Quality outcomes providing practical, timely and effective solutions, often in relation to complex conservation challenges. Time management managing multiple small and large projects simultaneously to complete on time and within budget, in an environment where timeframes may need to change to accommodate unexpected, urgent work. Communications skills being an effective communicator in an environment where there is a high degree of client consultation and interaction on a wide range of objects and conservation issues. Business processes using ICS systems to track time on jobs and provide regular reports on progress. Managing client expectations engaging in timely and appropriate consultations with clients and ICS staff to achieve agreed outcomes. Company representative being confident to act as a representative of ICS, eg. engaging clients in conversations about conservation principles and techniques, presenting information about ICS services more broadly, making public presentations Managing subcontractors ensuring suppliers and subcontractors provide services as stated. Ethics being responsive to the requirements of clients, and working within internationally recognised standards and professional codes of ethics for the conservation of cultural and heritage material. Variation to scope of work being alert to changes in scope of work, and liaising with clients and supervisors to resolve. Teamwork fostering harmonious relations and working effectively in a team environment. Physical environments undertaking work in a range of external environments that may include working at heights, exposure to weather, or accommodating site-specific requirements, eg. public art collections, outdoor monuments, building sites, archaeological sites, etc. WHS understanding and implementing safe work practices in a wide variety of jobs and locations, in accordance with the ICS WHS Manual. Continuous improvement engaging with the ICS goal of continually improving work practices to obtain excellent job outcomes. Professional standing committing to achieving and/or retaining professional membership of the AICCM. AICCM Codes of Ethics and Practice and the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter understanding and abiding by the codes of ethics and practice. 7. AUTHORITY TO ACT The Conservation Project Assistant has a limited degree of autonomy in the management and direction of their own work, according to their experience and as agreed with their supervisor. All decisions must comply with company procedures and policy. Time and resources Manage time to accomplish assigned work. Occasionally supervise interns or casual staff to undertake basic work. Quality Responsible for quality of own work, in consultation with a supervisor. Financial Utilise company debit / store / credit cards (if relevant) in accordance with ICS procedures. There are no other financial delegations attached to this position. 8. PERFORMANCE INDICATORS All staff participate in regular performance and professional development reviews that focus on the key responsibilities and results identified for their position. HR:Position Descriptions:2017:Conservation Projects Assistant:PD Conservation Projects Assistant 19 Jan 17.docx 4

5 9. SAFETY AND WELLBEING RESPONSIBILITIES All staff must: Take reasonable care of, and cooperate with actions taken to protect, the health and safety of both themselves and others. Report all accidents, incidents and hazards to their supervisor as soon as is practicable, both verbally and in writing using the appropriate form. Be familiar with, and work in accordance with, the requirements of the 2011 Work, Health and Safety (WHS) Act and Regulations and the ICS WHS Manual. Staff acting in the role of site manager for site projects are responsible for implementing the Safe Work Method Statement and relevant components of the ICS Site Pack. 10. KEY SELECTION CRITERIA General skills and knowledge 1. Up to date knowledge and understanding of conservation and heritage practices and theory. 2. Interest in understanding material analysis and learning to develop treatment methodologies and options. 3. Some experience in condition reporting and assessment is desirable. 4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical report writing. 5. Good administration skills. 6. Proficient use of business technology including Microsoft Office software and digital photography. Discipline-specific skills and knowledge 7. Hands-on skills in one or more heritage or conservation disciplines Personal attributes 8. Strong interpersonal skills that foster good management and effective working relationships. 9. Demonstrated experience of working collaboratively and consulting with others in a team environment. 10. Ability to work independently, set priorities, and manage time effectively. 11. Strong commitment to client service. 12. Outcomes-focused, level-headed, with a helpful attitude, excellent work ethic and willingness to learn. 13. Enthusiasm for contributing to and furthering the work and aims of ICS. 14. Strong, demonstrated commitment to the AICCM Codes of Ethics and Practice and the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter. Experience years experience in heritage or conservation sectors, or a closely related field. 16. Previous experience of working in the private conservation sector will be valued. Qualifications 17. Tertiary or other qualifications in relevant heritage or conservation disciplines. HR:Position Descriptions:2017:Conservation Projects Assistant:PD Conservation Projects Assistant 19 Jan 17.docx 5

6 18. Drivers Licence ORGANISATION CHART See attached APPROVALS AND REVISION Written/revised by Approved by Approval date Ruth Thompson Operations Manager David West Executive Director 23 January 2017 HR:Position Descriptions:2017:Conservation Projects Assistant:PD Conservation Projects Assistant 19 Jan 17.docx 6