Film Preservation Officer
About the Job
Do you have good coordination skills, work well with people, have a good eye for detail
and an excellent knowledge of motion picture film post-production techniques? The
National Film and Sound Archive’s (NFSA) Preservation & Technical Services Section
require a Film Preservation Officer to oversee the work of its film preservation and access
work. The role requires someone with attention to detail, knowledge of film preservation
and restoration techniques, an ability to work independently and supervise a small
technical team, and an ability to seek out and share knowledge with colleagues from
various audiovisual disciplines.
In the Film Services team you will be required to supervise the day to day work flow and
operations, which is at an interesting point of time as the introduction and integration of
digital moving image preservation intersects with traditional photomechanical
preservation outcomes. A high priority for this position will be to work with digital specialists
to ensure the integration of digital services is successful within the lab.
You will also be required to coordinate production of both photomechanical and digital
workflows, maintain stocks of consumables, monitor the movement of collection material,
coordinate routine maintenance, report work progress to the Team Leader & PATS
executive and ensure the team operates with a strong focus on workplace health and
safety.
Skills and experience leading and training small teams and excellent communication skills
are essential for this position.
About the Team
The Preservation & Technical Services Section is a large section located in Canberra. We
maintain, preserve and copy archival motion picture film, audio, video and still image
material. PATS is made up of the following teams: Film Services, Video Services, Audio
Services, Audiovisual Conservation, Still Image Conservation, and Technology Support.
These sections are overseen by the PATS Executive team.
This position is located at NFSA Headquarters in Acton, ACT; within the Film Services team.
Page 1 of 3
Local Designation (Title)
Film Preservation Officer
Classification
APS 5
Salary
$68,000- $71,942 pa (plus superannuation)
Nature of Employment
Ongoing
Reference Number
88105
Branch
Collections
Section
Preservation and Technical Services Section
Immediate Supervisor
APS 6, Team Leader Film Services
Location
Canberra
Job Details
Under general direction undertake the following duties:






Coordinate and participate in the duplication and digitisation of motion picture film
to a high standard according to National Film and Sound Archive’s program
requirements.
Develop programs and procedures in film preservation; assist with development of
guidelines for duplication, digitisation, restoration and documentation; report to
management of preservation needs of various formats.
Supervise, and assist in training staff; manage workflow and quality control. Provide
advice to team manager on resource implications, throughput and completion
times for programs and projects.
Investigate and advise on current film preservation and restoration techniques,
equipment, work areas and consumable requirements. Conduct more complex
treatments of film materials.
Evaluate, describe and document preserved material; maintain work records and
assist with statistical reporting.
Liaise with staff, members of industry, the public and other institutions on
procedures, projects and preservation matters.
Selection Criteria
1. Ability to research, develop and implement new and improved technical
workflows, solutions , systems and training programs to meet current and future
demands for film preservation programs.
Page 2 of 3
2. Demonstrated ability to apply innovative copying, restoration and preservation
techniques to the preservation of fragile at risk film components, including
knowledge of digital restoration tools, within agreed timelines and allocated
resources.
3. Well developed written and oral communication skills and ability to work
individually or in a team environment. Ability to present technical knowledge to a
variety of audiences.
4. Demonstrated ability to liaise and maintain relationships with NFSA and Industry
stakeholders to achieve successful outcomes in both digital and analogue
applications.
Qualifications and Experience
Formal photographic qualifications not a prerequisite, however extensive prior experience
with photographic chemicals and film materials is essential as well as experience in a
professional laboratory film production or preservation environment.
Security Clearance Requirements
This position requires an Australian Federal Police (AFP) Criminal Record Check.
The NFSA is currently examining its security clearance requirements and may require a
security clearance for the position when the analysis has been completed.
Assessment Process
The assessment process for this position will include:

A written application
The assessment process for this position may also include:



An interview
Technical assessment
Referee checking.
Page 3 of 3