Hocken Collections Assistant

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ACADEMIC DIVISION | TE WĀHAKA MATUA MĀTAURAKA 
UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO LIBRARY | TE PĀTAKA MĀTAURANGA O ŌTĀKOU WHAKAIHU WAKA 
THE HOCKEN LIBRARY | TE WHATA IRI KURA O HĀKENA

Are you passionate about heritage materials, possess an eye for detail and a commitment to collection care, appreciate cross-organizational workflows, and have a flair for sharing collections knowledge with diverse research communities?

The role | Te mahi

The University Library is seeking a Collections Assistant (Hocken Published Collections) to join our team.  

In this collections and research focused role, you’ll work in a team to provide meticulous collection management, while also ensuring that researchers and communities can discover and access Hocken collections.

You’ll work closely with Collection Assistants, Archivists, Curators, and Librarians in the Hocken and University Libraries to meticulously maintain Hocken’s significant published collections. You’ll also spend time in person assisting and interacting with students, staff and communities to positively guide their use of Hocken collections to fulfil their diverse research needs.

Your skills and experience | Kā pūkeka me kā wheako

If you appreciate the heritage of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific, while also being a systems thinker with an eye for detail interested in providing access to collections, this role will offer you the opportunity to work with nationally significant heritage collections, contributing to the research success of the Hocken’s diverse stakeholders.

What you'll bring:  
•    Sound general knowledge of New Zealand and Pacific history and culture. 
•    Experience working in a library, archive, museum or related heritage institution.
•    A creative, problem-solving mindset and enthusiasm for learning.  
•    Excellent communication and customer service skills.  
•    A commitment to precision and the ability to be accurate at all times.
•    Competency in the use of computers, including familiarity with databases and Microscft Office and an ability to adapt to new systems.  
•    The capacity to work as a member of a highly competent team without direct supervision.

About our team | Mō te tīma

The Hocken is one of the foremost research libraries in New Zealand celebrating the histories, culture and natural environment of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Pacific.

The Hocken is part of the University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Library, which provides high-quality information resources and services, recognising the diversity and needs of all stakeholders. Our expert teams strive to be responsive and innovative in our service delivery and to be a vital contributor to the University and wider community.

Further details | Pūroko

This is a permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week) position, Monday to Friday, located in Ōtepoti, Dunedin.

The position will be required to work occasional rostered half-days (3.5 hours) on Saturdays.

The appointment range for this role is $63,508 to $68,185.Top of range $73,640.

Please note that some physical work is involved, including handling collection material and working at height.

You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand to apply for this job.

The University of Otago is a workplace that values and utilises diverse and inclusive thinking, people, and behaviours. This means that we honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that the contributions of staff with diverse backgrounds, experiences, skills, and perspectives are valued and respected.

For further information or to discuss the role in confidence - please contact Kirstie Ross, Head Curator Published and Special Collections via the contact details below.

Application | Tono

To submit your application please click the apply button. Applications quoting reference number 2601382 will close on Sunday, 27 September 2026.

Applications may be reviewed as they are received. The University reserves the right to close this vacancy at any time.

Additional Information

Contact: Kirstie Ross

Position details: Job Description

Further Information: Department Website

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Location: About Dunedin