Curator - Textiles at NZ Defence Force, Central Plateau

Mō tēnei tūranga mahi | About this role

Mō te tūnga | About the role

As Curator - Textiles, you will be responsible for the care, research, documentation and development of the National Army Museum's textile collection. Working within a close-knit team, you'll help preserve and share the stories of New Zealand soldiers through one of the country's largest military textile collections.

Key responsibilities include:

• Caring for, preserving and developing the National Army Museum textile collection
• Researching, cataloguing and documenting military textiles
• Maintaining accurate collection records and provenance information
• Leading preventative collection care activities
• Providing collection information to researchers, stakeholders and the public

The salary for this role starts at $74,124 with a midpoint of $82,239, inclusive of a 4% superannuation contribution. Appointments within this range are based on skills and experience.

Ngā pūkenga me ngā wheako | Skills and Experience

We're looking for a proactive and organised individual who enjoys working independently and taking ownership of their work. You'll bring a keen eye for detail, strong research skills, and a genuine interest in preserving and sharing New Zealand's military heritage. Experience working with museum, heritage or collection-based environments will be highly regarded.

We're seeking the following skills/qualifications:

• Ability to work autonomously and manage competing priorities
• High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Basic sewing machine skills would be advantageous
• Experience cataloguing and maintaining collection records
• Degree in Museum Studies, History, Heritage, Conservation or a related field
• Museum, heritage, collections or conservation experience
• A current full driver's licence

Nōu te rourou | What's in it for you

Safeguard your loved ones with a fully funded life cover of up to $300,000 and critical illness protection. Other benefits include discounted additional insurances, free will services and savings schemes for the Defence community. Get expert financial guidance and mortgage broker services. Find all our benefits and more on the Force 4 Families website.

NZDF champions diversity and inclusivity, valuing every member and fuelling their success. We embrace uniqueness, understanding that diverse teams drive creativity, innovation, and excellence. With an open door to all – irrespective of gender, ethnicity, ability, age, or family dynamics – NZDF offers a flexible, empowering work environment. Join us in shaping a brighter future, where everyone thrives.

Me pēhea te tuku tono | How to Apply

Applications close on Thursday 17 September 2026.

Use the links on this page where you'll be directed to the Defence Careers website.

Please Note:

• All applications must be made online, via the Defence Careers website. Each listing contains the Position Description.
• Your cover letter will be a key part of our selection process, so please highlight how your experience relates to the key activities outlined in the Advert and Position Description.
• Applicants will be required to undergo a pre-employment drug-screening test prior to any offer of employment being made.

NZDF Employees/Members – please apply internally via the HR Toolkit; this will ensure that you are visible as an internal candidate.

NZDF Contractors – please apply via the Defence Careers website.

NZDF Reserves – please apply via the Defence Careers website if you cannot access the HR Toolkit.

Please Note:

To be eligible for the required level of government security clearance with the NZ Defence Force, you need to meet certain citizenship and residency criteria. Here's what you need to know:

Low Level Security Clearance

• You must be a New Zealand citizen or you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa.
• At minimum, you must hold New Zealand Permanent Residence or have a current New Zealand Residency Class Visa, and you must be a citizen of and have lived in Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, United States of America or New Zealand continuously for the last five (5) years.
• You must have a five (5) year background history that can be verified and assessed appropriately by the NZ Security Intelligence Service (NZSIS) to determine if you are suitable for a security clearance at this level.

If you do not meet the minimum criteria, unfortunately, your application will not be accepted. We do welcome your application at a time when you will meet the requirements.