Family History Research Officer

About this role

This is an Identified position open to all Australian Citizens About the Group The Collections Services Group is responsible for the development, management, preservation and provision of access to the AIATSIS Collection at both Maraga (Canberra) and Mparntwe (Central Australia) sites. The Group manages, describes, preserves, digitises and provides access to the AIATSIS Collection. About the Program Area The Collection Access and Family History Unit sits within the Collections Services Group. The Unit manage services and policies for culturally appropriate access to the AIATSIS collection and Indigenous family history research. Role Summary This position plays a key role in the Family History team. You will support the Senior Family History Officer to provide culturally safe and ethical family history research services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly those affected by past government removal policies. This is a customer-focused role primarily responsible for conducting family history research requests and providing access to information to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people undertaking their own research. This role requires well-developed communication and interpersonal skills including a demonstrated ability to communicate respectfully and sensitively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders including our key stakeholders, the National Link-Up organisations. You will have a strong commitment to working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and sound understanding of cultural sensitivities as they specifically relate to family history research and use of the AIATSIS collection. The work is grounded in respect for privacy, confidentiality, and cultural protocols, ensuring meaningful and ethical engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. • conduct basic family history research using the IATSIS Collection and external collections, including archives, mission and church records, oral histories, and public data sources to complete research reports. • support clients through guided self-help, providing clear advice and practical tools to empower their research journey. • contribute to the development and delivery of presentations, training, and outreach sessions, both at AIATSIS and in community settings. • maintain databases, assist with monitoring and reporting to family history unit business plans. • other administrative tasks as required.