Inside the NFSA: Your 60-Second Guide to a Government Career 🚀
Ever wondered what it’s really like to work at the National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA)? We’ve done the heavy lifting and reviewed their latest annual report so you don’t have to! In this quickfire overview, you’ll discover everything you need to know about the NFSA—from their core functions and must-see digitisation projects to the skills and qualifications they look for in new recruits. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or a fresh graduate, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to start or advance your government career at one of Australia’s most inspiring cultural institutions.
AT-A-GLANCE
Name of Department / Council: National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA)
Location: Headquarters in Acton, Canberra, with offices also in Sydney, Melbourne, and Access Centres across Australia.
CEO: Patrick McIntyre
Total Revenue:
While the annual report does not present one grand total in a single line item, the NFSA’s core funding primarily comes from government appropriations, plus earned and contributed revenue.
In 2023–24, the NFSA increased its earned and contributed revenue by 17% and received significant new government funding—totaling $86 million across various recent measures. This includes:
$41.9 million over four years for the AudioVisual Australia (AVA) mass digitisation program
$31 million over four years in appropriation uplift
$3 million for urgent capital works
$9 million to expand nitrate storage facilities
$1 million over four years for a partnership with the Torres Strait Islander Media Association
Total Number of Employees: Just over 200 staff (ongoing and non-ongoing) spread across multiple sites and classifications.
THE QUALIFICATION, CERTIFICATIONS, TRADES, PROFESSIONS, WORK EXPERIENCES & SKILLS MOST SUITED TO NFSA
Below are the key areas of expertise they value, plus how each qualification or skill can practically benefit NFSA activities.
Top 5 academic qualifications most suited:
Library and Information Science – Ideal for cataloguing and digitisation of archival materials.
Audiovisual Archiving / Museum Studies – Helps uphold preservation standards and manage historical assets.
Media, Communications or Journalism – Great for content production, marketing, and public engagement.
Computer Science / IT / Data Management – Essential for handling large-scale digitisation, data storage, and security.
Business or Public Administration – Useful for corporate governance, budgeting, and project management in a government context.
Top 5 certifications most suited:
Project Management (PRINCE2, PMP) – Coordinating large projects like the AVA digitisation initiative.
Cert IV in Digital Media Technologies – Hands-on skills for editing and preserving audiovisual media.
Cert IV in Training and Assessment – Developing and conducting training programs for staff, interns, or volunteers.
Cert IV in Work Health and Safety – Ensuring compliance around hazardous nitrate film and technical equipment.
ITIL Foundation – Improving IT service management to support digital infrastructure.
Top 5 trades / professions most suited:
Film and TV Production Crew – Helpful in scanning, editing, and knowledge of audiovisual workflows.
Electricians – Maintaining climate control and upgrading secure vault environments.
Carpenters and Fit-Out Specialists – Useful for constructing display spaces and refurbishing heritage areas.
Mechanics / Engineering Technicians – Keeps digitisation machines and scanners in top form.
Graphic Designers / Exhibition Installers – Critical for exhibit design, signage, and interactive multimedia.
Top 5 skills most suited:
Archival and Records Management – Organising and preserving everything from classic films to radio broadcasts.
Digital Preservation and IT Skills – Managing an ever-growing library of digital assets.
Research and Writing – Creating interpretive and storytelling content for exhibitions, social media, and more.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement – Working with donors, communities, and government bodies.
Project Coordination – Overseeing budgets, deadlines, and cross-functional teamwork.
Top 5 work experiences most suited:
Television / Radio Broadcasting – Direct experience with production, licensing, and curation of TV/radio materials.
Cultural Institution or Gallery Work – Familiarity with public-facing exhibitions and heritage collections.
IT Sector Experience – Essential for large-scale digital transformation and data management.
Film Festival / Events Management – Organising screenings, panel discussions, and promotional campaigns.
Government or Public Service Roles – Invaluable for navigating APS processes, policy frameworks, and compliance.
THE KEY FACTS
Name of Department: National Film and Sound Archive of Australia (NFSA)
Name of CEO: Patrick McIntyre
Location: Canberra headquarters, with offices and Access Centres Australia-wide
Year Founded: Initially formed in the 1930s (under a different name), established as an independent cultural institution in 1984
Main mission and purpose of the department:
To collect, preserve, and share Australia’s audiovisual heritage—including film, TV, radio, podcasts, music, videogames, and more.
Real-world example: The AudioVisual Australia (AVA) program will digitise 240,000 at-risk items for future generations.
Main duties of the department:
Collecting: Adding new materials that capture Australian culture and history
Preservation: Transferring and stabilising older formats so they’re not lost
Access and Discovery: Making items available through in-person exhibitions, digital platforms, and screenings
Education and Outreach: Working closely with schools, communities, and cultural organisations
Real-world example: Through a new partnership with the Torres Strait Islander Media Association, they’re digitising valuable cultural tapes and returning them to communities in the Torres Strait.
Key Projects, Key Strategic Priorities, Future Plans and Initiatives:
AudioVisual Australia (AVA) Mass Digitisation – Preserving not just NFSA’s collection but also some items from other national institutions
Refreshed Public Spaces – The Library and Mediatheque opened in Canberra HQ, showcasing collection highlights
Extended Nitrate Storage Facility – Backed by $9 million for safer, expanded storage of rare film reels
International Partnerships – Collaborations with film archives overseas to rescue lost Australian classics (e.g., Captain Thunderbolt (1953) rediscovered in the Czech Film Archive)
Did you know? Captain Thunderbolt (1953) was thought lost for decades until a print was discovered under the title Kapitan Blesk in Prague, leading to an exciting remaster project.
THE EMPLOYEES & REVENUE
Total Number of Employees: Slightly over 200 in total, ranging across many different APS classification levels.
Total Number of Employees at Each Pay Level: The annual report provides a detailed breakdown in its HR section; these range from entry-level APS roles to senior executive.
Salary Bands: While the exact pay ranges are not published in full, the NFSA follows the APS framework and has senior executive contracts in line with Remuneration Tribunal guidance.
Average Salary in the Department: Not listed as a single figure. It varies by classification and contract.
Total Revenue:
Composed of government appropriations, plus own-source revenue (from venue hire, licensing, philanthropy, etc.).
Significant new commitments total about $86 million across multi-year initiatives, including the AVA mass digitisation and nitrate storage upgrades.
Average Revenue per Employee: Not reported explicitly.
GETTING A JOB AT THE NFSA
Balancing cultural stewardship with government service, the NFSA offers a variety of career paths. Here are specific pointers on academic subjects, trades, experiences, and skills that can help you stand out.
Which academic subjects are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Certificate / Diploma Level:
Cert IV in Library & Information Services (for cataloguing and archiving)
Diploma of Screen and Media (for practical film and audio production)
Cert IV in Digital Media Technologies (for digital editing and workflows)
Bachelor / Master Level:
IT or Computer Science (for digital infrastructure and cybersecurity)
Arts (Film/Media Studies), Communications, or Journalism (content creation, curation)
Museum, Heritage, or Information Management (preservation, exhibitions)
PhDs:
Cultural Studies, Media Preservation, or Digital Archiving (policy leadership, in-depth research and innovation)
Which trades and professions are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Film Scanning/Projection Technicians – Operating advanced preservation gear
IT Specialists / Network Engineers – Handling data centres, server racks, and secure storage
Work Health and Safety Officers – Ensuring compliance in a complex environment (nitrate film, chemical processes)
Electrical/Mechanical Tradespeople – Managing air handling, climate control, and heritage refurbishments
Venue and Event Management Professionals – Facilitating public screenings, festivals, and conferences
Which work experiences are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Cultural Institution or Gallery Work – Insight into public engagement and care of heritage collections
Broadcasting and Media Production – Invaluable for archiving and processing TV/radio programs
IT Sector (Systems, Networking, Cybersecurity) – Handling huge databases and secure digital access
Film Festival/Event Coordination – Aligns with the NFSA’s public programs and marketing strategies
APS or Public Service Roles – Understanding of compliance, governance, and policy development
Which skills are likely to be most sought after, and of value, to this department?
Soft skills:
Communication, stakeholder engagement, collaboration, problem-solving
Technical skills:
Digital preservation, metadata management, film scanning, data engineering
General skills:
Research, public speaking, content marketing, volunteer or intern supervision
Which hobbies and interests align with the work of this department?
Collecting vintage media (vinyl, VHS, film reels) – Great foundation for archiving
Photography & Filmmaking – Hands-on experience with media technologies
Podcasting or Blogging – Builds storytelling and audience engagement skills
Tech & Gaming – Suits the NFSA’s growing emphasis on digitally born content
Volunteering at local museums or film festivals – Boosts practical experience in cultural events
Want more information on this department?
Contact the NFSA
Address: McCoy Circuit, Acton, ACT 2601, Australia
Telephone: +61 2 6248 2000 (Freecall: 1800 067 274)
Email: enquiries@nfsa.gov.au
Website: nfsa.gov.au
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