City Historian And Heritage Advisor

Council Jobs; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 109,000 - 133,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Wellbeing initiatives

Rewards & discounts

Flexible work options

Job summary

City of Melbourne seeks a City Historian and Heritage Advisor to provide expert historical and heritage guidance that informs strategic planning and policy development. You will ensure Melbourne’s identity is reflected in decisions while bringing stories to life through interpretation, exhibitions and public programs.

The role involves researching Melbourne’s history, leading heritage projects, and collaborating with Traditional Owners and cultural institutions to deliver inclusive storytelling

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in history, heritage, or planning.
• Demonstrated heritage advisory and research experience.
• Strong knowledge of heritage planning frameworks.
• Ability to translate complex heritage info into clear insights.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide expert heritage and historical advice to inform city strategies and planning.
• Lead policy development embedding cultural heritage perspectives.
• Undertake research on Melbourne history and narratives for decision making.
• Champion heritage protection and adaptive reuse in city projects.
• Build partnerships with Traditional Owners and cultural institutions.

Skills

Heritage advisory

Historical research

Urban planning awareness

First Nations heritage

Communication skills

Collaborative teamwork

Education

Bachelor level in history/heritage/conservation

Master of Heritage Conservation or Cultural Heritage Management

Job description

• Help Melbourne embrace its history while shaping its future.
• Permanent Full Time Opportunity
• $121,095 + 12% Super

Join us in shaping Melbourne's future

The City Strategy and Urban Planning Branch is a team of 38 people that provide the long-term strategic direction that shapes the City of Melbourne’s future. Through research, foresight and strategic urban planning, the branch guides sustainable growth, manages city change and helps deliver the City of Melbourne’s long-term vision.

As part of our new operating model, we are building a team of talented professionals who are passionate about city shaping, evidence-based decision making and creating positive outcomes for City of Melbourne's communities.

About the Role

As the City Historian and Heritage Advisor, you’ll provide expert historical, cultural and heritage advice that influences strategic planning, policy development and city-shaping projects across the City of Melbourne. Working at the intersection of history, heritage and urban development, you’ll ensure Melbourne’s unique identity is reflected in decision‑making, while bringing the city’s stories to life through interpretation, exhibitions, public programs and community engagement. This is a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on how Melbourne honours its heritage while creating a vibrant future.

A Little More About the Role

• Provide expert heritage and historical advice to inform city strategies, planning frameworks, development assessments and city‑shaping initiatives, ensuring Melbourne’s rich history and identity are reflected in future outcomes.
• Lead and contribute to strategic projects and policy development, embedding cultural, historical and heritage perspectives into long‑term planning, place‑based strategies and organisational priorities.
• Undertake research and analysis on Melbourne’s history, heritage places and cultural narratives, translating complex information into clear, actionable insights that support evidence‑based decision‑making.
• Champion heritage protection, adaptive reuse and cultural storytelling, helping to preserve Melbourne’s distinctive character while supporting a vibrant, evolving and sustainable city.
• Build strong partnerships with Traditional Owners, heritage organisations, cultural institutions and community stakeholders, fostering collaborative approaches to heritage recognition, public engagement and inclusive storytelling.

To view full position description, please see attached document on job application page in “Position Information”.

About You

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in history, historical research, heritage, conservation, architecture, planning, or related discipline. For example, this may include a Bachelor of Urban Planning (or Architecture) and Master of Heritage Conservation or Cultural Heritage Management.
• Demonstrated extensive experience in heritage advisory, historical research or cultural strategy
• Strong understanding of heritage planning frameworks and urban heritage practice
• Knowledge of heritage priorities including protection, storytelling and First Nations heritage
• Strong research, analytical and communication skills, with the ability to translate complex historical and heritage information into clear, accessible insights for a range of audiences.
• Experience working collaboratively across multidisciplinary teams

About City of Melbourne

Located on the traditional lands of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation, Melbourne is globally recognised as one of the most liveable, diverse, and dynamic cities.

At the heart of it all is the City of Melbourne – a passionate, purpose-driven organisation where your work truly matters. As part of Team Melbourne, you’ll help deliver what’s most important to the people who live, work, study, visit and invest in our great city.

We’re proud champions of diversity, committed to continuous improvement, and driven by a shared vision for a vibrant and sustainable future.

This is more than just a role – it’s your chance to make a real impact, contribute to something bigger, and shape Melbourne’s future alongside a collaborative and forward‑thinking team.

What we can offer you at City of Melbourne

• Industry-leading parental and family leave – benefit from generous paid parental leave for primary and secondary carers, gender-neutral policies, surrogacy support, and a range of leave options to support you through every stage of life.
• A strong commitment to health, wellbeing and inclusion – access wellbeing initiatives, discounted aquatic and gym memberships, an Employee Assistance Program, and a workplace culture that prioritises psychological safety, diversity and belonging.
• Competitive rewards and financial benefits – including 17.5% annual leave loading, a discounted annual Myki pass, and access to a broad range of corporate discounts across insurance, banking, technology, health, retail, entertainment and more.
• Career growth and meaningful impact – work alongside talented professionals on city‑shaping initiatives that make a lasting difference to Melbourne while building your leadership capability and professional expertise.
• Flexibility that works for you – enjoy flexible working arrangements including hybrid work, flexible hours, accrued days off, time-in-lieu options, and part‑time or job‑share opportunities to support a healthy work‑life balance.

Submit your application by Sunday 1 November 2026 at 11:45 PM.

A few important things to note – don’t miss out!

• To be eligible, applicants must have permanent working rights.
• We are a child safe organisation. The City of Melbourne has a zero tolerance for child abuse. All employees undergo thorough safety screening, including a Police Check and, for most roles, a Working with Children Check.

Need more info?

For further information about the position please refer to the position description below or email *******@melbourne.vic.gov.au

Inclusion matters

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from all cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTIQA+ individuals, and people of all ages and faith backgrounds.

We provide reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process to support all applicants. If you require any adjustments, please let us know via the application prompts or inform our Careers team if you’re contacted for an interview.

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