Cultural Heritage Engagement Officer

Nrmjoenvironmental Jobs, Nrm; Warrnambool; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) is seeking a Heritage Advisor to lead assessments of CHMPs, PAHTs, ACHLMAs, CHPs, AHPDs and CHAs, ensuring compliance with the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act and related standards. The role involves on-ground heritage mapping and advisory support to EMAC executives.

You will work within EMAC’s Biocultural Landscapes Team, advising on repatriation, curation and preservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage across the RAP area.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification in Archaeology or Anthropology.
• Qualified Heritage Advisor as defined by the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
• Experience registering Aboriginal places on VAHR.

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation of CHMPs, CHPs and related authorisations.
• Conduct on-ground cultural heritage assessments and mapping.
• Register cultural heritage on VAHR.
• Provide strategic, timely advice to EMAC executive on heritage matters.
• Assist in repatriation and curation of material for EMAC RAP area.
• Collaborate with the EMAC Biocultural Landscapes Team to achieve outcomes.

Skills

Geographical

Education

Archaeology or Anthropology degree

Tools

Geographical Information Systems

Job description

• NOT a Designated Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander appointment.

Overview of Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation

The Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA) requires that, following a native title determination, native title holders establish a Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) to manage and protect their rights and interests. These corporations must incorporate under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act) and register with the National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT). Once registered, they become a Registered Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC).

Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) was established in 2011 as an agent PBC following a positive consent determination by the Federal Court, covering an area known as PART B - from Deen Maar (Lady Julia Percy Island) to Dunkeld - shared with the Western Gunditjmara People, represented by Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

In 2023, a second determination expanded EMAC's jurisdiction from Yambuk to Aireys Inlet, reaching Middle Creek and Ararat, and looping south to Dunkeld.

EMAC is a formally recognised Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP), with responsibilities for protecting and managing cultural heritage across a broader area extending to Winchelsea and Landsborough.

As the representative body for Eastern Maar citizens, EMAC leads the advancement of native title rights and interests, cultural heritage protection, high-quality policy advice, and initiatives aligned with the inherent rights, aspirations, and independence of its people.

Purpose of the Position

The position leads the assessment of Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs), Preliminary Aboriginal Heritage Tests (PAHTs), Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Land Management Agreements (ACHLMAs), Cultural Heritage Permits (CHPs), Aboriginal Heritage Protection Declarations (AHPDs) and Cultural Heritage Agreements (CHAs) to ensure compliance with the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act, regulations and prescribed standards.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

Key duties include:

• Lead the evaluation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMP's), Cultural Heritage Permits (CHP's) and statutory authorisations to ensure compliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
• Conduct on-ground assessments and mapping of cultural heritage.
• Register cultural heritage on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register (VAHR).
• Provide authoritative, strategic, and timely advice to the executive team on Aboriginal cultural heritage matters, including the preparation of reports and briefs.
• Provide advice on the curation, custody, and repatriation of Aboriginal cultural heritage material for the EMAC RAP area.
• Assist in the development of and lead in the oversight of repatriated collections and/or items for cataloguing, safe storage, and preservation.
• Work closely with other members of the Eastern Maar Biocultural Landscapes Team, including Cultural Heritage Manager, On Country Operations Manager and the On Country Guardians Team to achieve desired outcomes and strong working relationships.

General

• Provide regular updates on opportunities, challenges and issues.
• Be aware and adhere to The Privacy Act 1988, OH & S Legislation and other relevant legislation.
• Be aware and adhere to EMAC Policy and Procedure manuals.
• Be aware and participate in staff performance reviews.
• Attend all mandatory training as required.
• Perform other duties as may be directed or implied from time to time.

Key Selection Criteria - Essential

• Tertiary qualification in either Archaeology (preferred), Anthropology or a related field.
• Qualified Heritage Advisor as defined by the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
• Experience in the registration of Aboriginal places on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register.
• Ability to use Geographical