Lead Archaeologist, Cultural Heritage Programs

On Country Heritage; Queensland; On-site; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

On Country Heritage seeks an experienced Senior Archaeologist to lead Aboriginal cultural heritage projects from scope to handover in Queensland. You will manage budgets, supervise teams, and ensure alignment with cultural protocols, reporting standards, and client requirements.

Responsibilities include preparing assessments, coordinating GIS inputs, and consulting with Aboriginal representatives. Strong leadership, management of risk, and knowledge of heritage law are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree in archaeology and demonstrated experience independently leading Aboriginal cultural heritage field programs and completing high-quality technical reports.
• Demonstrated management of project scope, schedule, budget, consultation and technical risk, including complex projects and competing deadlines.
• Working knowledge of the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld), applicable project agreements and relevant heritage and planning requirements; Queensland Heritage Act 1992 knowledge where relevant.

Responsibilities

• Lead assigned archaeological and cultural heritage projects from scoping through field delivery, reporting and handover.
• Maintain project quality, schedule, budget and cultural protocols, supervise project teams, and refer complex matters to the Principal Archaeologist.
• Prepare assessments, reports, management recommendations and technical inputs to heritage plans and agreements.
• Review field reports and GIS data for evidence, consistency and completeness; resolve issues before submission for approval.
• Consult with authorised Aboriginal representatives on project methods and findings; record participation and actions.

Skills

Project leadership

Risk assessment

Stakeholder consultation

Technical reporting

Team mentoring

GIS interpretation

Communication

Education

Degree in archaeology

Postgraduate qualification

Tools

Microsoft 365

Asana

GPS

ESRI Field Maps

Job description

On Country Heritage seeks an experienced Senior Archaeologist to lead Aboriginal cultural heritage projects from scope to handover in Queensland. You will manage budgets, supervise teams, and ensure alignment with cultural protocols, reporting standards, and client requirements.

Responsibilities include preparing assessments, coordinating GIS inputs, and consulting with Aboriginal representatives. Strong leadership, management of risk, and knowledge of heritage law are essential.