Senior Heritage and Cultural Values Officer

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 90,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action seeks a Senior Heritage and Cultural Values Officer to protect Aboriginal and historic heritage in the Gippsland Region. You will advise on protection and management of places, objects and values, working with Traditional Owners and partner agencies to ensure respectful heritage management during forest and fire activities.

The role requires expertise in Cultural Heritage Management, Archaeology or Anthropology, GIS or the ability to

Qualifications

• Qualification in Cultural Heritage Management, Archaeology or Anthropology.

Responsibilities

• Conduct cultural heritage assessments during forest and fire management planning and operations.
• Collaborate with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal Victoria, Parks Victoria and other stakeholders to ensure heritage is respected and integrated.

Job description

Senior Heritage and Cultural Values Officer

Are you passionate about protecting Victoria’s rich cultural heritage? Do you thrive in collaborative environments and want to make a real impact on Country and community? We’re looking for a dedicated and experienced Senior Heritage and Cultural Values Officer to join our Forest and Fire Planning team in the Gippsland Region.

As a Senior Heritage and Cultural Values Officer, you will provide expert advice on the protection and management of Aboriginal and historic cultural heritage places, objects, and values. You’ll work closely with Traditional Owners, Registered Aboriginal Parties, and partner agencies to ensure cultural heritage is respected and protected during forest and fire management activities. This role involves both desktop and on-ground cultural heritage assessments, contributing to operational planning and supporting DEECA’s commitment to cultural safety and self-determination.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct cultural heritage assessments and provide expert advice during forest and fire management planning and operations.
• Collaborate with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal Victoria, Parks Victoria, and other stakeholders to ensure respectful and integrated heritage management.
• Support compliance with relevant legislation, including the Aboriginal Heritage Act and the Heritage Act.
• Identify emerging risks and contribute to innovative solutions.
• Foster a culturally safe and inclusive workplace.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills, and demonstrate a commitment to cultural safety and working in partnership with Traditional Owners.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An appropriate qualification or demonstrated practical experience in Cultural Heritage Management, Archaeology, or Anthropology, and appropriate Geographical Information system (GIS) skills, or ability to acquire these.
• Knowledge of and experience working with the key pieces of legislation for heritage protection and management, with particular emphasis on The Aboriginal Heritage Act and The Heritage Act for the identification, protection, and management of Aboriginal and historic heritage places, and objects.

This is a fixed term position until 30 June 2028. The work location for this position is flexible within the Gippsland Region with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description , including the mandatory requirements.

Other relevant information

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact [e-mail].

• We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.

For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.