Cultural Heritage Engagement Officer

JOB TITLE: Cultural Heritage Engagement Officer
LOCATION: Warrnambool, Victoria 
TERM: 1.0 FTE, Full-time, fixed term - 12 months
SALARY: $71,100 - $86,800 per annum + Super
REPORTS TO: Cultural Heritage Manager (Biocultural Landscapes Division)

IDENTIFICATION: Designated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander appointment.

Who we are looking for

The Cultural Heritage Engagement Officer at Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) plays a crucial role in managing and preserving the cultural heritage of Eastern Maar. The Cultural Heritage Engagement Officer will work closely with the RAP Technical Specialists and Compliance Officer to assist in evaluating Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs) and Cultural Heritage Permits (CHPs) and ensuring compliance with the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and Regulations 2018.

The Cultural Heritage Engagement Officer will be a key point of contact for Eastern Maar community, external stakeholders, heritage advisors, and government agencies to ensure the protection and promotion of Eastern Maar cultural heritage, with a particular focus on significant cultural landscapes (such as the Moyjil Site Complex) and strategic partnerships. The Cultural Heritage Engagement Officer will contribute to the implementation of the Eastern Maar Biocultural Landscapes strategy, provide culturally informed advice, and support EMAC in its role as the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) for Eastern Maar Country.

As a Designated Aboriginal Position, this role provides an opportunity for Eastern Maar Traditional Owners or other Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people to gain the necessary experience to meet the Minister’s Guidelines on Heritage Advisor Qualifications and Experience under s189(1)(b) – “extensive experience or knowledge”. Successful tenure in the role may thereby lead to future opportunities for employment in the cultural heritage management sector.

What you'll be doing

• Contribute to evaluation of CHMPs to ensure compliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
• Contribute to evaluation of CHP applications, prepare documentation to support executive decision making and prepare cultural heritage permit documents within statutory timeframes and standards.
• Map out Cultural Heritage assessment areas and conduct related activities, such as onsite inspections, and develop skills for recording and registering Aboriginal places on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register.
• Provide authoritative, strategic, and timely advice to the executive team on Aboriginal cultural heritage matters including assisting in the preparation of reports and briefs.
• Assist with developing policies and procedures for managing EMAC RAP functions in accordance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and best practices in cultural heritage management.
• Provide culturally informed advice on the curation, custody, and repatriation of Aboriginal cultural heritage material for the EMAC RAP area.
• Support the development and implementation of the EMAC Biocultural Landscape Strategy
• Lead the management of repatriated collections and/or items held in the care of EMAC 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 Duties

• 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.
• Ensure compliance with legal and contractual requirements of the corporation.

What you'll bring

Essential

• Completion of, current enrolment in, or willingness to undertake the Certificate IV in Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management.
• Knowledge of, and experience in the identification, protection, and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage places, objects, and values under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
• Maintains a communication style that is honest, transparent, collaborative, supportive, and accountable.
• Implements strategies to build support from key internal and external clients and stakeholders.
• Ability to clearly define tasks and prioritise accordingly.
• Proficiency in the use of computer and telecommunications technology.
• Ability to communicate respectfully, sensitively and effectively with Eastern Maar Citizens and all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated experience of working collaboratively and influencing across multiple stakeholder groups.
• Sound project management skills with the ability to take initiative and manage issues.
• Strong problem-solving skills.
• Verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to communicate ideas using a wide range of tools.
• Proficiency in the use of computer and telecommunications technology

Desirable Criteria (Value Added)

• Strong understanding of the importance of Country to Traditional Owners, recognising the Eastern Maar Peoples as the Traditional Owners of the south-west region of Victoria.
• Commitment to and appreciation of Eastern Maar culture, values, perspectives, and heritage, including the impacts of colonisation and the importance of cultural continuity.
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Aboriginal self-determination, supporting the aspirations of the Eastern Maar community.
• Proven planning, problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to work through issues with moderate complexity and guide and/or coach others in the resolution of problems.
• Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills to engage with, influence and build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.

OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS 

Offers of employment can only be made once all required probity checks have been completed.  These include:

• Holder of a Working with Children Check
• Holder of a Current Victorian Driver’s Licence.
• Undertaken a National Police Check for Employment Purposes within the last 3 months

A request to conduct probity checks does not guarantee that an offer of employment will be made.

Working for Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation:

What sets us apart…

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements are available, subject to written agreement
• Salary Packaging (or Salary Sacrificing) benefits are available in accordance with the ATO-approved rates for Public Benevolent Institutions, currently up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment benefits up to $2,650 per year.
• Reasonable relocation assistance may be provided, subject to prior approval and negotiation with the successful candidate
• Employee Assistance Program
• A friendly and supportive culture
• Professional Development Opportunities

How to apply

Applications close: 11:59 PM, Sunday 15 November 2026

To apply, please send:

• Your resume outlining your employment history
• A cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria

To Ms Bansri Dave, HR Officer at ••••@easternmaar.com.au

If you have any questions about the role, please email Michelle Kay, Cultural Heritage Manager, at ••••@easternmaar.com.au

Read a full description of the position at https://easternmaar.com.au/cultural-heritage-engagement-officer/

Employer questions

Your application will include the following questions:

• Do you have a current Australian driver's licence?