Heritage Management Specialist

What We Offer

• Competitive salary package, including access to not-for-profit salary packaging benefits of up to $15,900 per annum, plus up to $2,650 in meal and entertainment benefits (where eligible).
• Relocation assistance of up to $5,000 may be available for the successful candidate, subject to organisational policies, eligibility requirements, and approval.
• 12% Superannuation.
• Field loading for oversight visits.
• Travel allowance.
• Professional development and training opportunities.
• A supportive and culturally focused workplace.
• The opportunity to contribute to the protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage.

Join Our Team

Gnaala Karla Booja (GKB) is committed to protecting and preserving Aboriginal cultural heritage while supporting sustainable development across our region. Working closely with Traditional Owners, communities, industry, and government stakeholders, GKB plays an important role in ensuring cultural values are respected, protected, and maintained for future generations.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Heritage Management Specialist to provide expert advice, governance oversight, and leadership in cultural heritage management and compliance across the GKB region.

About the Role

Reporting directly to the Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) Lead, the Heritage Management Specialist is responsible for providing specialist advice, guidance, and oversight of GKB’s heritage management and compliance activities.

Working closely with the GKB Impact Team, the role ensures heritage surveys, assessments, and reporting activities are undertaken in accordance with legislative requirements, cultural protocols, organisational policies, and industry best practice.

This position plays an important role in protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage, supporting effective governance processes, managing heritage-related risks, and fostering strong relationships with Traditional Owners and key stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Heritage Governance and Compliance

• Provide expert advice on Aboriginal heritage legislation, Native Title requirements, and cultural heritage management obligations.
• Develop, implement, and maintain heritage governance systems, procedures, and compliance frameworks.
• Conduct compliance reviews, quality assurance activities, and risk assessments.
• Monitor legislative developments and industry best practice to ensure ongoing compliance.
• Support organisational continuous improvement initiatives relating to heritage management.

Heritage Survey Oversight

• Provide guidance and oversight to the GKB Impact Team responsible for heritage surveys and field assessments.
• Review survey methodologies, reports, and heritage documentation to ensure quality and consistency.
• Ensure heritage activities are undertaken in accordance with cultural protocols and organisational requirements.
• Support capability development and knowledge sharing across the team.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain positive working relationships with Traditional Owners, Elders, and cultural knowledge holders.
• Participate in culturally appropriate consultation and engagement processes.
• Liaise with regulators, consultants, proponents, and industry stakeholders as required.
• Represent GKB in heritage-related meetings, workshops, and forums.

Strategic Heritage Management

• Prepare heritage risk assessments and provide advice on potential heritage impacts.
• Contribute to project planning by ensuring heritage considerations are appropriately addressed.
• Support the development of heritage management plans, registers, and governance frameworks.
• Assist with identifying opportunities to strengthen heritage management practices across the organisation.

Reporting and Documentation

• Maintain accurate heritage records, registers, and associated spatial datasets.
• Review and oversee the quality of heritage reports and compliance documentation.
• Prepare briefing papers, reports, and compliance summaries for management and stakeholders.

About You

Essential Requirements

• Degree qualification in Archaeology, Anthropology, Heritage Management, Aboriginal Studies, or a related discipline.
• Minimum five years’ experience in cultural heritage management, heritage compliance, or a similar specialist role.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal heritage legislation, Native Title processes, heritage governance, and compliance frameworks, with the ability to provide advice on cultural heritage obligations, risk management, and regulatory requirements in Western Australia.
• Experience working respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills.
• Experience using GIS and heritage information management systems.
• Excellent communication, analytical, and report-writing skills.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience within mining, land access, infrastructure, environmental management, government, or resource sectors.
• Knowledge of the cultural heritage landscape within the South West region.
• Experience developing compliance frameworks, governance systems, and heritage management processes.
• Project management qualifications or relevant training.