Aboriginal Heritage Officer (Identified)

• Protect Heritage
• Care for Country
• Strengthen Culture

BLCAC is an Aboriginal organisation committed to strengthening our Aboriginal workforce and supporting self-determination through employment.

This is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identified Position designated under Special Measures in accordance with Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply. Bunurong applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

About Bunurong Land Council

Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) is the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) representing the Bunurong people of the South-Eastern Kulin Nation.

We advocate for the protection of Bunurong cultural heritage, the care of Country, and the wellbeing of our community and workforce across Greater Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula and the Bass Coast. Our work is grounded in culture, respect and strong governance.

About the Role

BLCAC is seeking a motivated and culturally committed Aboriginal Heritage Officer to support the protection, management and promotion of Bunurong cultural heritage across Bunurong Country.

Reporting to the Strong Culture Manager, this role undertakes cultural heritage assessments, field investigations, research and statutory reporting in accordance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic), Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018 and associated Ministerial Guidelines.

Working closely with Bunurong Traditional Owners, the Strong Culture team, government agencies, heritage consultants and project proponents, you will contribute to Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs), cultural heritage advice, heritage reporting and other statutory heritage activities that help protect Bunurong cultural heritage while supporting sustainable land use and development.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake desktop assessments, cultural heritage research and field investigations across Bunurong Country.
• Assist in the preparation, assessment and review of Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs), permits, heritage reports and other statutory documentation.
• Conduct archaeological surveys, site assessments and field investigations and participate in complex assessments and excavations where required.
• Maintain accurate Aboriginal cultural heritage records and contribute information to ACHRIS and the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register where appropriate.
• Engage respectfully and collaboratively with Bunurong Traditional Owners throughout heritage assessments, field investigations and consultation processes.
• Provide accurate cultural heritage advice and information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Liaise with government agencies, consultants, developers, land managers and community stakeholders.
• Maintain accurate project records, field notes, mapping and project documentation.
• Support the protection, preservation and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage in accordance with BLCAC values and legislative obligations.
• Participate in consultation activities with Traditional Owners and stakeholders in accordance with statutory requirements.
• Contribute to continuous improvement within the Strong Culture team.
• Undertake other duties consistent with the position as directed.

What You Bring

Qualifications and Experience

• Aboriginality is essential. Bunurong Nation is highly regarded.
• Meets, or has the demonstrated ability to meet, the Minister's Guidelines for Heritage Officer Qualifications and Experience issued under Section 165B of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic).
• Completion of Aboriginal cultural awareness, cultural safety or cultural competency training is desirable.
• Demonstrated experience undertaking Aboriginal cultural heritage assessments, field investigations and heritage management activities.
• Experience contributing to or preparing Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs), permits, heritage reports, survey reports and statutory heritage documentation.
• Demonstrated experience engaging and working collaboratively with Traditional Owners during cultural heritage assessments and field investigations.
• Sound knowledge of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic), Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2018, Ministerial Guidelines and associated heritage management processes.
• Ability to obtain and maintain access to the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register as a Heritage Officer.
• Demonstrated experience using Microsoft Office, heritage databases and digital mapping systems.
• Experience using ACHRIS is desirable.
• Experience using GIS, GPS and other digital mapping systems is desirable.
• Relevant practical experience in Aboriginal cultural heritage management within south-eastern Australia is desirable.
• Membership of a relevant professional body such as AACAI, the Australian Anthropological Society or Professional Historians Australia is desirable but not essential.
• Current Victorian Driver Licence.
• Current Working with Children Check and National Police Check, or willingness to obtain.

Personal Qualities

You are someone who:

• Has a strong commitment to protecting and promoting Aboriginal cultural heritage.
• Values culturally safe, respectful and collaborative engagement with Bunurong Traditional Owners and community throughout heritage assessment and management activities.
• Builds productive working relationships with colleagues, consultants, government agencies and project stakeholders.
• Demonstrates sound judgement, initiative and effective problem-solving skills.
• Has excellent organisational skills and can manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Produces accurate, high-quality work with strong attention to detail.
• Communicates effectively through clear written reports and professional stakeholder engagement.
• Maintains professionalism, confidentiality and ethical practice when managing sensitive cultural information.
• Is committed to continuous learning and professional development.
• Brings a positive, flexible and collaborative approach to working within a multidisciplinary team.

Why Join Us?

At BLCAC, we are committed to providing a culturally safe, inclusive and supportive workplace where culture, community and leadership are valued.

This role offers a meaningful opportunity to contribute to the protection and management of Bunurong cultural heritage while working alongside Traditional Owners and within a values-driven Aboriginal organisation committed to self-determination and cultural authority.

Our Employees Benefit From

• A strong, culturally safe and supportive workplace.
• Supportive leadership and collaborative teams.
• Professional development and learning opportunities.
• Opportunities to work alongside Bunurong Traditional Owners and community.
• Flexible work arrangements where operationally appropriate.
• Salary packaging opportunities.
• Meaningful work that contributes to Bunurong culture, Country and community.

Apply Now

Join Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation as an Aboriginal Heritage Officer and help protect, document and strengthen Bunurong cultural heritage for current and future generations.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Suitable candidates may be shortlisted and interviewed prior to the closing date.