Heritage Officer
On Offer
Salary range between $80,029– $82,615 per annum depending on qualifications, skills and experience plus superannuation.
Annual salary increase every year based on CPI.
Salary packaging (up to $15,899 a year, + meal/entertainment benefit of $2,650 a year).
5 weeks annual leave per year + additional leave to cover the Christmas shut down period + 17.5% leave loading
10 days Noongar Cultural Leave per annum.
5 days compassionate leave per occasion.
Employee Assistance Program.
The Role
The Heritage Officer works within a multi-disciplinary team of heritage specialists to protect the cultural heritage of Noongar people throughout the Wagyl Kaip Southern Noongar (WKSN) Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) area. The Heritage Officer is primarily responsible for the management and coordination of Noongar Standard Heritage Agreement (NSHA) activities. This involves dealing with Noongar Knowledge Holders, proponents, external consultants, government agencies, and other stakeholders, to organise heritage activities such as surveys, monitoring, and other operational heritage processes. It also involves working as part of the Heritage Team to contribute to all other aspects of heritage activities, including production of reports, and record keeping.
Location
The position is based in Albany, Western Australia.
Hours
Full time (37.5 hours per week).
Key Responsibilities
Promote the protection and understanding of Noongar cultural heritage including sites, values, culture, and Noongar connection to land.
Administer NSHA processes, including assessing Activity Notices to determine WKSN’s response to Proponent proposals, and writing responses to those Activity Notices in a timely fashion.
Contribute to the Heritage Team’s delivery of NSHA matters, including working with commercial proponents, external consultants, government agencies, and other stakeholders to ensure Noongar/Aboriginal heritage values are understood, respected, and protected.
Liaise with Noongar Knowledge Holders in the planning and coordination of heritage surveys, monitoring, and other operational heritage issues.
Maintain records in the WKSN Heritage Database.
Use the DPLH ACHIS system to gain information about existing cultural heritage sites, and the ACHKnowledge system to upload information about newly identified sites.
Review documents including reports, briefing papers, correspondence, submissions and advice on operational heritage and cultural issues.
Prepare reports to the WKSN Cultural Advice Committee (CAC) on relevant cultural heritage matters.
When required, conduct Request for Quotation processes for the selection of Aboriginal heritage survey providers.
Liaise with NSHA proponents, anthropologists/archaeologists, and consultants to obtain copies of finalised Aboriginal heritage reports.
Contribute to heritage reports.
Work collaboratively and respectfully with colleagues, board and committee members, proponents, stakeholders, regulatory authorities, and members.
Participate in the business planning activities of the team, in line with strategic plans, and contribute to the development of operational budgets, corporate plans and grant requirements.
Undertake other duties as directed.
Selection Criteria
Essential
Excellent oral communication skills, especially in a cross-cultural context, coupled with a demonstrated ability to communicate respectfully, clearly and effectively with Aboriginal people.
Ability to organise and coordinate work efficiently, to set priorities and to motivate others.
Ability to work effectively and respectfully communicate with all stakeholders including government/non-government proponents, survey providers, proponents, and the public.
IT skills with knowledge of Microsoft 365, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to undertake a demanding and complex work program independently and as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
Excellent written communication and report writing skills.
Desirable
Understanding of the South West Settlement, the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972, and the Noongar Standard Heritage Agreement.
A tertiary degree in a Cultural Heritage related field, such as Indigenous Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, or equivalent qualifications and/or experience.
Ability to use GIS and mapping software.
Experience working with Aboriginal people and communities to build effective and culturally appropriate relationships based on mutual respect.
An understanding of Noongar culture and history.
Specific Requirements
Diversity:
Under section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, WKSN AC seeks to increase diversity of our workforce to better meet the needs of our clients and stakeholders, and to improve employment opportunities and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Aboriginal people are encouraged to apply and identify themselves as being of Aboriginal descent in the recruitment process.
Physical Requirements:
A level of physical fitness is an inherent requirement of this position. The position requires the ability to work outside and to be able to walk moderate distances for extended periods.
Apply now:
Submit your resume and a cover letter showing how your skills and experience meet the job requirements, and letting us know why you would like to join our team.
For queries, please contact our heritage team at ••••@wagylkaip.org.au.