About Bunurong Land Council:

We are a Traditional Owner organisation that represent the Bunurong people of the South-Eastern Kulin Nation. We aim to preserve and protect the sacred lands and waterways of our ancestors, their places, traditional cultural practices, and stories.

Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) is a not-for-profit Aboriginal Corporation that represents the Bunurong Traditional Owners and community. BLCAC was formed in the late 1990s by a small group of Bunurong Elders and warriors to provide representation on Bunurong Country, particularly around cultural heritage management and protection. The corporation was registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC) in 2000 and since then, membership has grown to over 300 members.

BLCAC is the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) for and on behalf of Bunurong People. We have overcome many obstacles on the way, but Bunurong People are now recognised as the Traditional Owners of their lands and waters across greater Melbourne, Mornington Peninsula, and the Bass Coast.

BLCAC members descend from the First People of the coastal areas around Port Phillip Bay (Narrm), with a provenance dating back well over 40,000 years. Our community has survived over200 years of kidnappings, slavery, massacres, poisonings, imprisonment, disease, and broken promises. We were removed from Country, our language silenced, but the survivors continued to tell and retell the stories of Bunjil and the Lore, family, dispossession, loss but continued to dreaming that one day we would come together again and restore the Bunurong community on our Traditional Lands.

Primary Objective:

The Senior Archaeologist/Cultural Heritage Advisor provides leadership and expertise in cultural heritage management, ensuring that Bunurong cultural heritage is preserved, protected, and promoted. The role involves liaising with government agencies, developers, Traditional Owners, Heritage Advisors and the wider community to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Conduct the review of cultural heritage assessments, meetings and fieldwork, including the review of Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs) and Cultural Heritage Permit assessments.
• Provide expert advice on cultural heritage matters to internal and external stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with government agencies, developers, community organisations, and Traditional Owners.
• Ensure compliance with legislative and policy frameworks, including the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (VIC).
• Prepare timely and accurate reports to meet regulatory, stakeholder, and organisational requirements.

Key Accountabilities:

• Conduct site surveys and field assessments. Record and document cultural heritage sites as required.
• Review CHMPs and CHPs within the evaluation timeframes according to FP-SR and BLCAC minimum standards.
• Develop or tailor training materials on cultural heritage legislation and best practices.
• Support more junior staff in their role through mentoring and supporting them to grow their technical skills.
• Facilitate education programs for Heritage Advisors.
• Maintain and enhance partnerships with government, community, heritage advisors and other stakeholders to ensure a positive and productive view of BLCAC.
• Represent BLCAC in stakeholder meetings and forums.
• Advocate for cultural heritage protections.
• Comply with all relevant legislation and regulatory standards.
• Ensure all information is recorded to achieve compliance with all organisational policies and procedure and legislative requirements.
• Ensuring organisation and community confidentiality is maintained.
• Ensure all cultural heritage activities adhere to the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (VIC).
• Support internal teams in meeting cultural heritage obligations.
• Gather and analyse cultural heritage data.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation. Prepare reports for regulatory bodies, funding agencies, and internal stakeholders.
• Comply with organisational policies and procedures to model best practice behaviour and performance to all staff.
• Compliance with and understanding of EEO Legislation.
• Review and update cultural heritage policies. Develop and implement protocols to support best practices in cultural heritage management.
• Provide recommendations for legislative and policy improvements.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Aboriginality – desirable.
• Demonstrated computer proficiency, including the use of Microsoft Office applications.
• Clear Working with Children Check, National Police History Check.
• Current VIC Drivers Licence.
• Relevant tertiary / postgraduate qualification in Archaeology, Anthropology, Indigenous Studies, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in cultural heritage management, field assessments, and CHMP development.
• Strong knowledge of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (VIC) and cultural heritage regulatory frameworks.
• Experience working with Traditional Owner groups and understanding of Indigenous cultural protocols.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work within legislative timeframes.
• Proficiency in GIS mapping software, data analysis, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience in community engagement and stakeholder relations.

Personal Qualities and Attributes:

• Strong commitment to the protection and preservation of Bunurong cultural heritage.
• Highly developed communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong problem-solving ability and conflict resolution skills.
• Capacity to work autonomously and as part of a team.
• Adaptability and ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.
• Commitment to ethical practice, confidentiality, and integrity.
• Ability to manage projects and timelines.
• Willingness to undertake regular fieldwork and Inductions, including travel to remote sites.