• FT, Fixed-Term - Parental Leave Cover
• Protect Heritage - Guide Best Practice - Strengthen Culture

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

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 an experienced Senior Archaeologist / Cultural Heritage Advisor to provide specialist expertise and leadership in the protection, preservation and management of Bunurong cultural heritage.

Reporting to the RAP Manager, this role plays a key part in ensuring Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs), Cultural Heritage Permit assessments, field investigations and heritage advice meet legislative requirements while upholding Bunurong cultural values and authority.

Working closely with Traditional Owners, Heritage Advisors, government agencies, developers and internal teams, you will provide expert advice, mentor emerging professionals and contribute to best-practice cultural heritage management across Bunurong Country.

This is a hands-on role that combines archaeological expertise, stakeholder engagement, fieldwork and technical leadership to support culturally informed decision-making and strong heritage outcomes.

The role also supports internal teams in meeting cultural heritage obligations while ensuring accurate records, reporting and legislative compliance.

What this role focuses on

• Protecting and managing Bunurong cultural heritage
• Providing expert archaeological and cultural heritage advice
• Supporting compliance with cultural heritage legislation
• Building capability across the Cultural Heritage team

Focus: Cultural heritage protection, technical leadership and cultural authority

Key Responsibilities

• Review Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs), Cultural Heritage Permit assessments and related heritage documentation.
• Conduct site surveys, field assessments and cultural heritage investigations, recording and reporting on heritage findings.
• Record and document Aboriginal cultural heritage places and objects.
• Provide expert cultural heritage advice to internal teams, developers, government agencies and stakeholders.
• Mentor and support Heritage Advisors and junior staff to build technical capability.
• Support the development and delivery of cultural heritage education and training programs for Heritage Advisors and staff.
• Build and maintain respectful relationships with Traditional Owners, government agencies, consultants and community stakeholders.
• Represent BLCAC at meetings, site visits and stakeholder forums.
• Prepare accurate reports, records and documentation within legislative timeframes.
• Contribute to the development and continuous improvement of cultural heritage policies, procedures and best practice frameworks.
• Ensure all activities comply with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic), organisational policies and cultural protocols.
• Ensure accurate record keeping, documentation and confidentiality requirements are maintained in accordance with organisational and legislative obligations.

What You Bring

Qualifications and Essential Experience:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Archaeology, Anthropology, Indigenous Studies or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in cultural heritage management, archaeological fieldwork and CHMP development.
• Strong knowledge of the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic) and cultural heritage regulatory frameworks.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work within legislative timeframes.
• Experience working with Traditional Owner groups and understanding Indigenous cultural protocols.
• Experience preparing technical reports, heritage assessments and regulatory documentation
• Experience in community engagement and stakeholder relationship management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and work within legislative timeframes.
• Proficiency in GIS mapping software and Microsoft Office applications.
• Current Victorian Driver Licence.
• Working with Children Check and National Police Check (or willingness to obtain).

Essential Experience:

• Demonstrated experience reviewing and assessing Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs) and Cultural Heritage Permit applications.
• Experience preparing technical reports, heritage documentation and regulatory submissions.
• Experience representing organisations in stakeholder forums, consultations or heritage-related meetings.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply cultural heritage legislation and policy frameworks.
• Experience supporting training, mentoring or capability development programs.

Highly Regarded:

• Experience working within a Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP), Traditional Owner Corporation or Aboriginal Community-Controlled Organisation.
• Knowledge of Bunurong Country and cultural heritage values.
• Aboriginality, particularly Bunurong Nation, is desirable.

Personal Qualities and Attributes:

• Strong commitment to protecting and preserving Bunurong cultural heritage.
• Highly developed communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong problem-solving and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Professional judgement, integrity and confidentiality.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively.
• Adaptable and solutions-focused in a changing environment.
• Willingness to undertake regular fieldwork, inductions and travel across Bunurong Country.

Why Join Us?

At BLCAC we are committed to building a strong Aboriginal workforce. Bunurong applicants are strongly encouraged to apply, and we are dedicated to providing a culturally safe and supportive workplace.

All our employees benefit from:

• A strong, culturally safe team environment.
• On-the-job learning and mentoring.
• Professional development opportunities.
• Flexible work arrangements where operationally appropriate.
• Supportive leadership and collaborative teams.
• Salary packaging opportunities.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to:

• Protect Bunurong cultural heritage and support Traditional Owner aspirations.
• Work on significant cultural heritage projects across Bunurong Country.
• Provide technical leadership and mentor the next generation of heritage professionals.
• Build strong relationships across government, industry and community.
• Contribute to meaningful cultural outcomes within a values-driven Aboriginal organisation.

As part of BLCAC's commitment to strengthening our Aboriginal workforce and supporting self-determination through employment, Bunurong applicants are strongly encouraged to apply. Aboriginality, particularly Bunurong Nation, is desirable for this role, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

Apply Now

Join Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation as our Senior Archaeologist / Cultural Heritage Advisor and play a key role in protecting Bunurong cultural heritage while supporting strong cultural authority and best-practice heritage management.

To apply, please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your skills, experience and interest in the role via the "Apply Now" button.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Suitable candidates may be shortlisted and interviewed prior to the closing date, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.