• Position: Anthropologist / Senior Anthropologist
• Duration: Full-time, ongoing
• Location: Abbotsford office with flexible work arrangements 

About Us

The Wurundjeri Woi-wurruing Cultural Heritage Corporation (Wurundjeri Corporation) is a Registered Aboriginal Party appointed under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. The Corporation holds statutory responsibilities for the protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage and Aboriginal intangible heritage on Wurundjeri Country. Additional functions of the corporation include, environmental land management, cross cultural education, traditional welcome to country and smoking ceremonies, research and cultural consultations.     

About the Role

The Research Unit (RU) undertakes anthropological, historical and linguistic research dedicated to increasing our knowledge and understanding of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Ancestors, Country and culture to further the aims of the Corporation and community. The RU includes both a Cultural Values Program and a Native Title Team. This role reports to the RU Co-Manager responsible for the Native Title Team.

The primary function of this role is to conduct anthropological research and prepare reports for the purposes of the Wurundjeri Corporation’s activities in relation to the Native Title Act 1993, Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010. A key aspect of this is compiling ethnographic and ethnohistorical evidence to assist with the native title claim that was lodged by the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung community in the latter half of 2025.

The Anthropologist / Senior Anthropologist will also provide advice and support to the Boundary Negotiation Sub-Committee – this sub-committee of the Board of Directors coordinates the corporation’s engagement with neighbouring traditional owner groups and the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council in relation to its RAP boundaries under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. Other duties include carrying out or supporting the services provided by the Research Unit: assisting colleagues working in the Research Unit’s Cultural Values Program, facilitation of project meetings, workshops and on-Country activities, and review of documentary materials. 

Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities

• Undertake both desktop and field-based anthropological research, including the preparation of reports related to the above-mentioned legislation.
• Compile ethnographic and ethnohistorical information in support of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung’s extent of Country interests.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary research team that includes anthropologists, historians, linguists, archaeologists and lawyers.
• Assist with the coordination of Wurundjeri Corporation’s involvement in boundary negotiations and agreement making.
• Facilitate Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung engagement with external stakeholders and support consultation processes.
• Support the Research Unit to engage with units across the Wurundjeri Corporation to provide relevant cultural information.
• Demonstrated research ability to assist in the delivery of a Wurundjeri culture research programme.
• Providing research assistance to support cultural values services under direction.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with other Wurundjeri Corporation staff, the Wurundjeri Community, research institutions, government and other stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and maintain processes and systems that: 
  • Record, securely store and provide appropriate access to Wurundjeri cultural information. 
  • Provide expert research assistance and advice.
• Identify, in conjunction with your manager, areas for both personal and professional development, in line with your career development plan.
• Promote a safe and environmentally sound working environment and a culture of safe and responsible behaviours and attitudes.   

About You

• Degree in anthropology (Honours or above). Postgraduate qualifications not required but will be viewed favourably for consideration for placement at senior level.
• Membership, or eligibility for membership, of the Australian Anthropological Society.
• Applied experience working with Indigenous Australian communities including experience negotiating on behalf of Traditional Owner groups.
• For entry level Anthropologist role, experience working for a prescribed body corporate under the Native Title Act 1993, a native title representative body, Aboriginal land council, or as a consultant anthropologist in relation to native title will be viewed favourably. At least two years’ such experience required for placement at senior level.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and/or experience with relevant legislation including the Native Title Act 1993, Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 and Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010.
• A proven track record in ethnographic and qualitative research.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to undertake ethnographic and ethnohistorical research and analysis and apply this to modern extent of Country interests.
• Strong project management skills, including the ability to work to tight timeframes and manage a range of work tasks.
• The ability to conduct all duties in a confidential and culturally sensitive manner.
• Self-managed and able to take initiative.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team member in a collaborative and collegial manner.
• Demonstrated research ability to assist in the delivery of a Wurundjeri culture research programme.
• Knowledge and appreciation of Aboriginal cultures and associated matters including cultural safety and social issues.
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will be highly regarded. 

Benefits to working at the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation

• Cultural Alignment: Work with like thinking people to support and develop the Wurundjeri Community and Corporation to ensure on-going protection of the Wurundjeri Heritage.
• Collaborative culture: Work with a forward-thinking, diverse team that values your insights.
• Growth culture: We invest in your development with career pathways, mentorship, and training.
• Top-tier benefits: Competitive salary, health benefits, and work-life balance perks that make a difference.
• Make an impact: Be part of something bigger, helping us shape the services we deliver.
• Not-for-profit salary packaging benefits. (opportunity to earn tax-free income)
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Free onsite parking. 

How to Apply

If you are passionate about protecting and promoting the cultural heritage of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, please apply by submitting your resume and cover letter via the ‘Apply Now’ button.

If you would like further details about the role, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Anthropologist / Senior Anthropologist enquiry via EthicalJobs.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.