The Senior Heritage and Cultural Values Officer manages and supports the delivery of professional advice on the safeguarding and management of Aboriginal and historic cultural heritage places, objects, and values. The Senior Heritage and Cultural Values Officer is responsible for completing desktop and on-ground cultural heritage and values assessments to assist Regions and Districts to protect and manage cultural heritage during land management activities. These assessments are completed by working collaboratively with Traditional Owners, Registered Aboriginal parties, partner agencies, and Heritage Victoria. 

Relationships are a key part of the role and the Senior Heritage and Cultural Values Officer will be required to maintain effective working relationships with Traditional Owners, Registered Aboriginal Parties, First Peoples State Relations, Parks Victoria, Country Fire Authority, Heritage Victoria and other agencies as required. DEECA works in partnership with these agencies and effective collaboration is essential to cultural heritage safeguarding and management on public land.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An appropriate qualification or demonstrated practical experience in Cultural Heritage Management, Archaeology or Anthropology, and appropriate Geographical Information system (GIS) skills or ability to acquire these.
• Knowledge of, and experience in the identification, safeguarding, and management of Aboriginal and historic cultural heritage places, objects, and values.
• An understanding of relevant cultural heritage legislation and DEECA's Pupangarli Marnmarnepu 'Owning Our Future' Aboriginal Self-Determination Reform Strategy 2020-2025

This is a fixed term position available until 30 June 2026. The work location for this position is flexible within Hume Region with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

For further information please refer to the attached position description.

Applications close at midnight on Wednesday, 08 January 2025.

Other relevant information:

For this particular vacancy, priority consideration applies to Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform.

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check. 

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident. 

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.

This position is classified as an “identified position” aimed at increasing employment opportunities for Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People. The position requires an in-depth knowledge of Aboriginal culture and an ability to communicate with Aboriginal communities. Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

We recognise the significant responsibility to enable self-determination, be accountable to Traditional Owners and provide opportunities to strengthen First Peoples' connection to Country. We are committed to creating a culturally safe environment, where individuals feel safe, valued, and able to celebrate their culture, and spiritual and belief systems.

For general information about Aboriginal Employment at DEECA, please contact self.determination@delwp.vic.gov.au.

For further information including the position description, key selection criteria and to apply visit www.careers.vic.gov.au