Heritage Project Officer, Major Projects

An exciting and unique opportunity exists for a talented and passionate individual to join the Community Relations & Heritage Branch in the First Peoples-State Relations Group as the Heritage Project Officer, Major Projects at the Department of Premier and Cabinet.

The First Peoples - State Relations Group is responsible for nation leading work in the areas of cultural rights, self-determination, treaty and truth-an extensive program of priority work with First Peoples. We recognise Victoria's First Peoples as the self-determining drivers of Aboriginal affairs in Victoria. We are committed to building ongoing, just and respectful relationships between self-determining First Peoples and the State as a priority focus.

Heritage Services provides business and operational support underpinning the work of FPSR. Key responsibilities include administering the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, which includes protecting and managing Aboriginal cultural heritage, maintaining a register of Aboriginal places and objects, working collaboratively with Registered Aboriginal Parties, and fulfilling the Secretary's role in administering Cultural Heritage Permits and Cultural Heritage Management Plans.

This Heritage Project Officer, Major Projects position is a dynamic operational role that works with a high performing team to manage Aboriginal cultural heritage across Victoria and facilitate planning approvals for major and significant projects by providing early and strategic advice to government regulators and proponents. This role supports the Manager, Major Projects with this important work.

The role is based in Melbourne and will also support the Metropolitan Heritage Program as well as other DPC regional heritage teams across the State. The role works closely with Registered Aboriginal parties (RAPs), Traditional Owners, Heritage Advisors, state and commonwealth government agencies and proponents to manage and protect Aboriginal cultural heritage for complex or large-scale projects. The successful applicant must be able to demonstrate an ability to provide strategic advice in relation to complex and sensitive issues. Formal qualifications, or extensive experience in cultural heritage management, are a requirement of this position.

The major projects program which this role supports seeks to manage a balance between the objectives of the government to ensure Aboriginal cultural heritage is protected where possible, and obligations under the _Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 _are met; and avoid unnecessary delays and costs for large and significant projects. The objectives also include the recognition, protection and conservation of Aboriginal cultural heritage in Victoria in ways that are based on respect for Aboriginal knowledge and cultural and traditional practices and recognition that Aboriginal people are the primary guardians of that heritage.

**About You**
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal cultural heritage management issues, including legislative and policy directions, Aboriginal community aspirations, current challenges and opportunities.
- Highly developed stakeholder management skills and ability to deal with stakeholder issues and manage expectations when making recommendations.
- Excellent verbal communication skills, including ability to confidently convey ideas and information in a clear way and to understand and meet the needs of the target audience.
- Highly developed planning and organising skills and ability to identify processes, tasks and resources required to achieve a goal.

**The closing date for this position is Sunday 09 November 2025.**

**How to apply**
- a resume; and
- a cover letter which addresses the key selection criteria (within three pages).

**This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.**

Working with us, you can make a difference not just in your career, but in the community where you work and live.

**Other relevant information**
- The department is committed to providing and maintaining a working environment which is safe and without risk to the health of its employees and clients and consistent with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (OH&S Act), to support this DPC has a COVID-19 Vaccination policy which strongly recommends all DPC employees be fully vaccinated._

We welcome applicants from all diverse backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people with disabilities. All roles at DPC can be worked flexibly, however it may differ from role to role.