Principal Aboriginal Engagement

Principal Aboriginal Engagement and Heritage Approvals Advisor - Permanent Full Time - Perth CBD

Help shape WA's energy future — grounded in respect for Country and culture

We're seeking a Principal Aboriginal Engagement and Heritage Approvals Advisor to play a leading role in delivering major projects to build the transmission network for a cleaner energy future.

You'll lead the heritage approvals strategy by mentoring the specialist team, offering technical escalation guidance, and working with Aboriginal Corporations, First Nations people and government agencies to ensure that our projects are delivered with integrity, compliance, and deep respect for Country.

Your work will also embed a First Nations engagement strategy into Western Power and build our capability of working in partnership with First Nations stakeholders to ensure cultural heritage is understood, protected, and respected throughout our work.

If you're an experienced advisor who builds trust through cultural understanding, clear communication, and genuine collaboration, we'd love to hear from you.

Your Role in Action

• Develop strategic relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to support Western Power's decarbonisation program.
• Engage and influence internal and external stakeholders to develop the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategy and progress innovative strategic approvals.
• Provide technical guidance and escalation for heritage issues, ensuring effective stakeholder engagement during project development.
• Contribute to line route and site selection, including sustainability and multi-criteria decision-making assessments.
• Establish engagement frameworks, governance, and processes for the transmission program, including on-Country relationship activities.
• Partner with Aboriginal Corporations and communities to identify economic empowerment opportunities in procurement and employment linked to the transmission program.
• Collaborate with Environment, Safety, and Planning teams to develop heritage approval strategies.
• Apply strong knowledge of past policies and legislation impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
• Demonstrate cultural capability through respectful engagement, understanding protocols, and fostering a culturally safe environment.
• Work with the Principal Environmental Strategy and Policy Advisor to advance the "Caring for Country" offset program, building land management capability and capacity within Aboriginal Corporations.
• Drive clear communication, stakeholder alignment, and change management to achieve program objectives with minimal disruption.
• Build and maintain a collaborative working environment through open communication and effective relationships.
• Mentor and coach others to enhance cultural and professional capability.

What Makes You a Great Fit

• Bachelor's degree (or higher) in Environmental Management, or related discipline.
• 10+ years' experience in statutory planning and Aboriginal heritage approval strategies, risks, and opportunities in mining, construction and or infrastructure sector.
• Extensive technical experience in statutory (government) approvals, with a demonstrated ability to strategically plan and obtain approval outcomes.
• Extensive experience in engagement with Aboriginal stakeholders
• Strong negotiation and relationship skills and the ability to communicate at all levels of the organisation including C Suite
• Proactive, tenacious, and strong influencer with excellent communication and presentation skills including demonstrated ability to consult, guide and influence decision makers using appropriate authority.
• Strong business acumen, analytical and problem-solving skills and exposure to risk management and governance processes.
• Demonstrated management of consultants, including project delivery, budgeting, and reporting
• Highly developed analytical skills required to be applied to complex organisational challenges and opportunities.

By joining Western Power, you will contribute to powering a cleaner energy future. We are dedicated to fostering career development and promoting a healthy work-life balance, empowering you to drive innovation as we develop a network that will serve the Western Australian community for generations. You will also benefit from a range of perks and opportunities, including:

• Over 50% of our employment opportunities are driven by career progression.
• Flexible work arrangements to support part time work, working hours and working from home arrangements.
• The opportunity to purchase up to four weeks of additional leave per year.
• Access to salary packaging, social club activities, and discounted health insurance and gym membership.
• An award-winning employee recognition and benefits programme.
• An innovative team culture that's enabling the transition to renewable energy and decarbonisation.
• In addition to standard leave, enjoy three wellness leave days each year.
• Access to end-of-trip facilities at our Perth office and South Metro Depot, perfect for cyclists.

Applications close on 11 November 2025

We value diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Find out more about our Reconciliation Action Plan and Disability Access and Inclusion Plan.

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