Senior Heritage and Cultural Values Officer

Are you passionate about protecting Victoria’s rich cultural heritage? Do you thrive in collaborative environments and want to make a real impact on Country and community? We’re looking for a dedicated and experienced Senior Heritage and Cultural Values Officer to join our Forest and Fire Planning team in the Gippsland Region.

As a Senior Heritage and Cultural Values Officer, you will provide expert advice on the protection and management of Aboriginal and historic cultural heritage places, objects, and values. You’ll work closely with Traditional Owners, Registered Aboriginal Parties, and partner agencies to ensure cultural heritage is respected and protected during forest and fire management activities.

This role involves both desktop and on-ground cultural heritage assessments, contributing to operational planning and supporting DEECA’s commitment to cultural safety and self-determination.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct cultural heritage assessments and provide expert advice during forest and fire management planning and operations.
• Collaborate with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal Victoria, Parks Victoria, and other stakeholders to ensure respectful and integrated heritage management.
• Support compliance with relevant legislation, including the Aboriginal Heritage Act and the Heritage Act.
• Identify emerging risks and contribute to innovative solutions.
• Foster a culturally safe and inclusive workplace.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication skills, stakeholder engagement and problem-solving skills, and demonstrate a commitment to cultural safety and working in partnership with Traditional Owners. 

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 working with the key pieces of legislation for heritage protection and management, with particular emphasis on The Aboriginal Heritage Act and The Heritage Act for the identification, protection, and management of Aboriginal and historic heritage places, and objects.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is flexible within the Gippsland 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.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers. 

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Tuesday, 14 October 2025. 

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History 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. For more information visit applying for a role with us.