Cultural Heritage Coordinator

Description:

Applications closing on 05 March 2026, 09:00 AM

• Job TypeFull Time
• Package$97,420 - $102,832
• Position Description PD-Cultural-Heritage-Coordinator-Feb-2026.pdf(PDF, 213KB)
  
  

Purpose of the Position

The Cultural Heritage Coordinator will guide and assist GORCAPA to embed a technical and coordinated approach to working with Traditional Owners, build the organisation’s capacity and knowledge of cultural heritage management, and support the organisation in its work with the two Recognised Aboriginal Parties.

The position will support GORCAPA to meet statutory obligations and goals defined in key Acts, strategies, policy documents, and operational plans.

About The Climate Action, Resilience And Planning Team

The Climate Action, Resilience and Planning Team works across our organisation, community, state and local governments to ensure best practice is followed for the future sustainability of the Great Ocean Road region. The team provides high level leadership and support across the organisation in strategic and coastal planning. They are responsible for the development of strategic plans and govern strategies that guide the use and development of Crown land.

The team ensures that in all works the organisation undertakes, there is compliance with obligations under land use planning, environmental, cultural heritage, coastal management and other relevant legislation, policy, and regulations.

Key Accountabilities

• Lead statutory cultural heritage compliance for Authority projects, ensuring adherence to the Aboriginal Heritage Act and related legislation.
• Engage consultants to manage Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs), register Aboriginal Places, Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) and other heritage approvals.
• Undertake Aboriginal cultural heritage due-diligence assessments for low risk/low complexity projects and provide specialist advice on heritage risks, harm-mitigation strategies, and regulatory requirements.
• Manage consultants and drive CHMPs for internal projects and provide technical support for third-party CHMPs across GORCAPA’s estate.
• Assist in consultation on policy, procedures, and land management matters with Traditional Owners and Registered Aboriginal Parties.
• Act as GORCAPA’s technical representative in regulatory forums and heritage-specific stakeholder meetings.
• Engage consultants to manage a cultural heritage values assessment project to inform decision making and public land planning.
• Provide technical support during engagement with Traditional Owners and Registered Aboriginal Parties for plans, frameworks, and statutory approvals.
  
  

About The Great Ocean Road Coast And Parks Authority

The Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) is the dedicated Victorian Government entity entrusted with the care, protection and sustainable management of one of Australia’s most breathtaking and culturally significant coastal regions. Established under the Great Ocean Road and Environs Protection Act 2020, GORCAPA was created to address the complex and fragmented management of the coastline and ensure the long-term conservation of this iconic landscape.

GORCAPA is responsible for managing more than 170,000 hectares of coastal reserves, National Parks, Marine Sanctuaries and foreshores stretching along 355 kilometres of stunning coastline. This includes high-profile sites such as the Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Precinct and Cape Otway Lightstation, as well as local ports, community reserves and critical marine environments.

At the heart of its work is a commitment to protect the unique environmental, cultural, heritage and community values of the region. GORCAPA partners deeply with Traditional Owners, local communities and stakeholders to integrate cultural knowledge, ensure environmental stewardship, support sustainable visitation and build lasting benefits for regional economies and generations to come.

Qualifications And Experience

• Relevant tertiary qualification in cultural heritage, archaeology or a related discipline.
• Be a registered Heritage Advisor.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in Aboriginal cultural heritage management in Victoria, with experience in engaging with and communicating complex issues to Traditional Owner and Registered Aboriginal Parties, internal stakeholders, government organisations and communities.
• Demonstrated experience in the design, monitoring and evaluation of cultural heritage assessments and cultural heritage management plans, policies, programs and procedures with Traditional Owner and those identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders.
• Demonstrated understanding and proven experience in overseeing complex projects and policy development.
  
  

Knowledge And Skills

• Sound understanding of the statutory framework supporting cultural heritage protection and management.
• Understanding of public land management and emergency management.
• Have a demonstrated ability to build positive relationships with key stakeholders within private and government sectors and members of the public including Indigenous communities.
• Awareness of Aboriginal culture, current issues affecting Aboriginal communities and a commitment to improving outcomes for Aboriginal people.
• High level communication, analytical and negotiation skills with a focus on community development approaches, principles and programs.
  
  

Applications require

• A current resume
• Cover Letter
  
  

Everyone is welcome at the Authority

Here at the Great Ocean Road Coast and Parks Authority we are committed to creating a workforce that is diverse and is inclusive of all. We value and embrace the various experiences and perspectives people may have, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, religion, cultural background, disability, or sexual orientation.