Heritage Advisor

About Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation

Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation (MAC) represents the Ngarluma, Yindjibarndi, Mardudhunera, Yaburara and Wong-Goo-Tt-Oo peoples, the recognised Traditional Owners and Custodians of Murujuga.

Murujuga is one of the world's most significant cultural landscapes, home to an extraordinary collection of more than one million ancient petroglyphs that reflect tens of thousands of years of continuous cultural knowledge, tradition and connection to Country. Following its inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Murujuga has been recognised as a place of Outstanding Universal Value, celebrating one of the oldest continuing living cultures on Earth.

Governed by a Board of Directors representing each of the five Traditional Owner groups and guided by the Murujuga Circle of Elders, MAC is dedicated to protecting, preserving and sharing the cultural, environmental and spiritual values of Murujuga for future generations.

As a growing Aboriginal Corporation, MAC delivers programs across cultural heritage, ranger services, environmental management, marine conservation, World Heritage stewardship, research and community engagement. Every role at MAC contributes to caring for Country while creating meaningful opportunities for Traditional Owners and the wider community.

Position Purpose

The Heritage Advisor is a key professional role within MAC’s Heritage Research team and plays a central role in supporting the protection, management and monitoring of cultural heritage across Murujuga National Park, the Dampier Archipelago and the Burrup Strategic Industrial Areas.

Reporting to the Heritage Research Manager, the Heritage Advisor works closely with Traditional Owners, the Murujuga Circle of Elders, Rangers, industry proponents, consultants and government agencies to ensure cultural heritage is managed in accordance with best-practice standards, legislative requirements and MAC’s cultural authority.

The role has a strong operational and compliance focus, particularly in supporting obligations under the Burrup Maitland Industrial Estates Agreement (BMIEA), facilitating heritage surveys, contributing to heritage research and data management, and supporting capacity building within the Murujuga Land and Sea Ranger program.

Key Responsibilities

Cultural Heritage Management

• Support the monitoring, assessment and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage across Murujuga land and sea country.

• Assist in identifying, recording and assessing heritage places, values and sensitivities, including rock art, archaeological sites and areas of cultural significance.

• Support the protection of National Heritage Values within and adjacent to Murujuga National Park.

• Contribute to heritage management plans, research frameworks and internal procedures.

Heritage Survey's and Fieldwork

• Coordinate and facilitate cultural heritage surveys, including logistics, documentation and field preparation.

• Work respectfully and collaboratively with Traditional Owners during surveys and site visits.

• Ensure surveys are conducted in accordance with legislative, agreement-based and best-practice heritage standards.

• Assist in identifying areas requiring further research, monitoring or protective management.

Compliance & Agreements

• Support MAC’s compliance commitments under the Burrup Maitland Industrial Estates Agreement and other relevant agreements.

• Assist with heritage-related approvals, reporting and correspondence with industry and government stakeholders.

• Review and contribute to consultant reports and heritage documentation to ensure cultural, technical and compliance standards are met.

Data, Systems & Reporting

• Maintain and contribute to MAC’s cultural heritage database, including spatial and site information.

• Assist with data quality, record-keeping and document control.

• Prepare heritage reports, briefing notes and summaries for internal and external stakeholders.

• Support the use and development of GIS and spatial data for heritage management purposes.

Capacity Building & Collaboration

• Work alongside Murujuga Land and Sea Rangers to build skills in site recording, monitoring and heritage management.

• Support training and mentoring opportunities for Rangers and emerging heritage practitioners.

• Foster strong working relationships with internal teams and external partners.

Governance, Values & Safety

• Work in a manner that upholds MAC’s cultural authority, governance frameworks and organisational values.

• Actively support culturally safe, respectful and ethical work practices.

• Comply with workplace health and safety requirements, including field safety protocols.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Degree (Honours or higher) in Archaeology, Cultural Heritage Management or a related discipline.

• Experience undertaking cultural heritage surveys and fieldwork.

• Experience working respectfully with Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owners.

• Excellent report writing and communication skills.

• Strong organisational and analytical skills.

• Experience using Microsoft Office applications.

• Current C Class Driver's Licence.

Highly Regarded

• Experience with GIS and spatial data management.

• Knowledge of Western Australian heritage legislation.

• Experience working with industry proponents, consultants or government agencies.

• Experience managing archaeological or cultural heritage databases.

• Experience working within large infrastructure, mining or environmental projects.

Why Join MAC?

Joining MAC means becoming part of an organisation leading Aboriginal cultural heritage management on a global stage.

We offer:

• Competitive market-related salary.

• Five weeks annual leave.

• North West Leave.

• Superannuation.

• Professional development and study assistance.

• Salary packaging opportunities.

• Employee Assistance Program.

• Flexible work arrangements where operationally appropriate.

• Opportunities to contribute to internationally significant heritage projects.

• A collaborative and supportive workplace that values innovation, integrity and continuous learning.

Why You'll Love This Role

You'll work directly with Traditional Owners, contribute to the management of a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, influence significant conservation and development projects, and help protect one of the world's oldest living cultural landscapes for future generations.

Applications will be considered and viewed as recevied. Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation reserves the right to close this position at any time.

For more information about this role, please contact the Human Resources Department on hr@murujuga.org.au