Cultural Heritage Officer Career Profile

What the role involves

Cultural Heritage Officers may support heritage assessments, site inspections, consultation, records, mapping, reports, compliance tasks and cultural heritage management processes.

The work can involve Aboriginal cultural heritage, historic heritage, archaeology, planning, environmental assessment, community engagement and project advisory work.

Typical employers

Cultural Heritage Officer roles in Australia may be found with:

• Traditional Owner organisations and Registered Aboriginal Parties
• state and local government heritage teams
• environmental and planning consultancies
• archaeology and cultural heritage consultancies
• infrastructure, energy and development projects
• museums, archives and heritage organisations
• universities and research organisations
• land management and conservation organisations

Key tasks

• supporting cultural heritage surveys and site inspections
• recording heritage places, objects, landscapes and field observations
• assisting with heritage reports, permits or management plans
• working respectfully with Traditional Owners and community representatives
• reviewing maps, project plans and heritage registers
• supporting compliance with cultural heritage and planning legislation
• coordinating meetings, field logistics and documentation
• helping project teams understand heritage risks and obligations

Skills and qualities

Cultural Heritage Officer work suits people with a mix of practical, technical and communication skills. Useful skills and qualities include:

• respectful cross-cultural communication
• strong research, writing and record-keeping skills
• attention to cultural protocols and legal requirements
• fieldwork and site documentation skills
• understanding of heritage, archaeology or land management
• ability to work with communities, consultants and project teams
• mapping, GIS or database skills
• care, sensitivity and professionalism

Qualifications and pathways

Cultural Heritage Officer roles may require study in archaeology, anthropology, cultural heritage, history, Indigenous studies, planning, environmental management or a related field. Aboriginal cultural heritage roles may also require cultural authority, community connection or specific training depending on the employer and jurisdiction.

• Bachelor degree in archaeology, anthropology, cultural heritage, history, Indigenous studies, planning or environmental management
• Certificate IV in Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management may be relevant for some Aboriginal cultural heritage roles
• Training in cultural heritage legislation, consultation, field assessment, GIS or heritage management systems
• Experience working respectfully with Traditional Owners, communities, consultants or land management teams

Cultural Heritage Officers may progress into Senior Heritage Officer, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Advisor, Heritage Consultant, Archaeologist, Cultural Heritage Manager, Environmental Planner or Heritage Policy Officer roles.

Salary and job outlook

Cultural Heritage Officer salaries vary depending on employer, jurisdiction, cultural heritage area, qualifications, fieldwork, consultation responsibilities, project complexity and seniority. Roles requiring specialist archaeology, cultural heritage management, legislative knowledge or community leadership may attract higher pay.

Where jobs are usually found in Australia

Cultural Heritage Officer roles are found with Traditional Owner organisations, heritage consultancies, government agencies, councils, museums, infrastructure projects, environmental consultancies and land management organisations. Many roles involve fieldwork and consultation across regional or project sites.

Tips for getting started

• learn the heritage legislation and protocols relevant to your state or territory
• build fieldwork, mapping, research and report writing experience
• develop respectful consultation and listening skills
• gain experience with heritage registers, CHMPs or environmental assessment processes
• approach Aboriginal cultural heritage work with cultural humility and respect for community authority

Related environmental careers

• Environmental Planner
• Archaeologist
• Environmental Consultant
• Community Engagement Officer
• Natural Resource Manager
• Cultural Heritage Advisor
• Conservation Manager
• Park Ranger