Senior Aboriginal Heritage Specialist

Senior Aboriginal Heritage Specialist – Permanent Full Time – Perth CBD

This role leads Aboriginal engagement for Western Power’s Transmission Expansion Program, supporting the proactive management of Native Title and Aboriginal Heritage impacts beyond compliance requirements.

The Senior Aboriginal Heritage Specialist is responsible for land access and heritage management, and building strong relationships with Prescribed Body Corporates (PBCs) and Traditional Owner groups. The role works closely with internal stakeholders across Western Power to ensure the Transmission Program’s Aboriginal Engagement Strategy is aligned with the organisation’s broader strategy, values, and principles.

This position plays a key role in enabling respectful, outcomes-focused engagement that supports project delivery while strengthening long-term partnerships with Aboriginal stakeholders.

Your Role in Action  

• Lead implementation of the transmission expansion program’s Aboriginal Engagement Strategy, to achieve positive Aboriginal engagement and participation outcomes.
• Build and maintain relationships with Aboriginal stakeholders to act as the key on ground lead for consultation regarding the appropriate placement of Western Power’s network assets and to inform and obtain Aboriginal Heritage agreements.
• Provide strategic and technical advice to internal stakeholders on Native Title and Aboriginal Heritage Agreements and Aboriginal processes, policy, and statutory obligations to support timely project planning and Heritage Management Requirements.
• Support project assessments and outputs to ensure the early identification and consideration of heritage risk and approval requirements.  
• Coordinate and implement end-to-end processes, including obtaining relevant statutory approvals, for Aboriginal Heritage agreements.
• Develop and implement heritage guidance and standards to support the Tx expansion through collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
• Implement strategic projects that identify, manage, and mitigate the risk of adverse heritage impacts and drive sustainable improvement for Aboriginal communities.
• Manage, monitor, and report compliance obligations associated with Native Title and Aboriginal Heritage agreements and legislation.
• Inspect project areas with Aboriginal knowledge holders and consultants.
• Represent the organisation at internal and external engagement sessions. 

What Makes You a Great Fit 

• Extensive and broad cultural competency and community connections
• Tertiary qualification relating to Anthropology, Archaeology, Aboriginal Heritage, Environmental Science, Community and or relevant experience in advocacy for the Aboriginal community / recognised representative is desirable
• experience in community engagement, in mining, construction and or infrastructure sector, dealing with Aboriginal heritage and/or native title with knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal protocols
• Sound knowledge of relevant legislation and administrative procedures in Western Australia in relation to Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title
• Demonstrated experience in Native Title and/or Aboriginal Heritage negotiations
• Demonstrated organisational and project management skills
• Highly developed verbal/written communication, interpersonal, negotiation and presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to work within a dynamic environment and to work autonomously
• Ability to travel to Corporation regional offices and areas within the State (Valid WA Driver’s License Class ‘C’ or ‘C-A’)

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.
• 22 weeks paid parental leave and 5 days of First Nations cultural leave to support family and cultural connections.

Applications close on 5 March 2026 

We value diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and LGBTQIA+ communities. As a WORK180-endorsed employer for women, we are proud of our commitment to inclusion. You can learn more about this through our Reconciliation Action Plan and Disability Access and Inclusion Plan. 

Learn more about Western Power here: About (westernpower.com.au) 

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