Senior Aboriginal Heritage Specialist

This position will lead Aboriginal engagement to support Western Power’s Transmission (Tx) expansion program in managing Native Title and Aboriginal Heritage impacts beyond compliance outcomes. The role will manage land access and agreement making responsibilities, interface with Prescribed Body Corporate's (PBC’s) and Traditional Owner groups and partner with other Western Power business units to align the Tx’s program’s Aboriginal Engagement Strategy with the organisation’s broader strategy, values and principles. 

Your Role in Action   

• Facilitate implementation of the Tx 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. 

• Coordinate and attend heritage surveys across the various locations where Western Power operates to support the heritage approval process.  

• Drafting and submission of activity notices to relevant Aboriginal corporations and actioning responses including management of consultants when required 

• 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 activities consistent with Aboriginal Heritage agreements. 

• 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. Own strategic initiatives 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. 

 What Makes You a Great Fit  

• Being identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander as identified under section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act is a prerequisite to fill this position. 

• Experience in community engagement dealing with Aboriginal heritage and/or native title with knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal protocols. 

• Working knowledge of relevant legislation and administrative procedures in Western Australia in relation to Aboriginal heritage and native title. 

• 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 two wellness leave days each year. 

• Access to end-of-trip facilities at our Perth office and South Metro Depot, perfect for cyclists. 

• On-site café available for convenient meals and refreshments throughout the day. 

Applications close on 20 March 2025

We value diversity and inclusivity, encouraging applications from all backgrounds, including women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Find out more about our Reconciliation Action Plan and Disability Access and Inclusion Plan.  

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

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