Senior Aboriginal Heritage Specialist

If you're seeking a new opportunity that will challenge you to think bigger and imagine more, join us and our leading experts at Western Power as we create a new energy future for communities across Western Australia.

We are seeking a Senior Aboriginal Heritage Specialist on a Permanent Full Time basis. 

Western Power's role in the energy transition 

We are at the forefront of the energy transition and as part of our commitment to creating a cleaner energy future we established our new Energy, Transition and Sustainability business unit in 2023 to lead major customer engagement on future energy needs.

Within this recently established business unit, an exciting new function which is dedicated to the Transmission Energy Transition. Within this function we are striving to deliver exceptional value through:

• Focusing on new capabilities in transmission social performance
• Transmission environmental performance
• Demand Assessment strategic planning
• Establishing our Transmission portfolio management office

About the role

• Lead 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.
• 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.
• 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.

About you

• 10+ years’ 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’)
• Desirable - Tertiary qualification relating to Environmental Science, Aboriginal Heritage, Community, Business or Government services and or relevant experience in advocacy for the Aboriginal community / recognised representative e.g. being active in those communities.

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.

Joining Western Power

• We are an employer of choice, offering our employees a range of benefits that include:
• Very competitive salary plus 11% superannuation
• Professional Development opportunities including training initiatives
• An award-winning employee recognition and benefits programme
• Access to salary packaging, social club activities and discounted health insurance and gym membership.
• 2 wellness days per year on top of generous annual leave entitlements

Our commitment to Diversity

We are committed to our Disability Access and Inclusion Plan 2021 - 2027 and ensuring that people with disability have equal opportunities to gain and maintain employment with Western Power. It is strongly encouraged that people with a disability who meet the inherent requirements of the position description apply for this role.

We are also proud to have launched our Innovate RAP in Mar 2022 (Reconciliation Action Plan). Our Innovate RAP outlines our commitment to the Reconciliation journey in WA.

How to Apply

Submit your application and be added to our Talent Pools by clicking the ‘apply’ button, if you have the skills and are committed to our values… we will find a place for you!

Our recruitment process requires that all candidates who progress to the pre-employment stage must hold a police clearance issued within the last six months.

Applications close on 15 May 2024