Senior Aboriginal Heritage Specialist

Senior Aboriginal Heritage Specialist - Permanent Full Time / Perth CBD Office

Western Power is preparing the electricity network to support industry and the community as WA progresses towards net zero emissions by 2050.  A critical step in achieving this is transforming the existing network to support large-scale renewable energy generation needed to enable this extraordinary transition.  

As we grow a dedicated team to achieve these outcomes, we’re on the lookout for experts in the Aboriginal Heritage Approvals space to help us deliver large scale infrastructure projects with respect and protection of Aboriginal Cultural Heritage. Working in our Social Performance and Approvals team, this position plays a pivotal role in relationship building with Prescribed Body Corporates (PBCs) and Traditional Owner Groups and regulatory bodies, Western Power delivery teams, and a range of partners and contractors. You will be responsible for the development of approvals strategies, implementation of Cultural Management Strategies and contribute to the maturity of our Aboriginal Engagement Strategy.

Working within a diverse multidisciplinary team, your early engagement and expert advice will enable Western Power minimise risk and promote cultural heritage. This position will lead Aboriginal engagement to support Western Power’s Transmission.

Your Role in Action  

• Collaborate with project teams to understand project scope and schedule
• Support project assessments and outputs to ensure the early identification and consideration of heritage risk and approval requirements.
• Provide strategic and technical advice to internal stakeholders on Native Title and Aboriginal Heritage Agreements and Aboriginal processes, policy, and statutory obligations
• 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
• Manage, monitor, and report compliance obligations associated with Native Title and Aboriginal Heritage agreements and legislation.

 What Makes You a Great Fit 

• Working knowledge of relevant legislation and administrative procedures in Western Australia in relation to Aboriginal heritage and native title.
• Demonstrated experience developing and managing approvals in a large-scale mining, construction or infrastructure environment
• Experience working with GIS Datasets
• Highly developed verbal/written communication, interpersonal, negotiation and presentation skills.
• 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: 

• An innovative team culture that’s enabling the transition to renewable energy and decarbonisation. 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. 
• 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.

Applications close on 6th June 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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