Position opening: Compliance Officer

Warrnambool, Victoria
1.0 FTE, to 30 June 2028
Reports to Cultural Heritage Manager

Salary: Band 4
Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged, but this is not a designated/identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander appointment.

The purpose of the position is to oversee EMAC’s legal obligation to protect Aboriginal Cultural Heritage in accordance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic).

Key duties:

  • Conduct on-ground inspections at sites with Cultural Heritage Management Plans, Cultural Heritage Permits and other legal agreements to ensure conditions are understood and upheld.
  • Maintain internal databases and systems to accurately track inspection outcomes.
  • Collect evidence to assist First Peoples- State Relations (FPSR) to investigate matters of non-compliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (Vic) and support FPSR when required. 
  • Management of EMAC’S compliance email inbox.
  • Provide oversight and support for the curation, custody, and repatriation of Aboriginal cultural heritage materials.
  • Prepare reports on compliance activities for First Peoples – State Relations and EMAC managers.
  • Attend meetings with Heritage Advisors and other stakeholders at the direction of the Cultural Heritage Manager
  • Report on activities and outcomes to the First Peoples – State Relations, as required by the Act.
  • Develop and implement policies and processes to enhance the efficiency of the EMAC Cultural Heritage Branch in line with legislative requirements and best practices.
  • Analyse, collect and provide accurate reports, key metrics, and insights to inform decision-making and meet reporting deadlines
  • Participate in training sessions and ensure ongoing professional development in cultural heritage management.
  • Contribute to the development and delivery of cultural heritage training for EMAC staff, and other parties.

General duties:

  • Provide regular updates on opportunities, challenges and issues
  • Be aware and adhere to The Privacy Act 1988, OH & S Legislation and other relevant legislation.
  • Be aware and adhere to EMAC Policy and Procedure manuals.
  • Be aware and participate in staff performance reviews.
  • Attend all mandatory training as required.
  • Perform other duties as may be directed or implied from time to time.

What you’ll bring

Essential:

  • A high standard of personal and professional integrity
  • Demonstrated understanding of the Aboriginal Heritage Act (2006)  
  • Experience working with Aboriginal Cultural Heritage 
  • Relevant qualifications such as Certificate IV in Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management or Certificate IV in Government Investigations.
  • Proficiency in the use of computer and telecommunications technology.
  • Proven project management, problem-solving and analytical skills with the ability to work through issues with moderate complexity and guide and/or coach others in the resolution of problems
  • Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills to engage with, influence, build and maintain relationships with stakeholders
  • Ability to communicate respectfully, sensitively and effectively with Eastern Maar Citizens and all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Desirable:

  • Strong understanding of the importance of Country to Traditional Owners, recognising the Eastern Maar Peoples as the Traditional Owners of the south-west region of Victoria.
  • Commitment to and appreciation of Eastern Maar culture, values, perspectives, and heritage, including the impacts of colonisation and the importance of cultural continuity.
  • Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Aboriginal self-determination, supporting the aspirations of the Eastern Maar community.

Other requirements:

  • Holder of a Working with Children Check
  • Holder of a Current Victorian Driver’s Licence.
  • Undertaken a National Police Check for Employment Purposes within the last 3 months

Note: A request to conduct probity checks does not guarantee an offer of employment.

For further details, read the full position description here.

Working with EMAC

At EMAC, we are committed to fostering a supportive, culturally safe, and empowering workplace. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy:

  • Flexible hybrid working arrangements
  • Salary packaging benefits (up to $15,900 + $2,650 Meal & Entertainment benefits)
  • Paid Christmas break in addition to 4 weeks’ annual leave
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Professional development opportunities
  • A friendly and supportive organisational culture

How to apply

Applications close:  11:59 PM, Sunday 10 May 2026

To apply, please send:

  • Your resume outlining your employment history, and
  • A cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria

To Bansri Dave, HR Officer | bansri.dave@easternmaar.com.au