Position Opening: RAP Technical Specialist

23rd March 2026 By Noni Harris Wallace Tagged with: ,

Warrnambool, Victoria
1.0 FTE, 24 months, Full-time
Reports to Cultural Heritage Manager
Salary: Band 4 ( to be negotiated based on qualifications and experience)
Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged, but this is not a designated/identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander appointment.

Our RAP Technical Specialist will be an important member of the Biocultural Landscapes Team. The position will lead the assessment of all Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CMPs), Preliminary Aboriginal Heritage Tests (PAHTs), Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Land Management Agreements (ACHLMAs), Cultural Heritage Permits (CHPs), Aboriginal Heritage Protection Declarations (AHPDs) and Cultural Heritage Agreements (CHAs) to ensure compliance with the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act, regulations and prescribed standards, as well as the preparation of documentation for approvals and refusals of CHMPs, including documentation for the purposes of reporting. The role will be supported and guided by the General Manager Biocultural Landscapes in progressing Eastern Maar standards that reflect the importance of cultural heritage within a cultural landscape’s context.

What you’ll be doing:

Key duties include:

  • Participate in the development of and the valuation of Cultural Heritage Management Plans(CHMP’s) and statutory authorisations issued by EMAC as a RAP to ensure compliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.Evaluate CHP applications, prepare documentation to support executive decision-making and prepare cultural heritage permit documents within statutory timeframes and standards.

  • Map out Cultural Heritage assessment areas, and conduct related activities, such as onsite inspections, recording and registering Aboriginal places on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register.

  • Work closely with other members of the Eastern Maar Biocultural Landscapes Team, includingCultural Heritage Manager, On Country Operations Manager and the On Country Guardians Team to achieve desired outcomes and strong working relationships.

  • Provide authoritative, strategic, and timely advice to the executive team on Aboriginal cultural heritage matters, including the preparation of reports and briefs.

  • Provide advice on the curation, custody, and repatriation of Aboriginal cultural heritage material for the EMAC RAP area.

  • Assist in the development of and lead in the oversight of repatriated collections and/or items for cataloguing, safe storage, and preservation.

    • 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:

    • Qualified Heritage Advisor as defined by the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006.
    • Tertiary qualification in either Archaeology (preferred), Anthropology or a related field.
    • Experience in the registration of Aboriginal places on the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Register.
    • Ability to use Geographical Information Systems and Global Positioning System technology.
    • Experience in developing and/or evaluating cultural heritage management plans and cultural heritage permits, preparation of clear accurate and professional documentation to support executive decision-making.
    • Proven planning, 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 and build and maintain relationships with stakeholders.
    • A current Victorian driver’s license is essential.

    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

    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 12 April 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