Organisation Overview

The Barengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BGLC) represents Traditional Owners (TOs) from the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Nations (WJJWJ Peoples), who were recognised in a 2005 Native Title Consent Determination, the first in south-eastern Australia.

We are the Prescribed Body Corporate for the WJJWJ Peoples claim area, as outlined in the Commonwealth Native Title Act 1993 (NTA 1993), giving us legal authority and obligations to work on behalf of the WJJWJ TOs.

BGLC is also a Registered Aboriginal Party, as appointed by the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Council, under the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (AHA 2006).

In October 2022 BGLC, on behalf of the WJJWJ Peoples, entered into four Funding, Land and Natural Resource Agreements with the State of Victoria as part of the first stage of an Expanded Settlement Package, recognising and giving effect to their cultural rights & obligations under the Victorian Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010 (TOSA 2010).

BGLC is therefore recognised both federally and by the State of Victoria as the only authorised body in the region with the legal and cultural authority to speak, and make decisions, on behalf of the WJJWJ Peoples to protect, manage and promote their cultural landscapes, values and heritage.

Caring for Country

We are part of our Country, and our Country is part of us. Bunjil the creator, made the land, waterholes, animals and plants and gave Wotjobaluk Peoples the responsibility to look after Country and culture and keep it healthy and strong. Country heals us to our dreaming stories, to our ancestors and spirits.

Position Summary

BGLC are seeking a RAP Technical Specialist/Heritage Advisor (HA) to join our team immediately. The RAP Technical Specialist/HA role will assist in the delivery of BGLC’s Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) duties and functions through the application of technical expertise. Working with and reporting to the Cultural Heritage Manager and On Country Operations Manager, they will use their archaeological and anthropological skills, experience and knowledge of cultural heritage management to provide assessments on plans, permits, agreements and declarations in the region to ensure that the cultural heritage priorities of the WJJWJ Peoples and the requirements of the Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006 (AHA 2006) are achieved.

Area & Performance Responsibilities

Cultural Heritage Management

• Support the Cultural Heritage Manager to successfully coordinate the statutory responsibilities of BGLC as a RAP under the AHA 2006; and all other relevant local, Commonwealth and International heritage legislation and guidelines;
• Assess and review cultural heritage arrangements to ensure compliance with above stated legislative requirements and BGLC’s ‘Growing What is Good’ Country Plan (see Supporting Documentation);
• Assist in the development and implementation of BGLC’s cultural heritage policies and procedures through travel to sites in the region to conduct on-ground assessments and related fieldwork such as surveys, excavations and securing of artefacts;
• Assist in the development and implementation of BGLC’s cultural landscape strategy and Cultural Values Assessment methodology and standard procedures;
• Assist the On Country Operations teams with field recording and registration of Aboriginal places on the Intangible and tangible Victorian Aboriginal Heritage Registers (VAHR) using the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Registration Information System (ACHRIS) managed by First Peoples State Relations Group (FPSR), Department of Premier & Cabinet (DPC); and
• Assist the Cultural Heritage and On Country Operations Managers to identify external funding and technical advice, equipment and support opportunities relating to the documentation and management of cultural heritage, including significant places, such as Ebenezer Mission, and projects, such as returning the Ancestors home.

Team Support

• Contribute to the effective administration of BGLC including maintaining good electronic and paper filing, and other duties as requested by the Cultural Heritage and On Country Operations Managers;
• Assist the Cultural Heritage team in the development and implementation of projects which deliver benefits in pursuit of BGLC’s ‘Growing What is Good’ Country Plan, Native Title and TOSA Agreements;
• Assist the Cultural Heritage team to represent BGLC when attending RAP Forums and other government, industry and professional workshops, conferences, symposiums and presentations;
• Support other On Country Operations team members by assisting them with cultural heritage technical advice and information when needed;
• Assist in the development and implementation of BGLC’s IP/Cultural Knowledge and data sovereignty agreement template for external organisations and researchers to sign before establishing partnerships and co-designing/co-managing projects that have published material outcomes;
• Assist the Cultural Heritage and NRM Managers with the establishment and governance of the Cultural Landscapes Consultative Group; and
• Report to the Cultural Heritage and On Country Operations Managers any risks or issues related to the Country and assets of the WJJWJ Peoples noted whilst carrying out work duties.

Planning & Reporting

• Assist and support the Cultural Heritage and On Country Operations Managers to develop and review Cultural Heritage team programs, projects and work plans to ensure these documents reflect the rights and aspirations of the WJJWJ Peoples; current legislative and industry realities; and best practice cultural heritage management;
• Attend regular Cultural Heritage team, On Country Operations team and all staff gatherings to inform BGLC staff of Cultural Heritage team projects, programs and results, and contribute to related operational strategic planning;
• Assist and support the Cultural Heritage Manager with half-yearly evaluation reviews and reporting of BGLC’s RAP and cultural heritage management activities to FPSR/DPC, as well as the On Country Operations Manager;
• Provide other project and organisational information to state and local government agencies in accordance with the requirements of the AHA 2006; and
• Create professional-quality, appropriate documentation in written and cartographical form to communicate objectives and outcomes to relevant parties and present this information where required.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Liaise and collaborate with BGLC and the WJJWJ Peoples’ partners, including other TO groups, state and local government and the wider community, on the protection, management and promotion of the cultural heritage and values; sovereignty and self-determination of the Wotjobaluk Nations; and
• Use expertise and communication skills to provide other TO groups and project partners with cultural heritage technical advice and information when required to facilitate common understanding, cohesion and accomplishment of co-designed and co-managed project objectives.

Other duties

• As directed and agreed for the specific activity or project.

Delegation

• As per the Delegation of Authority.

Key selection criteria

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualification with Honours degree in archaeology, anthropology or related discipline.
• Qualified Heritage Advisor as per s.181 of the AHA 2006.

Experience and Attributes

• Two years’ experience in the Aboriginal cultural heritage management field;
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to Aboriginal cultural heritage management including, but not limited to the NTA 1993, AHA 2006 and TOSA 2010;
• Understanding of Registered Aboriginal Party duties, responsibilities and regulations;
• Experience in developing cultural heritage management policy and procedure and creating relevant documentation;
• Experience in writing and/or evaluating Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CHMPs) or equivalent documents;
• Demonstrated experience of the VAHR and ACHRIS and knowledge of other heritage lists and registers;
• Demonstrated experience with relevant electronic devices and software such as Geographical Information System (GIS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) technologies, as well as Microsoft Office suite;
• Familiarity with WJJWJ Peoples culture and aspirations as articulated in the ‘Growing What is Good’ Country Plan, and experience working and communicating productively with TO communities;
• Demonstrated ability to methodically approach tasks, and at times guide others in the process.
• Reasonable physical fitness and ability to undertake fieldwork; and
• High-level stakeholder management, including communication and collaboration with BGLC teams and partners in both the private and public spheres.

Occupational health and safety responsibilities

• In the context of OHS policies, procedures, training, and instruction, as detailed in the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, employees are responsible for ensuring they:
  • Follow reasonable instructions;
  • Cooperate with the employer and report safety breaches, participate in investigations, and implement corrective actions according to applicable procedures and policies; and
  • At all times, take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others in the workplace.

Conditions of Employment

• Must have a full Victorian Drivers Licence.
• Ability to obtain positive National Police and Working with Children checks.
• There may be a requirement to be available to work some weekends and after office hours.