• Location: Darwin
• Status: Full-time

Are you passionate about protecting and promoting cultural heritage? Do you thrive when working alongside Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities to safeguard their legacy for generations to come? The Northern Land Council is seeking an experienced Senior Heritage Officer to lead cultural heritage projects and provide expert advice across the organisation.

About the Role

In this role, you will lead cultural heritage projects, plans and advice across the NLC region. You will collaborate closely with anthropologists, legal teams, and environmental service areas to ensure the voices of Traditional Owners remain central in all cultural heritage matters. Your work will help ensure the ongoing protection, resilience, and recognition of significant sites and cultural values - while enabling sustainable land and water management practices across the Top End.

What you will Bring

You will bring a strong background in cultural heritage, backed by experience in project management and stakeholder engagement within cross-cultural contexts. You’ll use your knowledge of legislation, Heritage Act 2011 (NT), and best practice to lead Cultural Heritage Management Plans, conduct assessments, and offer strategic guidance across the NLC. You’ll demonstrate initiative, apply sound analytical thinking, and contribute to the protection of significant cultural landscapes—ensuring heritage outcomes are meaningful, respectful, and aligned with the aspirations of Aboriginal communities:-

• Minimum Honours level degree in Archaeology, Cultural Heritage or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years’ relevant practical experience working in Archaeology or cultural heritage including archaeological fieldwork and analysis, investigations, excavation and reporting.
• Experience in the use of GIS tools, databases and software applications.
• Current C class drivers licence and ability and willingness to undertake remote area travel on occasion using 4WD vehicles or chartered light aircraft.

For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.

What’s in it for you?

At the NLC, you’ll thrive in a supportive and inclusive workplace that values professional growth, cultural respect, and work-life balance. You will be part of a passionate team committed to land rights, sustainability, and self-determination.

At the NLC, you’ll be part of a mission-driven organisation working alongside Aboriginal people to manage and protect Country. This is a rare opportunity to apply your heritage expertise in a meaningful way - helping to shape and preserve the cultural fabric of the Northern Territory.

We offer:

• A base salary of $110,763per annum plus 14.5% superannuation and salary sacrificing up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation benefits up to $2,650 per year.
• Other benefits under our Enterprise Agreement include:
• District allowance of up to $4,797 per annum for individuals with dependents and $2630 without dependents.
• 5 weeks annual leave, leaving loading, 18 days personal leave;
• Paid Christmas close down;
• Upon completion of 12 months of service an Annual airfare with a net (in hand) value of $2,961

About the NLC

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth. The NLC is established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976 and its purpose is to serve its constituents who are Traditional Owners (TOs) and other Aboriginal people living in their region.  Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to the work that we do here at NLC.  We are committed to enhancing Aboriginal peoples social, political and economic participation by supporting their aspirations and amplifying their voices on a range of issues impacting on their lands, seas, culture and communities.