Full-time | Permanent | Melbourne & Regional Victoria
UCA is seeking an experienced Senior Archaeologist and Cultural Heritage Advisor to lead and contribute to a wide range of cultural heritage projects across Victoria. This is a full-time role with a strong focus on Aboriginal archaeology and cultural heritage management. You will lead archaeological teams conducting surveys, excavations, data interpretation, and the production of regulatory reporting, all while engaging with Traditional Owners and project stakeholders.
Join a passionate team working on a growing range of cultural heritage projects across Victoria. This is a hands-on, field-based role where your expertise will directly contribute to preserving and understanding Australia’s rich cultural landscape.
About the Role
As a Senior Archaeologist and Cultural Heritage Advisor, you will play a central role in the design and delivery of archaeological and geoarchaeological investigations across varied environments. Your responsibilities will include site management, technical fieldwork, drilling supervision, report preparation, stakeholder engagement, and mentoring of junior staff.
Key responsibilities include:
* Carrying out on-site and off-site archaeological work for UCA as a Cultural Heritage Advisor
* To lead on-site teams conducting archaeological work, including supervision of all onsite works and analysis
* Manage a team of archaeologists and provide support and mentorship to junior archaeologists
* Supervising core drilling operations
* Using survey equipment and software to capture and manage spatial data
* Producing high-quality reports, CHMPs, and salvage documentation
* Interpreting data through post-excavation analysis
* Liaising with Traditional Owners, clients, and regulatory stakeholders
* Ensuring compliance with UCA's OHS policies and procedures
About You
You are a technically capable, highly organised heritage professional who can lead teams, communicate clearly, and deliver work to a high standard. You enjoy working outdoors, collaborating with others, and taking responsibility for both the scientific and logistical aspects of fieldwork.
To be successful in this role, you will have:
* A degree in geoarchaeology or archaeology with relevant specialisation (e.g. geomorphology, soil science, quaternary studies), or demonstrated equivalent experience
* A minimum of 5 years' experience in Australian Cultural Heritage Management
* Current listing or eligibility as a Heritage Advisor with First Peoples – State Relations
* Demonstrated experience managing people and supervising archaeological fieldwork
* Excellent knowledge of site formation processes and taphonomy
* Strong technical reporting and data interpretation skills
* Proven ability to complete physical fieldwork in variable conditions
* A Construction Induction Safety Certificate (White Card), or willingness to obtain
* A current unrestricted Australian driver’s licence
Desirable skills and experience:
* Mechanical excavation experience
* OSL or radiocarbon sample collection
* Experience using GIS, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Office, and/or database systems
* Use of dGPS, Total Station and/or dumpy level
* First Aid and CPR certification
Why Join Us?
* Lead and influence impactful heritage projects
* Competitive salary package, including travel allowances and bonus structure
* Join a skilled and supportive team of professionals
* Work across diverse landscapes and communities
* Access to professional development and training
* Contribute to meaningful heritage and cultural landscape work
How to Apply
Please apply via Seek with your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience. We are reviewing applications as they come in, so early submission is encouraged.