Aboriginal Heritage & Native Title Approvals Specialist

• Work in a dynamic supportive team
• Flexible work arrangements, giving you more time for the important things in life
• Based in Leederville this permanent opportunity has a salary of $135,693 plus Super

This position is advertised under Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984. We are seeking to increase the diversity of our workforce to better meet the differing needs of our customers and to improve equal opportunity outcomes for our employees. Aboriginal and / or Torres Strait Islander Australians are encouraged to apply.

Thrive by making a meaningful contribution to your community while shaping WA’s water future.

At Water Corporation, you can build a meaningful career while contributing to the sustainable management of water in Western Australia. We support our people to balance professional growth, with their broader personal, family and community commitments, recognising the value that diverse experiences and perspectives bring to our workplace. We also appreciate the deep knowledge held by Traditional Owners of the lands and waterways where we operate and recognise that listening and learning from their knowledge is essential. By embracing these perspectives, we strengthen our ability to protect and manage Western Australia's most precious resource – water – in a sustainable and respectful way for future generations.

About the role 

We are excited to be growing our team as our work continues to increase, creating new opportunities to build capacity and strengthen the way we partner with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities throughout Western Australia. This is a meaningful opportunity to be part of a supportive team committed to respectful engagement and making a positive impact to our customers.

We are seeking four skilled professionals with demonstrated experience to lead the development and implementation of Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title strategies across Water Corporation projects. This role is pivotal in ensuring the Water Corporation maintains compliance with the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA) and the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), while fostering respectful and effective engagement with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities.

The successful candidate will be responsible for navigating complex legislative frameworks to ensure all activities comply with statutory obligations. This includes securing Section 18 consents and engaging with Native Title representative organisations. The role demands a strong understanding of Cultural Heritage protection, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory processes, with a focus on respectful consultation and agreement-making with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities. You will also play a key role in inter-agency coordination, ensuring Water Corporation’s Heritage and engagement practices are aligned with broader state and national policy objectives.

Internally, you will work closely with Planners, Project Managers, Environmental specialists, Community Engagement teams, Operations and Contractors to embed Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title considerations and consultation into project planning and delivery. Your ability to translate legislative requirements into practical, culturally sensitive solutions will be critical to achieving timely and respectful outcomes.

You will also work closely with Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate (RNTBCs), the Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage (DPLH), and other key external stakeholders to support effective consultation, agreement-making, and regulatory compliance

Who are we?

When you join Water Corporation, you play an important role for the people of WA. Our services are essential for life - everyday, millions of Western Australians rely on us to deliver and manage water across our state.

If you’re driven to make a meaningful contribution, you’ve come to the right place.

Real benefits that matter

• Real flexibility with options to work from home, 9-day fortnight, flexible work hours
• Two well-being days each year to do whatever you need to do to feel good
• Access to long service leave pro rata after 3 years of service
• Take advantage of our co-contribution superannuation scheme. Receive a 12% employer contribution and enjoy an additional 2% employer co-contribution when you elect to salary sacrifice 2%
• Purchase additional leave of up to 12 weeks or work 4 years at a reduced salary and take the fifth year off as paid leave
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and ceremonial leave of up to 5 days so you can maintain your cultural connection and wellbeing

Discover more benefits we offer to support the unique and individual ways our employees live.

Here are some of the Key Responsibilities

💧 Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title Management

• Lead the development, oversight, and governance of frameworks and procedures for managing Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title matters within project works.
• Secure regulatory approvals through effective engagement with Knowledge Holders and Native Title bodies.
• Provide expert advice to internal teams and contractors, ensuring compliance with regulatory approvals, legislation and policy requirements.

💧 Communications, Stakeholder and Community Engagement

•  Develop and implement communication and engagement strategies to support project delivery where Heritage approvals are required
• Assist the Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title Lead Team in engagement activities with Aboriginal stakeholders related to Heritage and Native Title matters

💧 Strategy and Policy Management

• Contribute to strategic direction, policies, and position statements that reflect stakeholder needs and legislative obligations.
• Collaborate with impacted stakeholders to ensure Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title considerations are integrated into corporate planning and risk management frameworks.

💧 Project Support

• Prepare and maintain standard documentation in conjunction with external stakeholders and internal project teams
• Provide ongoing support and expertise to projects where Aboriginal Heritage and engagement form key deliverables, ensuring alignment with project timelines and cultural protocols
• Prepare compliance reports in line with our regulatory approvals and internal project management requirements.

For this role, we are looking for great talent with:

• Demonstrated experience applying the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA) and the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) in project planning and delivery, including navigating associated policies, procedures, and approval processes.
• Considerable experience securing regulatory approvals for complex construction projects, including engagement with government agencies and diverse stakeholders.
• Strong background in Cultural Heritage management, with a focus on upholding Aboriginal heritage values.
• Extensive experience in Aboriginal community engagement, including developing culturally appropriate communication and consultation strategies.
• Sound understanding of the social, cultural, and historical contexts affecting Aboriginal communities in Western Australia, and the ability to apply this knowledge in heritage and engagement work.
• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant discipline (e.g. Environment, Anthropology, Archaeology or Law), and/or 5+ years demonstrated experience in heritage approvals and compliance.

Sound like a match? Apply today

If you are interested in the above opportunity, please submit a covering letter and resume that best demonstrates your skills and experience as well as your ability to meet the requirements of the role. Please refer to the attached job description.

Applications close Monday 20^th July 2026 

As part of the recruitment process you may be required to complete pre-employment screening which may include a medical, qualification check, police clearance and Australian working rights check.  

We reserve the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date. 

Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace: 

Diversity and inclusion are more than words. They guide us on building a thriving workforce that reflects the diversity of our customers and our community.

We encourage applications from every background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, youth, LGBTQIA+ folks and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.

We are committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive work environment to enable people with disability to participate fully in all aspects of employment.

Applicants with disability who require adjustments during the recruitment process including an alternative format of the application form, can contact a Recruitment Officer at recruitment@watercorporation.com.au or 08 9420 2000.

To read our diversity and inclusion statement, please visit our website.