Step into a role where your expertise helps shape the future while honouring the past. As a Cultural Heritage Officer with Transport and Main Roads, you’ll play a pivotal role in safeguarding Queensland’s rich cultural heritage across major road and infrastructure projects. From conducting field surveys across diverse landscapes to partnering with Aboriginal communities and influencing project outcomes, this is your opportunity to make a tangible impact every day. If you’re passionate about cultural heritage, thrive on collaboration, and want to contribute to meaningful, community-focused projects in stunning Central Queensland, this is more than a job—it’s a chance to leave a lasting legacy.

Job details

About us

With branches in Rockhampton, Mackay and Barcaldine and a site office in Emerald, the Transport and Main Roads Program Delivery and Operations (PDO) Central Queensland Region (CQ Region) looks after 9076km of state-controlled roads and about 1510km of the National Road Network. This role will contribute to the development and delivery of the Queensland Transport and Roads Investment Program (QTRIP).

Benefits

• Annual reimbursement of professional fees
• Annual health & wellbeing reimbursement of $109.40
• 5 weeks annual leave + 14% annual leave loading
• Locality allowance
• Corporate discounts from a range of leading private health companies
• Further learning and development support available through the Study and Research Assistance Scheme (SARAS)
• Relocation assistance

The Role

• Provide guidance and cultural heritage management to meet the Department's and the Government's cultural heritage management commitments and legislative requirements, particularly in relation to the delivery of road and infrastructure works.
• Demonstrate an applied understanding of historical and indigenous best practice cultural heritage management, including cultural heritage site survey and recording techniques to support delivery of the roads program.
• Provide a sound level of cultural heritage advice (both Indigenous and historical) and identify options and solutions to support the planning, design, construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure that aligns with government objectives and community expectations.
• Undertake research, including cultural heritage site survey where required, and assemble data to be used in cultural heritage documentation associated with infrastructure projects.
• Develop and deliver training packages on Cultural Heritage legislation, processes and requirements to ensure district staff and other stakeholders have the skills and understanding to deal with Cultural Heritage issues effectively.
• Collect and input cultural heritage data into the department's heritage register.
• Develop, strengthen and maintain relationships with registered Aboriginal Party/ies.
• Negotiate with registered Aboriginal Party/ies and their agents on cultural heritage, including cultural heritage risks, to support the delivery of road and infrastructure projects.
• Be cognisant of time, cost and broader government expectations to ensure timely and optimal outcomes for TMR and the community.
• Work with and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with all relevant parties to assist with effective management of natural, social and cultural resources.
• Manage unexpected finds in line with departmental policies and legislative requirements.
• Assist with basic advice regarding the requirements of Native Title for infrastructure projects and liaises with TMR's centralised Native Title Unit who conduct Native Title assessments.

Mandatory qualifications and conditions

• Possession of Bachelor of Anthropology, Archaeology, Social Science, Heritage Management, Heritage Conservation or related discipline.
• Current holder of a 'C' class driver's license.

Desirable

• Experience applying Queensland cultural heritage legislation.
• Experience in linear and/or transport infrastructure.
• Membership of professional bodies for example, Australian Anthropological Society (AAS), Australian Archaeological Association (AAA)/ ICOMOS, or related discipline.

Applications to remain current for 12 months.
Job Ad Reference: QLD/690551/26 
Closing Date: Friday, 19 June 2026

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• Applicant Guide (PDF, 322KB)
  
  
  690551 26 Role Description (Word, 576KB)