The Rail Infrastructure Delivery Office is seeking a highly experienced Principal Cultural Heritage Officer to provide strategic cultural heritage leadership across a portfolio of major rail infrastructure projects, including investments supporting Brisbane 2032 and Queensland’s long-term transport future.

Working closely with Traditional Owner groups, project teams, government stakeholders and industry partners, you will lead the development and delivery of cultural heritage strategies, agreements and management outcomes across complex, high-profile projects. This is an opportunity to influence major infrastructure delivery, build enduring stakeholder relationships, and drive best-practice cultural heritage outcomes that extend beyond compliance.

Job details

Queensland is delivering one of the largest rail infrastructure programs in its history. As part of the Rail Infrastructure Delivery Office, you will play a critical role in ensuring cultural heritage considerations are embedded throughout the planning, design and delivery of major rail projects that will support growing communities and help shape the state for generations to come.

As the Principal Cultural Heritage Officer, you will be the cultural heritage subject matter expert across a portfolio of complex and high-profile infrastructure projects. You will provide strategic leadership, expert advice and practical solutions to support project outcomes while fostering respectful, productive and enduring relationships with Traditional Owner groups and key stakeholders.

Working across project teams, government agencies and industry partners, you will influence decision-making, guide cultural heritage management practices and contribute to the successful delivery of significant rail investments ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games and beyond.

What you will do
- Lead cultural heritage management across major rail infrastructure projects from planning through to construction delivery.
- Build and maintain trusted relationships with Traditional Owner groups, supporting meaningful consultation, negotiation and engagement processes.
- Lead the development, implementation and management of Cultural Heritage Management Plans, agreements and project commitments.
- Provide strategic advice on complex cultural heritage issues, emerging risks and opportunities across the rail program.
- Coordinate cultural heritage activities, procurement, budget forecasting, reporting and consultant performance.
- Contribute to whole-of-government policy development, legislative reviews and best-practice cultural heritage initiatives.
- Represent the department in stakeholder forums, workshops and industry engagement activities.
- Drive continuous improvement and support a culture of collaboration, inclusion and high performance.

About you
You are a respected cultural heritage professional with extensive experience delivering cultural heritage outcomes within major infrastructure environments. You combine strong technical expertise with exceptional stakeholder engagement skills and have a demonstrated ability to navigate complex issues while building productive relationships.

To be successful, you will bring:
- Significant experience leading cultural heritage management for large and complex infrastructure projects.
- A proven ability to work collaboratively with Traditional Owner groups and manage sensitive stakeholder relationships.
- Strong knowledge of cultural heritage management practices, legislation, governance and compliance requirements.
- Experience managing consultants, project risks, budgets, reporting and delivery timeframes.
- Highly developed communication, negotiation and influencing skills.
- Expertise in archaeology, anthropology, cultural heritage management or a related discipline.

Why join us?
The Rail Infrastructure Delivery Office is delivering nationally significant rail projects that will transform how people move across Queensland. You'll join a collaborative team committed to excellence, innovation and respectful engagement, with opportunities to contribute to projects that leave a lasting legacy for Queensland communities.

If you are passionate about cultural heritage, relationship building and delivering meaningful outcomes across major infrastructure projects, we would like to hear from you.

Applications to remain current for 12 months. 

Job Ad Reference: QLD/696029/26
Closing Date: Thursday, 6 August 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, 314KB)
  
  
  696029 26 - Role Description (Word, 513KB)