Title:  Archaeologist

VPS4 $97,955 - $111,142 plus Superannuation 

Fixed term Fulltime until 10 February 2026

About Us

The Department of Transport & Planning brings together key transport, planning, land, precinct and policy functions within a single department to create thriving places and connected communities. Together with our key agencies we are responsible for planning, building, operating, and maintaining Victoria’s transport and land use planning system for use by all. The department’s mission is to integrate Victoria’s transport, land and planning system to create an inclusive, successful, and sustainable state; and oversee the delivery of the major transport infrastructure program to build a better transport future for Victoria.

The Planning and Land Services Group in the Department of Transport & Planning brings together statutory planning, building policy, land, property, and heritage capability to deliver statewide services.  The Group administers statutory planning responsibilities including improvements to planning system and provisions, assessing planning scheme amendments and environmental assessments and planning permits.

Heritage Victoria is the principal body in Victoria responsible for the State's historic heritage. It delivers the functions of the Heritage Act 2017, which enables the identification, protection and management of Victoria's State significant heritage places and objects, including historic archaeological sites and maritime heritage. Heritage Victoria maintains the Victorian Heritage Register, the archaeological Heritage Inventory and the Historic Shipwrecks Database. It advises property owners, local and State government bodies, industry and the general community on heritage practice. It seeks to increase recognition of Victoria's significant heritage, to support the retention of significant values when heritage places are adapted or changed, and to communicate the benefits of investing in heritage assets.

We’re focused on outcomes that deliver more choice, connections and confidence in our travel, ensuring the whole transport network works as one to deliver better services and outcomes.

About the Role

The Archaeologist works as part of the Historical Archaeology unit within the Statutory Assessments team at Heritage Victoria. The role is responsible for assisting with the delivery of the archaeology requirements of the Heritage Act 2017, with a focus on Part 6 of the Act. Key roles include (but are not limited to):

• assessing Heritage Act Consent and Permit applications
• assessing site cards for inclusion in the Heritage Inventory
• providing advice relating to historical archaeology matters to government, consultants, other key stakeholders and the broader community
• conducting archaeological site assessments
• evaluating post-excavation deliverables including project reports and artefact management outcomes.

The role works closely with others in the team to deliver high-quality outcomes relating to the identification, protection, management and promotion of the state's historical archaeological sites and artefacts. The job requirements are diverse and challenging, and rewarding. If you have an strong performance record, an ability to work as part of a small and dynamic team, an ability to find solutions under pressure, a strong focus on project delivery, an ability to be flexible and adaptable, and a commitment to excellence this role may suit you. 

The role is Fixed term fulltime until 10 February 2026.

To access the. To access the Position Description. Please click here 

Position Outcomes /Accountabilities 

• Assist in the delivery of Heritage Victoria’s statutory responsibilities under the Heritage Act 2017, with a focus on Part 6 of the Act, including the assessment of consent applications.
• Assist with the management of the Heritage Inventory, including the assessment of historical archaeological sites.
• Initiate, coordinate and maintain effective relationships and partnerships with relevant government, industry, community and other key stakeholders.
• Provide well written, authoritative and accurate reports and correspondence in a timely manner.

Key Selection Criteria 

This role offers the opportunity to work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, contributing to the identification, management and promotion of the state's historical archaeological sites. You will play a key role in managing relationships with a range of stakeholders, providing advice about the state's archaeological sites, and about the requirements of the Heritage Act 2017. We’re looking for a proactive, motivated and dynamic professional with strong experience in the field of historical archaeology. property industry and a sound understanding of the sector’s challenges. Your ability to work as part of a small team, show initiative, have a knowledge and passion for archaeological sites and artefacts, and be able to respond to new challenges will be critical to your success in this role.

You’ll need to demonstrate strong stakeholder management capabilities, with the ability to understand organisational drivers and develop partnerships that deliver shared outcomes. You'll bring a collaborative approach to working across teams and support others in navigating challenging situations. Your problem-solving skills will be backed by critical thinking and an ability to operate effectively with or without clear guidelines.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a purpose-driven team working on key projects across the state. If you're passionate about historical archaeologyy and ready to make an impact, we encourage you to apply.

Qualifications and Experience

Mandatory

•  A tertiary qualification in Archaeology to at least an Honours level is required.
•  Experience working with statutory heritage issues or projects is required.
• An understanding of the philosophical and practical issues related to the management of cultural heritage places, with a focus on historical archaeology and the Victorian Heritage Inventory.
• Experience with the investigation of historical archaeological sites including survey, excavation, and post-excavation analysis and reporting.
• Experience with the identification, analysis and management of historical archaeological artefacts.
• Experience with the application of significance thresholds, and the preparation of Statements of Significance.

Desirable

• An Honours or Post-graduate degree in Archaeology or a related field

What we offer

• Meaningful work making Victorian communities more accessible and liveable.
• Professional growth and development opportunities across the department and the wider Victorian Public Service.
• A hybrid working model focused on collaboration and teamwork.
• Optimal work-life balance initiatives including flexible working arrangements.
• We prioritise the development of a safe and inclusive culture.

Culture Value

We are an equal opportunity employer, embracing a diverse range of applicants such as veterans, and people who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, LGBTQIA community members, individuals with disabilities and/or health conditions, as well as those from varied faith and cultural backgrounds. At our department, we prioritize the development of a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture through shared actions and behaviours that align with our strategy and direction. This empowers our employees to effectively contribute to our goals.

How to Apply

Applications close 11.59pm on Monday, 2 June 2025. All Applications should include a resume and a cover letter.

For further information about the role please contact via email Jeremy N Smith, Principal Archaelogist via email Jeremy.Smith@transport.vic.gov.au. 

Preferred applicants may be required to complete a police check and may be subject to other pre-employment checks. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Please let us know by phone or email if you need any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process. If you require the ad or any attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print) due to viewing difficulties or other accessibility needs, we are happy to accommodate.

For help, click here for a Quick Reference Guide on how to apply.