Title:  Senior Heritage Officer (Permits)

About us

We create thriving places and connected communities. We bring together transport, planning, land use, precinct and policy functions in a single department to deliver the best outcomes for Victorians.  
Together with our portfolio agencies, we are responsible for planning, building, operating and maintaining Victoria’s transport, planning and land services for use by all.  
We foster a safe, inclusive and constructive place to work.  

Planning and Land Services delivers responsive, customer focussed, high quality planning, land administration and property services that support thriving places and connected communities.

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.

About the role

The Senior Heritage Officer (Permits) is responsible for assessing complex permit applications where substantial changes to places in the Victorian Heritage Register are proposed. The role leads the assessment, works with permit officers in a team environment, engages and liaises with key stakeholders at meetings and on-site; makes recommendations to the Executive Director and represents the Executive Director at Review Hearings. The Senior Heritage Officer (Permits) is also responsible for mentoring and providing guidance to team members and supporting the Principal Heritage Permits in delivering the requirements of the Heritage Act 2017.
In addition to the above, there is a pre-requisite for driver’s license.

Key Selection Criteria

The role requires strong resilience to remain calm and decisive under pressure, with the ability to guide teams through challenges. It also demands future-focused thinking, critical problem-solving skills, and the capacity to integrate new technologies and best practices into work. Success in this role relies on the ability to communicate with impact, provide strategic advice, and foster capability development through coaching, feedback, and support.

To access the Position Description, please click here 

Position accountabilities

The successful applicant will lead the assessment of complex and less complex permit applications, representing the Executive Director at hearings, overseeing team work, and delivering high-quality reports, briefs, and advice within statutory and policy frameworks. They will also establish and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, provide authoritative heritage advice, mentor and develop team members, and contribute to a collaborative, high-performing culture. They will be required to proactively address emerging issues, support policy development, and practice cultural safety to ensure inclusive and respectful outcomes.

Qualifications and experience

• A tertiary qualification in a heritage related discipline including but not limited to architecture, conservation, archaeology, engineering, planning, landscape or horticulture with experience in heritage conservation is required.
• Demonstrated understanding of the philosophical and practical issues relating to the conservation and management of the State’s most significant heritage places is required.
• Demonstrated understanding of the Heritage Act 2017.

Culture Value
We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department’s goals.

What we offer

Working at the Department of Transport and Planning provides people with the opportunity to contribute to creating thriving places and connected communities for all Victorians.
For further details please refer to Careers at the Department of Transport and Planning.
Pre-employment checks and employment conditions 
All new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.
Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.

Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months.

How to apply

Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application.

If you encounter any issues, refer to our Quick Reference Guide for step-by-step instructions.

Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday 30th September 2025.

Please include both your resume and a cover letter. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions.

For further information about the role, please contact Jessica Hood – Principal Heritage Permits, at (03) 5381 9428 or jessica.hood@transport.vic.gov.au

Important Information:

• If you require any adjustments to fully participate in the recruitment process, or need the advert or attachments in an accessible format (e.g., large print), please contact us by phone or email. We're here to support you.