Senior Archaeologist

Big Island Research – Western Australia
Full-time | Professional Development Pathway | Field & Office-based

About Us

Big Island Research (BIR) is a Western Australian–owned consultancy specialising in archaeology and cultural heritage management.

With more than 50 years of combined heritage experience across our Director team, we deliver exceptional expertise and high-quality services to a broad client base — including Aboriginal Representative Bodies, Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), private proponents, and local governments.

We are also active in the research and development space, with our team engaged in diverse projects generating high-impact presentations, posters, and publications in collaboration with Traditional Owner groups. BIR integrates key research outcomes into consulting practice, creating meaningful opportunities for staff development in this space.

BIR is known for professionalism, diligence, and integrity, delivering practical and effective heritage management solutions while ensuring heritage is documented, recorded, and reported to the highest standard. We place great importance on finding the right fit for our growing team and maintaining an inclusive, supportive workplace culture where staff can develop toward tailored goals while contributing to high-quality outcomes.

About the Role

We’re looking for senior archaeologists to join our growing team at BIR.

A full-time position is available.

We offer a competitive salary package, commensurate with skills and experience.

Salary range of $120,000 – $140,000 p.a. (including superannuation)

Finding the right fit for our team is important to us, and we’re open to discussing relocation support for the right candidate.

You’ll work on diverse and meaningful projects across Western Australia,



contributing to archaeological fieldwork, research, analysis, and reporting (including desktop analysis and GIS). We also offer tailored development pathways for your career through a structured Professional Development Plan, to achieve research goals or move into more advanced positions.

Key Responsibilities

- Project manage and deliver archaeological and/or heritage management projects and services, including desktop assessments, archaeological surveys, excavations, research, analysis, reporting, data management and GIS.

- Supervise and lead archaeological field teams.

- Record sites and cultural materials accurately.

- Analyse artefacts and contribute to high-quality reporting and mapping outputs.

- Preparation and editing of reports to a high level of accuracy and quality.

- Proficiency in GIS and GPS use.

- Establish, develop and maintain effective working relationships with the BIR team, Traditional Owners and clients.

- Work respectfully and collaboratively with Traditional Owners.

- Maintain strong safety awareness and uphold BIR’s WHS and business procedures.

About You

You’re a motivated senior archaeologist who values professionalism, cultural respect and teamwork. You enjoy both fieldwork and detailed research, and you take pride in producing accurate, high-quality work.

You’ll bring:

- Honours or postgraduate qualification in Archaeology (or related field).





- Minimum five year’s experience working as an archaeologist.

- Eligibility for AACAI Associate or Full Membership.

- Excellent communication skills.

- Experience and proficiency in project management of archaeological assessments.

- Significant in-depth knowledge of current and emerging trends in Australian First Nations archaeology and heritage management theory and praxis.

- Advanced knowledge of archaeological sites, artefact recording and analysis, especially stone artefacts.

- Working understanding of heritage legislation and protocols in Western Australia.

- Proficiency with GPS, Microsoft Office, and GIS.

- Ability to lead and work effectively in a team and contribute positively to the workplace environment.

- Excellent communication, organisation and time-management skills.

- A proactive, reliable and culturally aware approach to work.

- Takes responsibility and accountability for own development pathways and willingly embraces opportunities and applies the learnings.

Why Join BIR?

- Work alongside highly experienced and recognised archaeologists and heritage professionals in a well-respected consultancy.

- Contribute to meaningful projects that make a genuine difference to Aboriginal heritage outcomes, including research outputs.

- Genuine tailored career development pathways.

- Supportive, collaborative team culture built on integrity and respect.

- Versatile workplace with working from home provisions.

- Fieldwork across diverse and culturally rich landscapes of Western Australia.

How to Apply

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your interest in the Senior Archaeologist role to the following:

? *********@bigislandresearch.com.au

📌 Senior Archaeologist (Perth)
🏢 Big Island Research
📍 Perth