Help deliver practical Aboriginal heritage outcomes across regional Western Australia.

About RFF

At RFF, we work at the intersection of land, culture and development, supporting projects that create long term value for Western Australia's regions while respecting Aboriginal cultural heritage and Traditional Owner interests. With an established presence in Karratha, our work with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal organisations, industry and government is practical, relationship focused and centred on achieving positive outcomes for clients and communities.

Why join RFF?

- Contribute to meaningful Aboriginal heritage and regional development projects across Western Australia.
- Work alongside experienced advisors and develop your technical expertise through mentoring and practical project delivery.
- Build relationships with Traditional Owners, Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs), Aboriginal organisations, government and industry.
- Join a team-oriented team that values initiative, sound judgement, respectful engagement and practical solutions.

The role

We are seeking a Heritage Advisor to join our Karratha team, supporting Aboriginal heritage, land access and project delivery throughout the Pilbara and regional Western Australia. This role offers an opportunity to contribute directly to projects involving Traditional Owners, Aboriginal organisations, industry and government while developing your technical and advisory skills.

Working alongside senior RFF staff, you will assist with heritage protection agreements, due diligence, heritage risk assessments, statutory approvals and stakeholder engagement.

We welcome candidates with direct heritage experience or transferable skills from related fields. You do not need experience across every aspect of the role, provided you bring relevant capabilities, a respectful approach and a genuine willingness to learn.

What you'll be doing

- Assist with preparing, negotiating, coordinating and implementing heritage protection agreements under senior guidance,



including tracking commitments and obligations.
- Undertake heritage due diligence by reviewing heritage records, survey reports, agreements, approvals and proposed works to identify risks and information gaps.
- Prepare practical heritage risk assessments, briefing notes, research summaries and client advice, identifying options, controls and matters requiring further consideration.
- Support engagement with Traditional Owners, PBCs, Aboriginal organisations and proponents, according to the instructions and scope of each client engagement.
- Assist with section 18 processes under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA), including documentation, consultation records, specialist inputs and approval conditions.
- Coordinate heritage surveys, specialist advice, project records and deliverables to support effective project delivery.
- Assist with land tenure investigations, native title matters, related statutory research, fee estimates and project administration.

About you

We welcome applications from people already living in Karratha or the surrounding region who bring relevant experience, transferable skills or a genuine interest in Aboriginal heritage and land access. Ideally, you will bring some of the following:
- Experience or exposure to heritage protection agreements, heritage due diligence, risk assessment, approvals or PBC engagement.
- Some understanding of relevant WA and Commonwealth legislation, including the Aboriginal Heritage Act, Native Title Act, Land Administration Act or Mining Act, or a willingness to develop this knowledge.
- Strong research, written communication, organisation and attention to detail.




- A respectful and culturally sensitive approach to working with Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities.
- Sound judgement, initiative and the ability to work collaboratively while learning from experienced colleagues.

Qualifications or practical experience in heritage, anthropology, social science, planning, law, environmental studies, land administration or related fields would be well regarded. Local knowledge of the Pilbara, established relationships in the region, or familiarity with GIS and heritage information systems would also be valued.

Location

This is a full time position based in our Karratha office, with regional travel as required for project work. Please note that RFF does not provide housing or accommodation as part of this position.

Given the limited availability of housing in Karratha, we particularly encourage applications from people already living locally who have established accommodation.

Applicants considering relocation are welcome to apply but will need to independently secure suitable accommodation before commencing employment.

How to apply

If you are interested in meaningful, practical work involving Aboriginal heritage, land access and regional communities, we would welcome your application. Please submit your resume and a brief cover letter outlining:

1. Your relevant experience or transferable skills, and the areas of heritage work you would like to develop.
2. Your approach to working with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal organisations and other stakeholders.
3. A practical example of researching an issue, coordinating an agreement or project, documenting risks, or supporting stakeholder engagement.

Please also confirm whether you are currently living locally or have accommodation arrangements in place. Applications close Monday, 30 November 2026. Interviews are expected to take place in early December, with an anticipated commencement date of mid January 2027. The start date is negotiable for the successful candidate.

📌 Heritage Advisor | Aboriginal Heritage & Land Access (Karratha)
🏢 RFF
📍 Karratha