Heritage Advisor

Salary Range: AUD $80,000 – $95,000 + superannuation

Employment Type: Full-time (Minimum 38 hours per week)

Location: Adelaide, SA, 5000 (On-site/Field-based)

Duration: Minimum 3 years, with ongoing employment opportunities

About the Business

Extent Heritage Pty Ltd is a leading Australian heritage consultancy providing specialist advice across built heritage, Aboriginal and historical archaeology, and cultural landscape management. The business delivers heritage assessments, archaeological services, conservation planning, stakeholder consultation and heritage advice to support the protection and management of culturally significant places.

Extent Heritage operates across multiple locations in Australia, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Hobart, Adelaide and Canberra. This position is based at the company’s Adelaide office at 451 Pulteney Street, Adelaide, SA 5000.

About the Role and Responsibilities

As our business continues to grow, we are seeking an experienced Heritage Advisor to join our Adelaide team. Based at our Adelaide office, the successful candidate will undertake historical and cultural research, heritage assessments, site inspections, stakeholder consultation and heritage management activities. The role will involve analysing historical and cultural information, interpreting heritage significance, preparing professional reports and providing heritage advice in accordance with relevant legislation, planning controls, standards and professional methodologies. The Heritage Advisor will also collaborate with colleagues across the company’s Australian offices and contribute to delivering heritage consultancy projects for clients and stakeholders. Knowledge of heritage legislative frameworks across Australia would be highly considered.

Tasks Include:

• Assisting in the preparation of proposals and following internal processes to support the development of tenders.
• Applying knowledge of the Burra Charter to guide ethical heritage management practices.
• Demonstrating expertise in the heritage industry, including its historical foundations, conservation practices, and management.
• Conducting historical archival research using recognised sources and archives.
• Undertaking thorough research to form well-supported conclusions and identify further research needs.
• Understanding project requirements through detailed analysis of project documentation.
• Applying current heritage standards, guidelines, and methodologies to resolve heritage related issues, and preparing structured reports aligned with municipal heritage policies and legislative frameworks.
• Providing technical input for project documentation, ensuring accuracy and alignment with current planning scheme amendments.
• Consulting with clients, government agencies, and other key stakeholders.
• Assisting in the negotiation and resolution of complex cultural heritage management issues through a systematic, multi-disciplinary approach.
• Participating in fieldwork—including in remote locations—to assess the condition, integrity, and environmental context of heritage sites.
• Producing or sourcing illustrations to support project guidelines and recommendations and reviewing them to ensure they meet reporting requirements.
• Leveraging prior architectural training to review architectural plans, sections, and
• elevations, and providing planning application referral advice or heritage design guidance.
• Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of relevant State and Commonwealth legislation and local planning frameworks through ongoing professional development.
• Supporting the Adelaide Heritage Places team in preparing proposals, drafting reports, and producing project graphics, while demonstrating a strong understanding of South Australia planning legislation and heritage policy.

Required Skills and Qualifications

Qualification and Employment

1. A minimum AQF Bachelor degree or higher qualification in Heritage Studies, History, Architecture, Planning, Heritage Conservation or another closely related field relevant to the position. Candidates with qualifications in architecture will be highly regarded.
2. The qualification must have a clear and direct relevance to the heritage advisory and research functions of the position.
3. Minimum three (3) years of recent relevant full-time experience working in heritage consultancy, heritage advisory, historical research, heritage conservation or a closely related professional role.

Skills and Attributes

1. Strong knowledge of historical research methods, heritage significance, conservation principles, cultural heritage management and the Burra Charter.
2. Demonstrated analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret complex information and prepare high-quality heritage reports.
3. Sound knowledge of relevant heritage legislation, planning controls and regulatory processes, with the ability to interpret architectural drawings and technical documentation. Knowledge of legislative frameworks across Australia will be highly regarded.
4. Strong communication, problem-solving and project management skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively with clients, stakeholders and multidisciplinary teams.
5. Ability to undertake site inspections and fieldwork, including regional or remote travel and flexible hours, with a commitment to maintaining current professional knowledge.

What we offer

You will have the support and opportunity to develop your knowledge and expertise with our passionate, multi-disciplined team located across our offices and a competitive salary package commensurate with experience. In addition to this, we offer:

• Vibrant and genuinely friendly environment with a relaxed, but fast-paced atmosphere
• Great projects to work on
• Health and wellbeing initiatives
• Professional and personal development opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements, including occasional work from home, for this Adelaide office-based position

To apply, attach your resume. Please include a brief cover letter outlining your relevant heritage advisory, research and consultancy experience.