Heritage Research Officer – 12 month contract

South Australian Native Title Services Ltd (SANTS) delivers services to South Australia’s traditional owners that promote and protect their native title rights and interests in land and waters.

We are currently seeking a passionate and organised Heritage Research Officer to join our Research Team at SANTS. This role reports directly to the Research and Heritage Manager. The Heritage Research Officer will work co-operatively with the Cultural Heritage Coordinator, broader Research Team, as well as the Community and Corporate Development and Legal teams.

This is a locally based position in Adelaide, offering the opportunity to work closely with teams on the ground and be directly involved in community-focused outcomes. The role will primarily be conducted in the field and will involve intrastate travel.

Duties Include:

Identify and document Aboriginal heritage places through surveys across South Australia.

Produce high-quality research and reports to inform heritage management, land use planning, and legal processes.

Create, update, and manage spatial datasets that incorporate cultural and environmental information to support heritage protection.

Collaborate with Aboriginal communities, individuals, and relevant organisations, as well as government and industry proponents, to support informed decision-making and respectful engagement.

Utilisation of the SANTS records management system (including use of Content Manager).

To be successful in this role you will have:

Tertiary qualifications (postgraduate preferred) in Archaeology or a related discipline, and experience in a similar role

Experience working with Aboriginal communities (desirable)

Organisational and time management skills, with demonstrated ability to work autonomously, under pressure, and within stringent timeframes

Proficient in the use of GIS software (eg. ArcGIS) and GPS-based field data collection

Knowledge of archaeological and anthropological theory (preferred).

Experience in cultural heritage field work and reporting, site recording methods and Australian heritage legislation (South Australian, preferred).

Working knowledge of and commitment to the principles and practices of Equal Employment Opportunity and Workplace Health and Safety.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Minimum of 2 years’ experience (desirable)

Driver’s License

Benefits upon offer

Attractive salary including 15% superannuation and Salary Sacrifice options

Flexible time arrangements (includes accrual of flexi time worked)

Accrual of TOIL hours (worked outside the span of flexi time)

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Additional public holidays (NAIDOC day, end of year break)

Ceremonial leave

Travel allowance for work trips away from Adelaide

Salary range per annum between $88,300-$92,000

Get to work in a brand new, contemporary office right in the heart of the CBD.

For a detailed job description, please email Maria Almeida – [email protected].

To apply, please submit your application via SEEK. All roles will be based in the Adelaide CBD but with some intra and interstate travel. Applications close COB Monday, 18 August 2025.