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Heritage Consultant

💰 $75,000 - $120,000

ArchitectureUrban PlanningEnvironmental ConsultingGovernmentCultural Resources

🎯 Role Definition

As a Heritage Consultant, you will serve as a key advisor to clients across the public and private sectors. Your primary role is to navigate the complexities of heritage legislation and policy, conducting detailed assessments and producing robust reports to guide development projects. You will be a crucial link between architects, planners, developers, and regulatory bodies, using your expertise in history, architecture, and archaeology to deliver innovative and compliant solutions for a wide range of projects impacting built, natural, and cultural heritage.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Graduate Heritage Consultant / Junior Heritage Advisor
  • Archaeologist / Field Officer
  • Architectural Historian or Assistant
  • Research Assistant (in a related field)

Advancement To:

  • Senior Heritage Consultant
  • Principal Heritage Consultant
  • Heritage Team Leader / Manager
  • Associate Director (Heritage)

Lateral Moves:

  • Urban Planner (with a heritage specialization)
  • Conservation Officer (in a local or state government agency)
  • Museum Curator or Collections Manager
  • Policy Advisor (Heritage)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct comprehensive heritage assessments and archival research to identify and evaluate the historical significance of sites, buildings, and landscapes.
  • Prepare, write, and peer-review a wide array of technical heritage reports, including Heritage Impact Statements (HIS), Statements of Heritage Impact (SoHI), and Archaeological Assessments.
  • Develop and implement detailed Conservation Management Plans (CMPs) and Interpretation Strategies to guide the long-term care and use of heritage assets.
  • Provide expert and strategic heritage advice to clients, architects, planners, and multidisciplinary project teams from project inception through to completion.
  • Liaise and negotiate with local, state, and federal government authorities and heritage agencies (e.g., Heritage Councils, SHPOs) to secure statutory approvals and consents.
  • Undertake on-site inspections, surveys, and photographic recording of heritage places to document conditions and inform assessment findings.
  • Analyze architectural plans and development proposals to assess their potential impact on heritage significance and provide mitigation strategies.
  • Present expert evidence and testimony at planning panels, tribunals, and in court proceedings (e.g., Land and Environment Court) as required.
  • Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest professional standard.
  • Engage in meaningful consultation with a diverse range of stakeholders, including property owners, community groups, and Indigenous / First Nations communities.
  • Interpret and apply complex local, state, and federal heritage and planning legislation, policies, and guidelines to specific project contexts.
  • Lead the preparation of heritage components for major infrastructure and urban renewal environmental impact statements (EIS).
  • Conduct due diligence and provide preliminary heritage advice to inform property acquisition and project feasibility studies.
  • Develop creative and practical design solutions in collaboration with architects to achieve positive heritage outcomes within development projects.

Secondary Functions

  • Actively contribute to business development by assisting with the preparation of compelling fee proposals, tenders, and expressions of interest.
  • Mentor and provide guidance to junior consultants and graduates, fostering their professional growth and technical skills.
  • Participate in and present at industry conferences, seminars, and workshops to maintain and enhance professional knowledge and networks.
  • Contribute to the development of internal best-practice standards, templates, and methodologies for heritage consulting services.
  • Identify and cultivate relationships with new and existing clients to generate repeat business and expand the company's market presence.
  • Author articles, blog posts, or thought leadership pieces on heritage matters to enhance the firm's public profile and reputation.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Heritage Legislation Expertise: Deep understanding of relevant state and federal heritage and planning laws, such as the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA), state-specific heritage acts, and local environmental plans.
  • Report Writing: Proven ability to write clear, concise, and defensible technical reports (e.g., HIAs, CMPs) for a variety of audiences.
  • Archival Research: Proficiency in conducting thorough historical research using primary and secondary sources from libraries, archives, and online databases.
  • Architectural History: Strong knowledge of architectural styles, building materials, and construction techniques from different historical periods.
  • Impact Assessment: Skilled in analyzing development proposals and accurately assessing their direct and indirect impacts on heritage significance.
  • Project Management: Competency in managing project timelines, budgets, and deliverables for multiple concurrent consulting assignments.
  • GIS and Mapping: Familiarity with GIS software (e.g., ArcGIS, QGIS) for spatial analysis and mapping of heritage items and conservation areas is highly desirable.

Soft Skills

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for effectively negotiating with clients, regulators, and community groups.
  • Problem-Solving: A creative and analytical mindset to develop practical solutions that reconcile development objectives with conservation principles.
  • Negotiation and Persuasion: The ability to advocate for heritage outcomes and influence project decisions in a collaborative and professional manner.
  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous accuracy in research, site analysis, and report preparation is essential.
  • Commercial Acumen: An understanding of the commercial realities of development and the ability to provide pragmatic, commercially-aware advice.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • A Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline is required.

Preferred Education:

  • A Master's degree in Heritage Conservation, Historic Preservation, Urban Planning, Architecture, or a closely related field is highly preferred.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Heritage Conservation / Historic Preservation
  • Architecture / Architectural History
  • Archaeology / Anthropology
  • Urban and Regional Planning
  • History / Public History

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3-7 years of professional experience in a heritage consulting, government, or related role.

Preferred:

  • Experience working within a commercial consultancy environment.
  • A proven track record of successfully managing heritage approvals for a variety of project types and scales.
  • Membership in a relevant professional organization (e.g., ICOMOS, National Trust, Planning Institute).
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