• Research Officer/ Heritage permits for archaeology with the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

• Starting February 2026

• HEO 5 Step 2 $63.28 per hour plus Superannuation

About the opportunity

The Research Assistant supports archaeological research with Aboriginal communities in NSW by managing statutory and ethical compliance processes, including Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) applications, ethics clearances, and fieldwork approvals. The role ensures accurate documentation, appropriate community consultation, and adherence to legislative and institutional requirements.

Decision Making and Delegations of Authority

The position exercises judgment in interpreting AHIP guidelines, drafting reports, and coordinating Aboriginal community consultations within established guidelines. The role makes decisions on the preparation and submission of AHIP documentation, fieldwork approvals, and managing ethics clearance processes, under the guidance of the Manager. Delegated authority includes submitting applications through Heritage NSW and liaising with Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAPs) on behalf of the research team, under the guidance of the Manager.

Your key responsibilities will be to:

• prepares and submits Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit (AHIP) applications. Including:
  - Reviews AHIP guidelines and relevant legislation
  -Drafts Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Reports (ACHARs) and individual permit applications
  - Compiles and prepares supporting documentation (e.g. site registers and maps)
  - Coordinates Aboriginal community consultation, including logging responses, developing the Registered Aboriginal Parties (RAP) list and compiling evidence
  - Distributes draft ACHARs to the RAPs and incorporate feedback
  - Submits final applications through Heritage NSW portal
  - Completes post-award statutory obligations

• manages ethics clearances through the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS), including assisting with coordination of ethics clearance needs across the research team.

• obtains fieldwork approvals from the University of Sydney, including assistance with the development of prerequisite fieldwork team schedules.

• undertakes ad-hoc projects and other activities. Performs work activities relevant to the role’s key accountabilities as approved by the Manager and commensurate to the role’s classification level

About you

• bachelor of Arts (archaeology) Honours

• completion of more than 2 AHIPs without assistance

• experience working with Aboriginal communities in NSW under the Consultation Guideline

• familiarity with Ethics processes           

• ability to complete Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit applications

• ability to consult with Aboriginal communities

• ability to write Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessment Reports

• ability to complete University Ethics applications  

Sponsorship / work rights for Australia

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.  This role requires valid work rights for Australia.

Pre-employment checks

Your employment is conditional upon the completion of all role required pre-employment or background checks in terms satisfactory to the University. Similarly, your ongoing employment is conditional upon the satisfactory maintenance of all relevant clearances and background check requirements. If you do not meet these conditions, the University may take any necessary step, including the termination of your employment.

EEO statement 

At the University of Sydney, our shared values are trust, accountability and excellence and we strive to be a place where everyone can thrive. We are committed to creating a University community that thrives through diversity and reflects the wider community that we serve. We deliver on this through our commitment to diversity and inclusion, evidenced by our people and culture programs, as well as key strategies to increase participation and support the careers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, women, people living with a disability, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and those who identify as LGBTQIA+. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds. 

We are proud to be recognised as an Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI) Platinum Employer. Find out more about our work on diversity and inclusion. 

How to apply

Applications (including a cover letter, CV, and any additional supporting documentation) can be submitted via the Apply button at the top of the page. 

For employees of the University or contingent workers, please login into your Workday account and navigate to the Career icon on your Dashboard.  Click on USYD Find Jobs and apply.

For a confidential discussion about the role, or if you require reasonable adjustment or any documents in alternate formats, please contact Michael Abelardo, Recruitment Consultant Recruitment Operations, by email to [email protected] 

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