Senior Heritage Advisor

• Work with autonomy to implement and manage heritage strategies, policies, procedures and plans
• Parramatta based role with scope for hybrid work available
• Join a welcoming and performing team in an exciting field and make a real impact!

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic heritage professional to help manage Sydney Water’s cultural heritage assets and heritage obligations, with a focus on historical (built) cultural heritage.

About The Role

This role provides an advanced level of technical heritage advice and support to the business, to ensure that Sydney Water meets its cultural heritage obligations and continues to perform as an exemplar custodian of its heritage portfolio. This role operates with an expected level of autonomy to implement and manage heritage strategies, policies, procedures and plans that position Sydney Water to effectively respond to relevant heritage legislation and policy requirements.

The role includes a diverse range of focus area including built heritage assessments and statutory approvals, heritage interpretation, moveable heritage management, advanced technical advice and provision of cultural heritage compliance training for the business. Overall, this role is critical for the provision of specialised advice to support the management, conservation and protection of Sydney Water’s cultural heritage assets.

The key responsibilities are to:

• Provide advanced technical advice and support regarding Sydney Water’s heritage assets and management of statutory cultural heritage requirements.
• Engage with stakeholders through effective communication, conflict resolution, and representation at industry forums.
• Support technical uplift in colleagues and team members to improve heritage literacy and capability.
• Align cultural heritage outcomes with Sydney Water’s desired business outcomes and capital program requirements.

About You:

In addition to a relevant Tertiary Qualification in cultural heritage, conservation, heritage architecture, interpretation or a related discipline, we are looking for someone with:

• At least 7-10 years’ relevant industry experience with a focus on historic / built cultural heritage management (additional experience in archaeology and/or Aboriginal cultural is desirable but not required). This role is targeted at the equivalent of an advanced Senior, Principal, Associate or Team Leader level regarding level of expertise and autonomy expected.
• Advanced understanding of heritage legislative framework under the Heritage Act 1977 and ability to navigate approval pathway frameworks in response to different project needs (demonstrated understanding and/or experience with the application of Heritage Act Delegations and/or various s57(2) Exemptions is desirable).
• Demonstrated experience and competence working with cultural heritage items of different levels of significance (an understanding of and experience in managing s170 Heritage & Conservation Register items is desirable).
• An understanding of the key heritage implications applicable to the planning and delivery of infrastructure and development (experience with industrial heritage assets is highly desirable).
• Demonstrated experienced in preparing high-quality heritage assessment and management documentation for complex heritage sites or projects.
• A demonstrated pragmatic and efficient approach to cultural heritage management for the provision of essential services, and the ability to navigate a balanced outcome accounting for different interests.
• Enthusiasm for managing and curating a targeted moveable heritage and artefact collection representative of Sydney Water’s history and cultural heritage, and leading historic tours and education initiatives for the business.
• A collegiate approach to teamwork and collaboration, with leadership in upskilling and mentorship of other team members and staff.

Required:

• Tertiary Qualification in cultural heritage, conservation, heritage architecture interpretation or a related discipline.
• At least 7-10 years’ relevant industry experience with a focus on historic / built cultural heritage management.
• NSW Driver’s Licence.

Does this sound like you? Apply now. Closing date: 11.59 AEST Sunday 7th June 2026

Please submit a cover letter no more than 1-2 pages outlining how you meet the required skills and technical capabilities outlined in the key responsibilities above. Particular attention should be given to examples of how you have navigated complex heritage projects or sites in the application of approvals pathways or assessments and achieved outcomes which balance conservation and delivery of project needs.

We support you through the application process and can modify as needed – let us know what you need. For more information, you can contact marc.evans2@sydneywater.com.au

Please see the job profile for the role’s full accountabilities.

Why join us

At Sydney Water, your work will make a real difference in people’s lives—and your own. With diverse projects and roles, you'll find ample career growth opportunities. At Sydney Water, we actively seek and celebrate diversity, equity, inclusion, and individuality., fostering a safe environment where everyone can thrive and shape impactful community projects. We offer flexible working arrangements and opportunities for career progression among our many benefits.  

Dive into Our Great Benefits: 

• Competitive Remuneration: We’ll ensure that your skills and contributions are valued and rewarded appropriately. 
• Hybrid Work Environment: We offer a hybrid work model that balances remote work and office collaboration, supporting our team's productivity and well-being. 
• Continuous Professional Growth: We will invest in your career with leadership and development programs to propel your success. 
• 24/7 Wellbeing Support: Access for you and your family to free and confidential mental health and general health support through our EAP portal. 
• Discounted Private Health Insurance: Unlock affordable access to top-tier health coverage with our discounted insurance plans. 
• Family First: Prioritise your family with up to 18 weeks of fully paid parental leave and a childcare allowance. 
• Fitness Passport: Achieve your physical fitness goals using our Fitness Passport, granting you access to a multitude of gyms and pools across NSW. 
• Novated Leasing: Get in the driver's seat of your financial future with our novated lease options. 

Working at Sydney Water

We welcome and encourage applications from diverse backgrounds, including First Nations people, LGBTQIA+, people with disability, people with caring responsibilities, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, and veterans.  

As part of the application process, Sydney Water will be collecting your personal information to assess your suitability for the role. We will also use your personal information to establish a LiveHire talent profile in our Talent Community.  

Your personal information will be collected in accordance with LiveHire’s Terms, Privacy Policy and Sydney Water’s Privacy Collection Statement – Job Application. Please note as part of the application process, you will be asked to undergo background checks which includes a criminal history check.