Associate Archaeologist

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

We are looking for an experienced archaeologist with a passion for finding heritage‑positive solutions. With a strong pipeline of work across Australia, and particularly in NSW, we are seeking an Associate Archaeologist to join our team in Sydney /regional NSW in a permanent role.

Our Jacobs Cultural Heritage team comprises heritage specialists Australia‑wide with experience in Aboriginal archaeology, historical archaeology, maritime archaeology, underwater archaeology, interpretation, and built heritage and architecture. We work on projects from large‑scale multi‑disciplinary infrastructure developments to smaller heritage‑specific projects. Our key clients include state government road, rail and transport agencies, energy and power sector, infrastructure construction contractors, water utilities companies, local government and Commonwealth government departments. We provide heritage advice across many different stages in a project lifecycle – from business case inputs and early design phase considerations, to undertaking assessments for heritage approvals and providing construction phase support. We love that we have the opportunity to find solutions that take heritage values, our clients and key stakeholders into consideration.

Associate Archaeologist role

The purpose of the Associate Archaeologist role is to provide technical and professional leadership in the field of Aboriginal cultural heritage. Key responsibilities include:

• Coordinating, leading and supporting the delivery of NSW Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Archaeological Reports, Aboriginal Archaeological Report, Aboriginal Heritage Impact Permit and heritage inputs into Review of Environmental Factors and Environmental Impact Statements.
• Leading field surveys and test excavations.
• Supervising and conducting heritage and significance assessments.
• Managing project portfolios and preparing proposals for key clients.
• Ownership and responsibility for independently writing complex heritage reports and assessments.
• Providing leadership, mentoring and support for other archaeologists, while undertaking field assessment and artefact analysis.

The role will work collaboratively with a range of disciplines within Jacobs, the client and other stakeholders, including fostering relationships with Traditional Owners and Registered Aboriginal Parties.

The role will also play a key role in identifying, sourcing and winning opportunities by building strong relationships with clients and leading and/ or writing proposals.

We value collaboration and believe that in‑person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Here’s what you’ll need

• Appropriate qualifications and experience to lead fieldwork in accordance with the Code of Practice.
• Honours or postgraduate degree in a relevant subject (e.g. heritage management, archaeology).
• Consulting experience, with a focus on Aboriginal heritage in NSW.
• Experience leading complex Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Assessments.
• Applied knowledge of State and Commonwealth heritage legislation and relevant guidelines.
• Excellent research and site analysis skills.
• Excellent writing and reporting skills.
• Demonstrated ability to support and manage heritage projects in a timely manner, within budget, and to a high level of quality.
• Experience preparing Statements of Heritage Impacts would be desirable but not essential.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people from marginalised or underrepresented backgrounds are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every qualification. At Jacobs, we’re dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align with every requirement in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be the right candidate for this or other roles.

Jacobs. A world where you can.

Cultural Support

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. Jacobs aims to provide cultural safety at our interviews. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are invited to nominate a cultural representative to participate on the interview panel; please let your recruiter know in your application. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover a way to cultivate, nurture and achieve your goals – all at a single global company.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.