How to become a Cultural Heritage Officer

Cultural heritage officers are involved in the identification, assessment, conservation and interpretation of places and objects that have cultural heritage value.

Personal requirements for a Cultural Heritage Officer

Interest in objects, events, places and practices of the past and their significance for the present and the future
An inquiring mind and a capacity for detailed observation and accurate research
Good written communication skills
Able to work independently or as part of a team
Interest in other people and cultures
Able to prioritise and work under time constraints

Education & Training for a Cultural Heritage Officer

To become a cultural heritage officer you usually have to complete an arts or science degree at university with a major in cultural heritage studies, history, Indigenous studies, Australian studies, anthropology or archaeology. To get into these courses you usually need to gain your Senior Secondary Certificate of Education. Prerequisite subjects, or assumed knowledge, in one or more of English and mathematics are normally required. Universities have different prerequisites and some have flexible entry requirements or offer external study. Contact the institutions you are interested in for more information.

Duties & Tasks of a Cultural Heritage Officer

Cultural heritage officers:

Develop conservation policy and guidelines
Check and administer legislation
Compile and supply educational information on cultural heritage and conservation
Seek and arrange funding to support heritage applications
Identify, assess and compare the heritage value of objects, places, events and practices, and determine how they acquired their heritage value
Provide advice on proposed projects or activities that may affect cultural heritage sites
Provide advice about the interpretation, conservation and management of places and objects of cultural heritage significance
Prepare thematic histories (studies based on a particular theme in history).

Tasks

Assembles historical data by consulting sources of information such as historical indexes and catalogues, archives, court records, diaries, newspaper files and other materials.
Organises, authenticates, evaluates and interprets historical, political, sociological, anthropological and linguistic data.
Undertakes historical and cultural research into human activity, and prepares and presents research findings.

Working conditions for a Cultural Heritage Officer

Cultural heritage officers must also develop and regularly update their knowledge of Australian history, Indigenous history and culture, urban/environmental design and one or more areas of specialisation such as prehistory, archaeology, geology, ecology, architecture, visual arts or popular culture.

Employment Opportunities for a Cultural Heritage Officer

Cultural heritage officers can work as research assistants and officers, project officers, community officers, professional consultants or sub-consultants working as part of a team on a conservation project. They may work in a number of different areas, including the National Trust, heritage councils, museums, historical sites, art galleries, the minerals industry, local councils, private sector consulting organisations, the Australian and state or territory public services and the tourism industry. After completing formal education and gaining practical experience, you may be able to become self-employed as a consultant.

Specializations

Cultural Heritage Officer

Cultural heritage officers are involved in the identification, assessment, conservation and interpretation of places and objects that have cultural heritage value.

Average age
40 years
Future Growth
Moderate
Gender Share
60% female
Average full-time
43 hours
Weekly Pay
$1,942
Skill level rating
Very high skill
Unemployment
Lower unemployment
Full-Time Share
54% Full-Time
Employment Size
2,700 workers
Employment by state
ACT: 5.2%
NSW: 32.1%
NT: 2.7%
QLD: 15.4%
SA: 4.6%
TAS: 1.8%
VIC: 27.5%
WA: 10.7%
Age brackets
15-19: 6.7%
20-24: 6.9%
25-34: 22.1%
35-44: 22.6%
45-54: 19.2%
55-59: 8.5%
60-64: 6.6%
65 and Over: 7.6%
Education level
Advanced Diploma/Diploma: 4.4%
Bachelor degree: 29.8%
Certificate III/IV: 4%
Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate: 44.4%
Year 10 and below: 4.8%
Year 11: 1.3%
Year 12: 11.2%