How to Become A Heritage Consultant

Steps to Become a Heritage Consultant

Step 1: Complete a relevant bachelor degree

Enrol in a bachelor degree in Archaeology, History, Anthropology, or Cultural Heritage Management at an Australian university. This AQF Level 7 degree takes three years full-time. It gives you the research, analysis, and writing skills every Heritage Consultant needs. Many employers look for a degree with a strong research component or an honours year.

Step 2: Gain practical experience through fieldwork or internship

Seek out fieldwork placements, internships, or volunteer roles with heritage groups, government agencies, or site-based firms. Entry-level work as a research assistant or heritage officer helps you apply classroom knowledge in real projects. Aim for at least 12 months of hands-on work before moving into a consultant role.

Step 3: Join a professional body

Apply for membership with Australia ICOMOS, the peak body for heritage professionals. You may also join the Australian Institute for the Conservation of Cultural Material (AICCM). Membership links you with industry networks, events, and the Burra Charter standards used across the sector. Most employers expect professional membership at the mid-career stage.

Step 4: Build knowledge of Australian heritage laws

Develop a solid grasp of state and federal heritage laws. This includes the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (Cth) and relevant state Heritage Acts. Most roles need practical knowledge of planning systems and heritage review processes. Stay current by attending workshops run by state heritage agencies and Australia ICOMOS.

Step 5: Consider postgraduate study for senior roles

A Graduate Diploma or Master in Cultural Heritage Management builds skills in conservation policy, heritage law, and project management. These are AQF Level 8 or 9 degrees available at Australian universities. Postgraduate study is often needed for senior consultant or advisory roles. Timeframe: one to two years full-time, with online and part-time options available.

A Heritage Consultant researches and protects Australia’s cultural and historic places. A typical day might involve searching archives, reviewing site plans, writing reports, and meeting with clients or community groups. You dig into old records to understand a place’s value. You then advise on how it should be managed or protected. The work spans everything from old buildings and dig sites to Indigenous cultural landscapes.

A Heritage Consultant assesses, documents, and protects places and objects of cultural value. They work with government bodies, developers, and communities to ensure Australia’s heritage is recognised and preserved for future generations.

• Assemble historic data – Search archives, historical indexes, court records, and newspapers to gather useful information.
• Evaluate and read data – Analyse historic, cultural, and site-based findings to assess heritage value and significance.
• Prepare research reports – Write and present findings to clients, government agencies, and community groups.
• Develop management plans – Create plans to care for and manage heritage sites and cultural resources.
• Advise on laws – Give guidance on state and federal heritage laws and compliance needs.
• Engage with communities – Run workshops and events to promote heritage care and public awareness.
• Work with Indigenous communities – Engage with Traditional Owners to document and protect cultural heritage values.
• Monitor heritage sites – Conduct reviews to ensure sites remain protected and legally compliant.

• Strong research and analysis skills
• Written and verbal communication
• Attention to detail
• Knowledge of Australian heritage legislation
• Historical and cultural interpretation
• Project management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Report writing
• Fieldwork and site assessment
• Problem-solving
• Ability to work independently and in teams
• Cultural sensitivity