Director, Conservation & Infrastructure

About the role

The Director, Conservation & Infrastructure provides strategic leadership for the long‑term protection and sustainable development of three UNESCO World Heritage‑listed sites managed by the Port Arthur Historic Site Management Authority. Reporting to the Executive Leadership Team, this senior position blends heritage stewardship with modern infrastructure and asset management to keep the sites authentic, resilient and future‑ready.

Key responsibilities

• Develop and implement comprehensive conservation strategies for the Port Arthur, Coal Mines, and Cascades Female Factory historic sites.
• Oversee planning, design and delivery of infrastructure projects that support visitor experience while preserving heritage values.
• Manage the asset register, ensuring effective maintenance, risk mitigation and lifecycle planning.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team of conservators, engineers, and asset managers to deliver major programs on time and within budget.
• Provide expert advice to government agencies, stakeholders and community groups on heritage and infrastructure matters.
• Monitor compliance with UNESCO, national and state heritage legislation and standards.

Required profile

• Proven senior leadership experience in heritage conservation, cultural‑site management or related fields.
• Demonstrated ability to manage large‑scale infrastructure and asset‑management programmes.
• Strong track record of strategic planning, stakeholder engagement and delivering results in a public‑sector environment.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills with government, community and industry partners.

Required skills

• Heritage conservation management
• Infrastructure project management
• Asset management and maintenance planning

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead the preservation of internationally significant cultural landscapes.
• Influence on policy and practice at a national and global level.
• Collaborative work environment within a statutory authority dedicated to sustainable tourism and heritage.