Senior heritage consultant Yolanda Pavincich is based at Niche’s head office in Parramatta, with the option to work remotely from her Blue Mountains home, and regular travel for fieldwork that can take her anywhere from Sydney CBD to remote bushland locations across NSW. She joined Niche in October 2020.
“Starting a new and busy job during Covid was challenging because I had so many new systems to learn, but remote working infrastructure that was already well established – and specialist support from our IT, GIS, logistics and admin teams – made my transition easier,” says Yolanda.
As part of the Aboriginal heritage consulting team, Yolanda’s position involves project management and report writing, quality control, and logistical management and supervision of excavation and fieldwork programs.
A typical day in the office for Yolanda may involve reviewing reports for submission, compiling permit applications and assisting clients with heritage advice, as well as “the consumption of a lot of coffee, lollies and fruit!”
“I enjoy the diversity in tasks which vary from day to day. One day I could be in the office researching a portion of land and the following day out in field surveying said land. It always surprises me how much more information can be gained when out in the field and observing the subtleties of how the land has changed over time,“ Yolanda explains.
Yolanda’s ten years of experience in archaeology includes cultural heritage and community consultation for urban development and infrastructure projects. A highlight of her career so far was a project in Tasmania involving the excavation of a large midden with over a tonne of shell present, as well as worked material.
“We took a number of charcoal samples which demonstrated evidence of reoccurring occupation,” says Yolanda. “I have always been interested in the natural environment and connection to country and culture. There is so much we can learn from past human activity and behaviour.”
“In fact, I chose a career in archaeology because I enjoy exploring and excavating in areas that have not been exposed for tens of thousands of years’, she continues.
Yolanda was drawn to join the team at Niche because of the multidisciplinary approach of the business, and the variety of expertise within the consultancy.
“At Niche, I have access to a wealth of knowledge from my ecologist colleagues. We really complement each other, which leads to some interesting joint projects.”
“So much of what we do requires a holistic view of the environment and ecology, as well as human impact and activity. At Niche, I have access to a wealth of knowledge from my ecologist colleagues. We really complement each other, which leads to some interesting joint projects.”
Since joining Niche, Yolanda has been supported by her team leader Renée to be active in the professional archaeology community, and to engage in practical training to learn new skills such as 4WD recovery driving.
“I love to be connected and involved with my local community,” says Yolanda. “Outside of work I volunteer with the SES and my local Bushcare group, which keeps me quite busy.”
“And through Niche I’ve been supported to make new connections and community partnerships, including our recent sponsorship of two teams from Mount Druitt United as part of the Blacktown Red Belly Warriors Women’s Aboriginal Rugby League Knockout.”
“I’m pretty busy, and really enjoying my time with Niche.”
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Due to a strong pipeline of interesting work for great clients, Niche is currently recruiting! To find out more about current opportunities to join our team and – the many great employee benefits we offer – visit our Careers page.
