Emma Baird

Current position

I currently work as the coordinator of Everick’s residential and renewables projects in Queensland. Archaeology isn’t always fieldwork – I usually spend my days in an office organising and managing projects to make sure the run efficiently and that cultural heritage is effectively managed in consultation with Aboriginal traditional owners. This is a position that suits my passion for archaeology and my organised personality.

Where did you study?

I earned a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (Archaeology) and a Master of Museum Studies from the University of Queensland in 2014 and 2016 respectively. Due to the cross over in my position with cultural heritage law and contracts, I also began studying a Bachelor of Laws at QUT in 2019. 

How did you become interested in archaeology?

I’ve always had a love for history and learning about other cultures, but it was my preference dealing with material remains (artefacts) that attracted me to studying archaeology, rather than history.

What archaeological projects are you working on at the moment?

Right now I am working on multiple residential projects throughout south east Queensland, as well as a few solar and wind farm project across central Queensland. 

Tell us about one of your most interesting archaeological discoveries.

My favourite memory of working in archaeology so far was standing for 2 hours on a beach talking one on one with an Aboriginal traditional owner who explained the islands and the landscape to me, as far as the eye could see. 

What’s your favourite part of being an archaeologist?

For me, the best part about being an archaeologist is working to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage. The balance between preserving history and culture, and moving forward as a society with necessary infrastructure is a tricky one, but I enjoy working to find practical and effective ways to properly manage cultural heritage.