• Gain a unique multicultural experience with genuine job satisfaction
• Attractive remuneration package circa $71,000 plus salary packaging
• Subsidised accommodation and relocation allowance provided
• Bilingual qualification Language Allowance and Pitjantjatjara Language Course available

Position Summary

APY Land Management is seeking a coordinator for one of its five Indigenous Protected Areas (IPAs), in the stunningly beautiful landscape of the Central Australian Desert. The position requires a flexible and adaptable person to facilitate Anangu Traditional Owners’ aspirations for looking after country, through the coordinated design, delivery and reporting of a cultural and natural resource management program.

The IPA Coordinator should have an understanding of the people and culture of Central Australia and a keen interest in the biodiversity conservation of the area. The IPA Coordinator undertakes extensive field work and has responsibility for mentoring and developing Anangu Ranger teams. The ability to live and operate safely in a remote location is key to this role.

Further information on the IPA Program can be found here: http://www.environment.gov.au/indigenous/ipa

Key Responsibilities

Work in a cross-cultural environment

• Regularly communicate with and listen to Anangu Traditional Owners about work in the IPA
• Involve Traditional Owners and relevant stakeholders in Steering Committee meetings for the IPA
• Together with the Steering Committee and other Land Management staff, plan the annual works program for the IPA with regards to the IPA Management Plan, up to date NRM knowledge and federal funding guidelines
• Respect cultural responsibilities and priorities of all people you are working with
• Employ communication techniques appropriate to cross-cultural environments
• Collaborate with Anangu and service providers in small and remote communities

Supportive management of Ranger teams to implement cultural and natural resource management

• In consultation with Traditional Owners, assist in the recruitment of casual Anangu Rangers for the IPA Ranger team
• Day-to-day involvement with the Anangu Ranger team, providing supportive management of their activities including: preparing Rangers for on-the-job training, organising training equipment in preparation in conducting field work, skills development, and resolving any training issues
• Managing operational logistics, such as timely sourcing, ordering and maintaining equipment and supplies so Ranger teams can successfully carry out the works program that involves training outcomes
• Facilitate training opportunities for Rangers in Natural Resource Management and connecting with formal trainers such as TAFESA and Land Management’s Conservation Land Management Cert II program offered through nearby training institutes that may offer the above as alternatives to achieving Certificates.

Conduct extensive field work in a safe working environment

• Weekly field work with Ranger teams in line with the annual works program, including:
  • patch burning,
  • threatened species monitoring using appropriate methods (camera-traps, long-walk searches, tracks/scats, trapping, photo points)
  • cultural site management
  • pest plant and animal management
  • biological surveys

• Extended camping trips to access remote places or carry out specific land management works in the IPA
• Operate a fully equipped 4WD vehicle, and ensure that the vehicle is maintained and all vehicle safety procedures are followed by all staff and rangers.

• Ensure all APY Occupational Health and Safety policies are adhered to during all activities, including remote safety check-in procedures

Project data collection and reporting

• Using different technologies (IPad, photos, GIS), collect and store data on all IPA on-ground works and activities
• Train Anangu Rangers in data collection procedures
• With guidance from the IPA Program Manager, prepare timely project reports to the federal government and assist with the preparation of other reports and applications as required
• With Anangu, promote the IPA work through newsletters, radio, social media, presentations and interactions with community and school groups

Project human resource management and budget management

• Carry out all procedures relating to the financial and human resource management of ranger teams, including submitting timesheets, handling pay enquiries and maintaining employee records.
• Monitoring the project budget and expenditure of funds, including purchasing of project supplies, under the guidance of the Program Manager

Other duties

• Engaging and managing consultants, researchers and contractors to run specific field activities or training with Anangu Rangers
• Adhere to appropriate practices and procedures, and work within the APY Code of Conduct
• Carry out a range of additional Land Management tasks, as directed, such as helping other Ranger teams with large field trips

Working Relationships

• Reports to, and receives direction from the IPA Program Manager, APY Land Management
• Works in close collaboration with the APY Land Management Ecologist to ensure ecological goals and data collection procedures are being met
• Works with other APY staff as directed, including APY Anthropology
• Maintains good working relationships with traditional owners of Aboriginal land, native title holders and residents of other Aboriginal communities.
• Maintains good working relationships with other Government and Non-government service providers on the APY Lands
• Maintains networks outside the Lands in the field of NRM and Indigenous Land Management, including with scientists, experts, other ranger groups and organisations

Special Conditions

• APY is a ‘dry’ area where alcohol is prohibited.
• Eligibility to claim special tax zone rebate.
• A fully serviced 4WD vehicle is provided for regular and extensive work travel across the APY Lands
• Some out of hours work may be required, with Time Off In Lieu provided
• Overnight stays in communities and regular bush camping is required

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Experience and interest in working with and managing small teams of people including young people and people of different cultural backgrounds – a people person!
• A background in Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Anthropology, Social Work, Community Development, Outdoor Education, Training or a relevant trade
• Appreciation of contemporary Aboriginal issues, especially in relation to cultural and socio-economic challenges in remote central Australia
• Proven ability to organise and safely lead field trips to remote locations
• Ability to live remotely in small communities
• Flexible skills and personality to meet the challenges of an ever-changing workplace environment
• Excellent communication skills, particularly listening skills
• Current Australian driving licence Class C
• Knowledge of Occupational Health and Safety legislation and safe working practices
• Demonstrated time management, organisational and independent work skills
• Computer competency, including Microsoft Office

Desirable

• Pitjantjatjara language skills, or background in language other than English
• Experience working with Aboriginal people, including with Traditional Owners, or working in another cross-cultural environment
• Experience in the planning and delivery of a Natural Resource Management program
• Experience in on-the-job or formal training delivery to others
• Qualifications in Natural Resource Management, Ecology, Anthropology or other relevant industries
• Experience in project management (human resources/budget/administration)

Salary and Conditions

A total employment package will be negotiated upwards of $71,000. This includes a starting salary from $62,000 plus 9.5% superannuation, 17.5% Leave Loading and additional Allowances, including District Allowance at $2,820 (non-dependent rate) or $4,560 (dependent rate), annual return airfare, heavily subsidised rental accommodation, 6 weeks’ Annual Leave and 2 weeks’ Study Leave and Salary Packaging options. A generous relocation allowance is provided. A bilingual qualification Language Allowance is also available for applicants able to speak both English and any one of Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara or Ngaanyatjarra languages. A 2-week intensive Pitjantjatjara Language Course is provided for all new staff upon completion of 12 months of service.

Health

This is a physically demanding job, working in a harsh environment, where comprehensive medical care is not always readily available. The successful applicant must therefore be able-bodied and would be well advised to carefully consider their general health status prior to commencement. A medical check may be required.