Ballardong Aboriginal Corporation (BAC) is the recognised Ballardong Noongar Regional Corporation established under the South-West Native Title Settlement and Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA). BAC works to advance the interests of Ballardong Noongar people by protecting culture, heritage and Country, acquiring and mobilising land for community benefit, and strengthening opportunities for future generations.

BAC is entering an important period of growth and development, focused on strengthening cultural land management, ranger activities, community engagement and economic development across Ballardong Country.

Ballardong Aboriginal Corporation is committed to creating a culturally safe and inclusive workplace. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

The Opportunity

Ballardong Aboriginal Corporation is seeking an experienced and culturally grounded Ranger Program Manager to lead the Ballardong Marlak Ranger Program across the Ballardong ILUA region.

This important leadership role provides strategic direction, operational oversight and program coordination for BAC’s ranger activities, ensuring the program delivers strong environmental, cultural, community and economic outcomes for Ballardong people and Country.

The Ranger Program Manager will oversee ranger teams, cultural land management projects, biodiversity and conservation activities, heritage protection initiatives, and on-Country community engagement activities across multiple ranger satellite locations.

The role supports BAC’s vision of achieving self-determination through stronger social, cultural and economic outcomes for Ballardong and Noongar people while strengthening cultural authority, environmental stewardship and connection to Country.

Working closely with Elders, community members, government agencies and partner organisations, the Ranger Program Manager will help build a strong and sustainable ranger workforce grounded in Ballardong cultural values and sustainable land management practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the Ballardong Marlak Ranger Program across all ranger locations and satellite teams.
• Ensure ranger activities align with Ballardong cultural knowledge, community priorities and land management strategies.
• Lead the planning, implementation and continuous improvement of ranger operations and programs.
• Support the long-term growth and sustainability of the Ranger Program.
• Promote a culturally safe, collaborative and high-performing workplace culture aligned with BAC values.
• Ensure that the ranger program delivers its planned activities, outputs and outcomes.
• Contribute as a key member of the BAC operational leadership team.

• Oversee the delivery of land management activities including:
  • biodiversity conservation
  • cultural burning
  • weed and feral animal control
  • habitat restoration
  • waterway and land rehabilitation
  • environmental monitoring.
• Support the protection and management of culturally significant sites and heritage areas.
• Ensure ranger activities align with environmental legislation, conservation practices and cultural protocols.
• Support land access, conservation and joint management activities under the ILUA framework.
• Coordinate operational planning for on-Country activities across the Ballardong region.

• Lead, mentor and support Ranger Program staff including Lead Rangers, Rangers, Trainee Rangers and project personnel.
• Support employment, training and career pathways for Ballardong people within the Ranger Program.
• Coordinate staff development, accredited training and professional development opportunities.
• Foster a strong team culture focused on safety, wellbeing, cultural respect and accountability.
• Promote cultural knowledge transfer between Elders, rangers and younger generations.

Partnerships, Stakeholder Engagement & Community Participation

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Traditional Owners, Elders, government agencies, conservation organisations, local governments and research institutions.
• Coordinate collaborative ranger projects and partnerships across the region.
• Represent BAC professionally at meetings, forums and activities.
• Support community engagement activities including school programs, cultural events and public education initiatives.
• Assist with strengthening community understanding of the Ranger Program

Governance, Compliance & Operational Oversight

• Manage ranger program budgets, funding agreements, reporting and acquittal requirements.
• Ensure compliance with:
  • Workplace Health and Safety legislation
  • Environmental and conservation legislation
  • Aboriginal Heritage Act requirements
  • BAC policies and procedures.
• Oversee operational systems including vehicles, equipment, assets and field resources.
• Maintain accurate operational records, project documentation and reporting systems.
• Monitor and report on ranger program outcomes and performance measures.
• Ensure safe work practices, remote area procedures and risk management systems are implemented across ranger operations.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Strong value alignment with Ballardong Aboriginal Corporation’s vision, mission and purpose.
• Demonstrated experience managing environmental, conservation, cultural land management or ranger programs.
• Strong understanding of Aboriginal cultural land management principles and connection to Country.
• Experience leading and supervising field-based teams across multiple locations.
• Demonstrated experience in project management, operational coordination and program delivery.
• Knowledge of environmental management, biodiversity conservation and land care practices.
• Experience working collaboratively with Aboriginal communities, Elders and Traditional Owners.
• Sound understanding of workplace health and safety requirements in remote and field-based environments.
• Experience managing budgets, grants and program reporting requirements.
• Strong organisational, communication and leadership skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and operational reporting systems.
• Current Australian Driver’s Licence.
• National Police Clearance (issued within the last six months).
• Work from the BAC Northam office at least 3 days each week.
• Ability to travel throughout the Ballardong region and undertake field-based work when required.

Desirable

• Qualification in Conservation and Ecosystem Management, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science or related discipline or related experience
• Experience working within an Aboriginal organisation, Native Title body or community-controlled organisation.
• Understanding of the South-West Native Title Settlement and ILUA framework.
• Experience working with DBCA, conservation agencies or joint land management programs.
• 4WD, chemical handling, chainsaw, fire management or other relevant operational certifications.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to contribute to the future of Ballardong people and Country.
• Meaningful leadership role caring for Country and strengthening cultural connection.
• Opportunity to contribute to self-determination through the achievement of social, cultural and economic outcomes for Ballardong and Noongar people.
• Supportive and culturally grounded workplace.
• Opportunity to work closely with Elders, community leaders and environmental partners.
• Opportunity to help shape and grow a regionally significant Aboriginal Ranger Program.
• Competitive remuneration package including superannuation, salary packaging and a vehicle for work purposes.

Location: Northam, Western Australia

Employment: Full time

Reports to: Executive Manager Lands & Heritage

Base Salary: $110,000 pa

Contact

For further information about the role or Ballardong Aboriginal Corporation or to submit your application, please contact [email protected] using the subject line: Ranger Program Manager - Northam enquiry via EthicalJobs.