About Us

The Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA) is an Indigenous-led, member-based organisation. Our membership is made up of Indigenous Land Management Organisations from the desert (ILMOs). We work with over 65 ranger groups and play a vital role strengthening desert ranger programs and keeping the desert connected.

Directed by Traditional Owners, ILMOs and their ranger teams undertake a wide range of cultural, environmental, and natural resource management activities. These activities include:

• Cultural knowledge transfer
• Cultural site and heritage management
• Fire management
• Feral animal and weed control
• Threatened species recovery projects
• Fee for service economic activities 

The IDA works closely with ILMOs to ensure that Indigenous rangers can collaboratively manage the Australian desert and realise their aspirations for community, culture, and Country. We do so by facilitating connections between ILMOs and stakeholders, by providing operational, capacity building and project management support, and through advocacy.

About the Desert Nature Markets Program

Nature markets are a new opportunity for the desert. They include the existing carbon market and new biodiversity markets. These markets may allow ILMOs to strengthen and pay for their work, supporting the ongoing stewardship of Country.

The IDA has been at the forefront of exploring and developing these opportunities for desert-based ranger programs. Our aim is for Indigenous people in the desert to be empowered to engage with the carbon and biodiversity markets on their own terms and in a way that protects Culture and Country.

Building on our success to date, the IDA is developing its Desert Nature Markets Program to achieve that vision.

About the role

The Nature Markets technical research officer will have a vital role in the development of the IDA’s Desert Nature Markets method development. It is an exciting opportunity at the forefront of natural capital accounting and ecosystem service economies. This is a fixed term 12 month contract. 

The successful applicant will be a spatial scientist providing technical support to the Desert Nature Market team through the successful development of market-facing environmental accounting methods applicable to land management work undertaken by desert ranger teams across central Australia. This support will include developing spatial mapping datasets and analytical approaches to establish best practice environmental monitoring and evaluation for desert methods in nature markets.

The nature markets technical research officer will contribute to delivering methods that are culturally informed by desert ranger teams and provide measurable outcomes with high scientific integrity.

The Nature markets technical research officer will work within a dedicated, collaborative and passionate team.

Working closely with other members of the Desert Projects team, the Nature Markets Technical Research Officer will:

• Provide technical assistance and expertise focused on environmental and spatial dataset establishment, analysis and management and contribute towards ecological modelling to inform method development
• Support the desert nature market team with technical data management, analysis and visualisation for engagement and capacity building
• Maintain a delivery mindset in an innovative and complex work environment
• Participate as a member of the IDA team

To be successful in this role, the Nature Markets Technical Research Officer will have:

• Demonstrated GIS skills and expertise in relevant scientific/research methods, techniques and protocols.
• Demonstrated organisational skills with the ability to coordinate and implement project activities, prioritise work activities and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to construct clear and concise reports.

• Demonstrated competence in the use of computer applications and relevant digital technologies for spatial and ecological analysis.
• Demonstrated effective interpersonal and oral communication skills with the ability to communicate professionally with people of all levels with cross cultural sensitivity.
•  A high level of respect for Indigenous people and culture

The position requires a strong commitment to working collaboratively with Indigenous people and community-based organisations. To do so, ideally you would have:

• Demonstrated experience in effective intercultural engagement
• Some understanding of the remote Indigenous social, cultural and economic context
• Experience in engagement with policy and regulatory environments

The applicant must be based in Australia. Within Australia the work location is negotiable; however, there is a preference for the role to be based in the IDA’s office in Perth. The role will involve some periods of extended and remote travel in the desert.

What we offer

• Join a successful national for purpose organisation that is having a significant positive impact across the desert of Australia
• A unique and rewarding opportunity to work with Aboriginal communities looking after their Country
• Competitive remuneration package and excellent conditions (with salary packaging available)
• A dynamic culture of dedicated, passionate, and professional team members
• Additional paid leave during Christmas/New Year shut down period
• Employee Assistance Program for personal well-being

next steps

To submit your application, please click ‘Apply now’ by the closing date.

A position description is attached.

The IDA is committed to safeguarding vulnerable people. You may be required to undergo a screening process on appointment.

The IDA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds including Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people, physical ability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and family background.