ABOUT THE POSITION

The Kija Ranger Coordinator coordinates the operational delivery of the Kija ranger program. This involves providing strong leadership to a small team of Indigenous rangers to deliver on their annual works plan, as set by Kija traditional owners. The works plan is made up of a diverse range of cultural and natural resource management activities, including fire management, threatened and pest species management, preservation of rock art sites, on country trips with senior traditional owners, engagement with the local school and much more. The role also involves staff management and program management.

We are looking for a dynamic and resilient individual with proven skills and capacity in Indigenous engagement, land and sea cultural and natural resource management, project management and administration. You will be a natural leader who can build bridges of common understanding within a diverse team and a wide range of external stakeholders. You should be able to work independently whilst assuring proper consultation is maintained with the Kija people.

We offer you the opportunity to work in one of Australia’s most stunning landscapes where you will work alongside the Kija rangers on trips to amazing natural and cultural sites, work with threatened species and work alongside Kija Traditional Owners who hold an incredible knowledge of Country.

LOCATION AND DELIVERY

The position is based in Warmun (Turkey Creek) in the East Kimberley Region of Western Australia. Kija people have a strong connection to their ancestral land and culture, and today live across a number of communities in the region.

Kija country comprises stunning tablelands, gorges and ravines and the famous World Heritage area of the Bungle Bungles (Purnululu). The area is rich in biodiversity and conservation values and is home to several threatened species including the Gouldian finches, Northern Quoll, Black-footed Rock wallaby and Scaly-tailed Possum. Kija Traditional Owners have recently had Native Title determined and are entering a new phase with the development of Aboriginal Corporations to manage and implement their Native Title rights. The Kija Ranger Coordinator will take a lead role in growing the capacity of the Kija rangers and enhancing the traditional owner governance of the program.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential

1. Tertiary qualification and/or relevant experience in Environmental/ecology/conservation Science, Anthropology, Social science/community development or other related field;
2. Managing small teams and coordinating on-ground natural and cultural resource management projects, preferably with Indigenous organisations and in arid and remote regions of Australia;
3. Experience and confidence in working with Aboriginal communities, understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal social/cultural challenges in Northern Australia, community empowerment, training and development;
4. Experience in working independently with minimal supervision in a remote area and demonstrated capacity to remain focused, positive and organised in a challenging work environment;
5. Good communication, negotiation and community consultation skills including ability to work with an advisory group and as a member of a team;
6. Experience in project management including budgeting, planning, grant writing, reporting and acquittals;
7. Proficiency in administration, reporting, computing and Microsoft Office suite.
8. Current valid driver’s licence and experience operating vehicles and/or heavy duty machinery in remote off road conditions
9. A Working with Children’s Check (WCC) or ability to obtain one.

Desirable

1. Experience working with Indigenous land managers, rangers or IPAs;
2. Technical or trade skills relevant to the ranger program (i.e. construction, fire and weed management, GIS, cultural mapping, plant and animal identification, small engine maintenance);
3. Experience working with community development in a cross-cultural setting.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

This role is classified as a KLC Level 5 position. Superannuation of 9% and additional salary allowances including district allowance, rental assistance where applicable, salary sacrificing options and 5 weeks annual leave.

Indigenous people are encouraged to apply.

A position description is attached.