• Lawyer – Native Title
• Position Location - Brisbane
• Employment Type - Full-time, Fixed Term Contract – 24 Months
• Salary - $104,370.36 to $126,482.20 (negotiable based on skills and experience)

QSNTS is a Native Title Service Provider funded by the Federal Government to assist Traditional Owners in the pursuit of their native title aspirations by providing a comprehensive range of statutory services under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (Native Title Act).

About the Role

As a Lawyer you will work as part of an interdisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive legal services towards the progression and determination of native title claims under the Native Title Act. You will also provide legal advice and assistance to Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) to support the management and implementation of native title rights and interests.

In this rewarding role, you will:

• Assist in the preparation of claims for determination of native title in South West Queensland, as well as in negotiations and legal proceedings, including trials;
• Assist with the representation of native title claimants in mediation;
• Liaise with native title groups and facilitate settlement negotiations with relevant stakeholders, including the State of Queensland;
• Take accurate statements from potential witnesses, to be used as evidence to support a native title claim;
• Perform analysis and produce reports to inform the preparation of native title claims, Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) and Future Acts agreements;
• Represent PBCs in the negotiation of ILUAs, Future Acts agreements and Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CMPs), with various stakeholders including mining companies and local governments;
• Provide advice and assistance to PBC directors on the implementation of ILUAs, Future Act agreements and CMPs;
• Provide advice to PBC directors on compliance with and processes under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth), the Native Title Act and the Native Title (Prescribed Bodies Corporate) Regulations 1999 (Cth).

About you

The successful applicant will possess the following qualifications and professional experience:

• Admission as a legal practitioner in Queensland and the Commonwealth;
• 3-5 years PAE in litigation, preferably with experience in preparation and prosecution of native title claims;
• Knowledge of, or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth) and the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld);
• Ability to critically interpret the law;
• Proven ability to strategise and plan prosecution of matters;
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills of a high professional standard, including the ability to tailor your communication style to suit the needs of your audience;
• A track record of working effectively both autonomously and in a team environment;
• Ability to work in a high pressure environment while managing competing priorities;
• Proficiency in the use of record management systems and Microsoft Office;
• A current open driver’s licence;
• The ability to undertake regular travel throughout Queensland; and
• Demonstrated knowledge of the cultural, political, economic, environmental and social issues affecting First Nations people.

QSNTS employees enjoy a host of generous employment conditions, including attractive salary sacrificing options. A detailed position description is available on the careers page of the QSNTS website (www.qsnts.com.au/careers/), and applicants seeking further information are encouraged to contact the QSNTS Human Resources Manager on (07) 3224 1200.

A position description is attached.