• Term: 12-month fixed-term contract
• Time Commitment: Full-time 
• Location: Negotiable within southern Australia, in a location suitable for frequent travel
• Remuneration: $105,000 - $110,000 FTE + superannuation, commensurate with experience
• Reports to: Chief Executive Officer

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

About SAALSMA, the Southern Australian Aboriginal Land and Sea Management Alliance Limited

SAALSMA, the Southern Australian Aboriginal Land and Sea Management Alliance Limited is a southern Australian Aboriginal-led alliance that brings together Aboriginal organisations working in land, sea and sky Country management across southern Australia. SAALSMA exists to strengthen connection, coordination and collective action for Country. We support Aboriginal organisations to share knowledge, strengthen capability, build partnerships and advance common priorities. Working across boundaries between Nations, organisations, jurisdictions and systems we ensure Aboriginal-led priorities are recognised and reflected in policy, investment and decision-making. Through its strategic focus areas, SAALSMA seeks to:

• Strengthen cultural governance and protect knowledge
• Build the organisational capacity and self-strengthening of member organisations and the Alliance
• Foster connection, collaboration and knowledge exchange across southern Aboriginal Nations
• Support Aboriginal-led stewardship of land, sea and sky Country through cultural knowledge, partnerships and investment
• Enable culturally aligned economic pathways that support care for Country and the long-term wellbeing of communities 

About the role

Join SAALSMA and play a pivotal role in advancing Aboriginal-led stewardship of land, sea and sky Country across southern Australia. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Right Way Science Lead provides high-level ecological expertise to support the development of Aboriginal-led approaches to nature markets, monitoring programs, and biocultural planning initiatives.

This is a unique opportunity to apply ecological science in a way that supports cultural knowledge and Indigenous Data Sovereignty, and contributes to community-defined priorities and outcomes. 

This full-time, 12-month fixed-term position offers flexibility in location across southern Australia, with regular travel to communities and partner organisations. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Working closely with partners, the Right Way Science Lead will:

• Strengthen Aboriginal-led co-design by applying ecological science in ways that strengthen cultural knowledge, while respecting cultural governance, protocols and decision-making.
• Provide expert ecological and technical leadership to develop robust, evidence-based methodologies, frameworks and approaches that support Aboriginal-led priorities and outcomes.
• Translate complex scientific information into practical advice through high-quality reporting, analysis and communication tailored to diverse audiences.
• Manage projects with accountability and independence, overseeing planning, delivery, risk management and continuous improvement to achieve agreed outcomes.
• Build strong collaborative partnerships with Aboriginal knowledge holders, scientists, researchers and partner organisations to strengthen credibility, innovation and impact.

The successful candidate will have:

• Relevant tertiary qualification in ecology, biology, environmental science, natural resource management, land and sea management, or related discipline, or equivalent demonstrated experience
• Demonstrated experience designing, reviewing or applying ecological metrics, monitoring programs and models of ecological change, including tools such as state and transition models, causal models or comparable frameworks
• Proven experience working respectfully and collaboratively with Aboriginal organisations and Knowledge holders, with the ability to integrate Aboriginal knowledge systems and western science in ways agreed by communities
• Strong project management capability including experience co-ordinating technical workplans, timelines, deliverables and reporting
• Highly developed written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to prepare clear, culturally respectful and scientifically robust reports, guidelines and briefing papers
• Well-developed verbal communication skills with the ability to engage effectively with community members, Knowledge holders, Elders, organisation partners and scientific or technical specialists
• Demonstrated ability to translate complex ecological and cultural concepts into accessible information for diverse audiences without oversimplifying or misrepresenting Aboriginal knowledge
• Strong cultural integrity, with demonstrated commitment to Aboriginal-led ways of working, Indigenous Data Sovereignty principles and respectful governance of data and knowledge

Additional factors:

• Remote work, or working from partner offices is an inherent feature of the role. 
• Interstate travel, community visits, attendance at stakeholder meetings, and occasional work outside standard business hours will be required.
• The role requires a current Australian driver licence and willingness to obtain and maintain a National Police Check. 
• You must be eligible to work in Australia (Australian citizen, permanent resident, or holder of a valid visa with work rights).

EEO Statement

SAALSMA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, and individuals of all ages, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, and cultural backgrounds. 

If you have any questions about the position contact: [email protected] using the subject line: Right Way Science Lead - South Australia / Flexible Location enquiry via EthicalJobs.