Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC) was registered in 2009 as the Registered Aboriginal Party that represents the interests of the Taungurung people. TLaWC is the corporate representative and ‘face’ of the Taungurung people and serves to uphold their interests with respect to culture and country.

The Water Management Officer will provide a link between the Taungurung Nation and government to ensure that Taungurung aspirations with regard to water access and management are fully respected in all relevant policy and program development and project delivery. Facilitate a process of ever-increasing Taungurung involvement in environmental and culturally influenced management regarding water resources across traditional lands.

• Salary $88,955 – $92,948
• Based in Alexandra
• Fixed-term, 3 year contract

Key Duties

• Provide advice to the cultural and natural resource management team and to the Taungurung community on opportunities, challenges and issues related to the management of waterways within Taungurung traditional country
• Facilitate and organise effective Taungurung community engagement in relation to water issues
• Liaise with relevant government departments and agencies in relation to Taungurung values and aspirations in relation to water and to best practice in engaging with the Taungurung Nation. Participate in Agency led forums.
• Develop partnerships with government, including Catchment Management Authorities, Water Corporations, Landcare, Universities and DELWP, with a view to maximising benefits to the Taungurung Nation
• Seek out and document information on the cultural significance of key waterways and the associated environment from a Taungurung perspective
• Produce high level written policy advice that will assist both the Taungurung Nation and government in relation to the management of waterways
• Prepare relevant funding submissions, lead delivery of water projects and assist with related CNRM projects and events
• Represent and advocate on behalf of TLaWC at various MLDRIN, DELWP, CMA and other meetings, forums and workshops related to water

Selection Criteria

• A demonstrable understanding of the key elements of Victorian and Australian Government water policy, programs, stakeholders and frameworks
• An ability to engage respectfully and effectively with Traditional Owners, with government (including DELWP, the VEWH, relevant Water Corporations and CMAs) and with a range of other water stakeholders
• Proven experience in managing concurring projects including project plans, budgets and assessing outcomes
• An ability to articulate the way in which Taungurung values and aspirations might be brought to bear upon government policy and practice in relation to water
• A genuine commitment to capacity building and ‘water literacy’ amongst Taungurung people
• Strong written skills so as to be able to give clear written expression to the water-related interests of the Taungurung people
• An ability to work constructively in a team, and with a range of different stakeholders
• A willingness to travel throughout Taungurung Country
• A demonstrable capacity to work proactively with a high level of initiative and relative autonomy, while working to achieve against an overarching strategic direction

Personal qualities:

• Able to develop and maintain positive working relationships with stakeholders
• Confident, clear and respectful communicator
• Active listener
• Flexible
• Integrity, resilience and good judgement
• Well organised