ABOUT YOUR ORGANISATION

Native Foodways is a First Nations-owned and led social enterprise dedicated to a future where the native food system is culturally-led, regenerative, and beneficial to First Peoples. We are a partner and platform for systemic change in the native food system.

From launching native food bakeries to collaborating to establish native plant nurseries and partnering on agricultural projects, we invest our resources into our purpose. We are trying to shift the narrative around native food systems and change farming practices by centring Indigenous ways of knowing, doing, and being.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for a Director of First Nations Agroecology (or Lead, depending on experience) to be a cultural and ecological guide for our contribution to the Orchard Resilience Project  (a nationwide collaboration led by Soils for Life).

This role exists to weave First Nations perspectives into regenerative agriculture. You will act as the connection between Native Foodways, our project partners at Soils for Life, and participating farmers. This is a part-time role (1–2 days per week) designed for someone who can weave together regional farming practices and Indigenous ecological knowledge.

What you’ll be doing:

• Stewardship: Organising and facilitating local yarns and regional peer learning programs that facilitate knowledge exchange between First Nations people and regenerative farmers.

• Engagement: Supporting First Nations communities to participate, share knowledge, and benefit from the project, while leading the delivery of a peer learning program and field days on First Nations-led farms.

• Knowledge Sharing: Sharing insights, or facilitating the sharing of insights, on native plants and agroecological practices that support farm resilience and regenerative outcomes.

• Narrative Building: Supporting the development of case studies that highlight the power of First Nations-led agroecology.

ABOUT YOU

This is an identified position for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples. You are a practitioner and a connector who understands that the health of Country is inseparable from the health of the community.

We are looking for someone with:

• Knowledge: An understanding of First Nations agroecology, native food systems, and regenerative agricultural practices (and/or an ability to facilitate the sharing of Indigenous ecological knowledge with local knowledge holders).

• Relational Skills: A proven ability to engage with both First Nations communities and non-Indigenous rural communities in culturally respectful and effective ways.

• Governance & ICIP: Experience with governance (ideally Indigenous governance practices) and an understanding of Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property (ICIP) and Data Sovereignty.

• Project Stewardship: The ability to manage a project from start to finish, including budget management.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

• Reciprocity: $85,000 - $125,000 + Super (pro rata).
• Flexibility: 7.5 to 15 hours per week. We are open to job-sharing (e.g., a Director and a Lead working one day each) and "banking" hours for more intensive fieldwork periods.
• Remote Work: Work from anywhere, including from our Sydney office with travel for regional field days and meetings in Sydney or Brisbane (approx. 5 regional trips per year).
• Purpose-Led: Direct involvement in a powerful national project (Orchard Resilience) with respected partners like Soils for Life.