Mantjiljarra Yulparirra PTY LTD

We are Martu people, we are the Native Title Holders, the Traditional Owners and custodians of the Wiluna Native Title area, including the Matuwa and Kurrara Kurrara Indigenous Protected Area.

About the Organisation

This Registered Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC) represents Traditional Owners across a significant desert region in Western Australia. Operating through a corporate PTY entity, the organisation is committed to strong governance, cultural authority, and sustainable management of Country.

The Ranger Program supports Traditional Owners to care for land and culture, strengthening community wellbeing, cultural knowledge transfer, and environmental stewardship across a vast and culturally significant landscape.

About the Role

The Ranger Programme Manager is responsible for the strategic, operational, and cultural Managership of the Ranger Program, with a strong focus on building the capability, and long-term sustainability of Indigenous ranger teams.

Reporting to, and working closely with the Board, this role ensures that the program is well-governed, compliant, and aligned with legislative, funding, and corporate requirements, while remaining grounded in Traditional Owner priorities.

Based in Perth, with regular travel to Wiluna and remote Country, you will lead Ranger Coordinators, manage staff and operations, and provide direct support to rangers to ensure high-quality delivery of on-Country programs.

Key Responsibilities

Managership, Capability Development and Workforce Growth

• Lead, supervise, and mentor Ranger Coordinators, Rangers, and program staff, fostering a strong, culturally safe and high-performing team environment.
• Design and implement structured capability development pathways for Indigenous Rangers, including Managership development, accredited training, and on-the-job mentoring.
• Support career progression and succession planning within ranger teams, building long-term community capacity.
• Promote intergenerational knowledge transfer by supporting Elders to work alongside Rangers on Country.
• Ensure staff wellbeing, cultural safety, and appropriate support systems are in place for remote work environments.

Program Delivery and Operations

• Oversee the planning, coordination, and delivery of all ranger activities, including land management, fire management and biodiversity protection.
• Manage day-to-day operations, logistics, and resourcing of remote work programs.
• Ensure programs are delivered safely, efficiently, and to a high standard in line with organisational frameworks.
• Adapt program delivery in response to environmental conditions, cultural priorities, and community needs.
• Provide hands-on support to teams through regular on-Country presence.

Governance, Compliance and Board Reporting

• Lead governance processes associated with the Ranger Program within the PTY entity, ensuring alignment with corporate governance requirements and Board expectations.
• Prepare high-quality reports, briefings, and performance updates for the Board of Directors.
• Reporting to PTY Board as well as providing regular program and compliance updates to the RNTBC Board.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, funding agreements, WHS requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Support the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and risk management frameworks.
• Maintain accurate records, monitoring, and evaluation systems to support accountability and continuous improvement.

Financial Management and Funding

• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring responsible financial oversight.
• Oversee funding acquittals, reporting obligations, and financial compliance.
• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant submissions and partnership development.

Community Engagement and Partnerships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Traditional Owners, Elders, and community members.
• Ensure all program activities, planning, and decision-making actively seek, respect, and incorporate guidance from Elders and cultural authorities through ongoing engagement, while aligning with community priorities.
• Maintain effective relationships with government agencies, NGOs, and external partners.
• Represent the organisation professionally in stakeholder forums and partnerships.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Demonstrated experience working with Indigenous Ranger programs and in remote cross-cultural settings.
• Strong experience in developing capability and Managership pathways for Indigenous staff or community-based workforces.
• Proven ability to manage teams, including Ranger Coordinators, staff, and remote operations.
• Experience working within or alongside corporate governance structures, including reporting to a Board.
• Knowledge of legislative and compliance requirements relevant to land management, WHS, and funded programs.
• Qualifications and/or substantial experience in Natural Resource Management or a related field.
• High-level communication, reporting, and organisational skills.
• Current C Class driver’s licence and willingness to travel regularly to remote locations.
• Ability to obtain a National Police Check and Working with Children Check.

Desirable

• Experience working with an RNTBC or Native Title governance structures.
• Experience in financial management, grant administration, and funding acquittals.
• Community development expertise and culturally informed program delivery.
• Four-wheel driving and remote area experience.
• The ability to build and grow community-led enterprises in Indigenous contexts, including developing basic financial models and go-to market plans.

Key Attributes

• Deep commitment to supporting Indigenous empowerment and self-determination
• Strong Managership presence with a focus on mentoring and capability-building
• Culturally respectful, collaborative, and adaptable
• High level of integrity, accountability, and professionalism
• Practical, solutions-focused and resilient in complex environments

Benefits

• Competitive salary package (commensurate with experience)
• Work vehicle provided for program delivery
• Professional development including governance and cultural competency training
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful, community-led outcomes