About Us

The Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation (WWCHAC) is a Registered Aboriginal Party appointed under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. The Corporation holds statutory responsibilities for the protection and management of Aboriginal cultural heritage objects and places in Victoria. WWCHAC is the representative organisation of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people and community. Additional functions of WWCHAC include, environmental land management, cross-cultural education, traditional welcome to country and smoking ceremonies, and cultural consultations.

Full-time, permanent – Healesville office with flexible work arrangements.

About the Role

The Narrap Unit is the dedicated Caring for Country unit of WWCHAC. The unit incorporates two distinct but connected programs – the Ranger Program and the Water Program – and centres itself on asserting and maintaining Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung cultural rights and responsibilities of protecting and caring for Country. The unit also creates opportunities for Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung and other First Nations people to have culturally meaningful, secure work that supports professional development and the continued management of country.

The Ranger Program is focused on delivering Country restoration and management work - healing Country guides our program. Through our skilled and experienced team, the Ranger Program embeds Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Country management principles and practices in Natural Resource Management (NRM). We work with an array of different clients including state government agencies and water corporations, LGAs, non-profits and the private sector. Importantly, our Ranger Program includes a path for First Nations people to develop careers in the environmental management.

The Ranger Program Manager is a leadership role within the Narrap Unit working closely with Narrap Unit Co-Managers and is responsible for managing the operations and coordination of Ranger Program. This includes oversight of the works program and logistics, management of project support staff, high level stakeholder engagement and budgetary and reporting responsibilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide general team oversight and support to the Narrap Unit Co-Managers in developing and delivering the Narrap Ranger Program
• Manage and lead a team of project and administrative support staff, and ensure high quality project management and delivery, including oversight of team scheduling
• Work closely with the Operations and Fire Lead, and the Ranger Program Operations Coordinator to ensure the Ranger Program is appropriately equipped to deliver the program of works
• Identify and implement opportunities for career and professional and personal development for individual Rangers and the program as a whole
• Alongside the Rangers, lead the design and development of project and landscape plans
• Liaise with state government departments and forge strong connections across the organisation and with external stakeholders to facilitate a partnership approach
• Contribute to strategic thinking and future planning and oversee change management initiatives and integrated approach to enhance compliance with organisation-wide policies

• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with the Wurundjeri Elders, Wurundjeri staff and other stakeholders as required to perform your role

About You

• Tertiary qualifications in NRM, Environmental Science, Land management & Conservation, or demonstrable industry experience
• Relevant NRM accreditations are desirable (i.e. chainsaw, ACUP, General Firefighting, etc.)
• At minimum 3+ years of experience working in a similar role
• Understanding and appreciation of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung culture, history and connection to land
• Sound project management experience including project reporting, acquittals, and budgetary management
• Demonstrated experience in people management, including supporting staff development and teams
• Demonstrated experience in oversight of OHS matters
• The ability to carry out tasks in a culturally sensitive and confidential manner
• Experience working with Indigenous communities and community representative organisations is highly desirable

Benefits of Working at the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation

• Cultural alignment: Work with like thinking people to support and develop the Wurundjeri Community and Corporation to ensure on-going protection of the Wurundjeri Heritage.
• Collaborative culture: Work with a forward-thinking, diverse team that values your insights.
• Top-tier benefits: Competitive salary, and work-life balance perks that make a difference.
• Make an impact: Be part of something bigger, helping us shape the services we deliver.
• Not-for-profit salary packaging benefits. (Opportunity to earn tax-free income)
• Flexible work arrangements.
• Free onsite parking.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about protecting and promoting the cultural heritage of Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, please apply via the ‘Apply Now’ button. We are assessing applicants and conducting interviews on a rolling basis.

If you would like further details about the role, please email [email protected] using the subject line: Ranger Program Manager - Healesville enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are encouraged to apply.