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Form of workThis is an exciting opportunity to work with Ngarinyin People to help manage the spectacular natural and cultural values of Wilinggin Country in the remote central north Kimberley region of Western Australia. Wilinggin Country comprises 6.3 million hectares of the Wanjina-Wunggurr Wilinggin Native Title Area and includes 2.4 million hectares of our Indigenous Protected Area (IPA), part of Australia’s National Reserve System, and extensive Exclusive Possession Native Title determined land. Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation (WAC) has our main office in Derby, and bases also in Wyndham and at Gibb River Community.
The Wilinggin Ecologist (East) is a new position that will be designing and implementing on-ground monitoring and evaluation in support of our Wilinggin Healthy Country Plan and fire programs, with a focus on the East of Wilinggin Country.
The position works with the Wilinggin Healthy Country team consisting of the Wunggurr, Nyaliga and Darran.gu Wulagura Ranger teams, Wilinggin Land Operations Manager, Fire Managers, Conservation Strategy Manager as well as Ngarinyin Traditional Owners across Wilinggin Country. Depending on experience, the role will also provide guidance and mentoring to female Rangers based in the East of Wilinggin Country, who will build their capacity to support ecology work.
We are looking for a dynamic individual with well-developed expertise in on-ground conservation management and environmental monitoring, ideally with exposure to savanna fire management, combined with excellent communication skills. You should be able to build bridges of common understanding, enabling and supporting Ngarinyin Traditional Owners to play key roles related to ecological management of their Country, and be comfortable working safely and autonomously in a remote environment.
In return, we offer you the opportunity to live and work in one of Australia’s most stunning landscapes where you will be able to work closely with Ngarinyin elders, join the rangers on trips with traditional owners to amazing sites, monitor and improve the future outlook for our threatened species, and help inform the future of ecologically sound savanna fire management.
BACKGROUND
Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation (WAC) represents the Traditional Owners of the Wanjina-Wunggurr Wilinggin Native Title Area and is a Related Corporation and agent of Wanjina-Wunggurr (Native Title) Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC, our Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC). WAC was established in 2006 and is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of Ngarinyin People with the broad objective to further the interests of the Ngarinyin People and Wilinggin Country.
WAC is a not-for-profit organisation that has, in the last five years, grown from 3 staff and a turnover of $500k to some 25 staff and a turnover of some $10m, based on a strong focus on high-integrity operations and alignment with our cultural and environmental obligations.
WAC has established sector-leading environmental management and conservation programs and partnerships, including successful management of the 1.6m ha Indigenous Protected Area (IPA), a highly successful savanna fire management program (some of which generates carbon credits), and recent agreements for the conversion of pastoral lands into reserve tenure.
GUIDANCE FOR THIS POSITION
Direct report to the Conservation Strategy Manager, who reports to the CEO.
The CEO receives guidance from the Board, and has responsibility to deliver on our Strategic Plan “Galamunnangga” as well as Wilinggin’s Healthy Country Plan objectives. WAC has a Healthy Country Advisory Committee which provides cultural and strategic guidance for on-Country work.
You will need to work closely with the management team in a non-hierarchical environment. You will also need to work constructively and respectfully with Traditional Owners and our partners and other stakeholders, including conservation organisations, pastoralists, government staff (DFES, DBCA, Shires etc), training providers, contractors, and neighbouring ranger / TO groups.
DUTY STATEMENT
The Wilinggin Ecologist (East) will be responsible for overseeing our ecological / biodiversity monitoring program for the Eastern part of Wilinggin Country. Within the first 12 months, this will include developing monitoring programs across two properties, supported by our external partner organisations.
The key deliverables for this position are:
- Designing and delivering a repeatable, well-designed on-ground and remote monitoring in order to assess the effects of Wilinggin land management activities, especially fire.
- Designing and delivering the Wilinggin Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Improvement (MERI) plan for our 2023 HCP.
- Productive collaboration with the Wilinggin healthy country team to enable rangers to assist in on-Country and remote survey activities, with a particular focus on providing guidance and building capacity for women rangers in the East of Wilinggin Country.
- Meaningful consultation, engagement and communication with Ngarinyin Traditional Owners in relation to survey program aims and results.
- Assisting in developing and maintaining effective partnerships to develop new projects in line with the Wilinggin Healthy Country Plan.
- Responsible, efficient and effective project and data management with timely internal and external reporting.
SALARY AND CONDITIONS
Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
Superannuation guarantee contributions (currently 11%) and additional salary allowances apply, including a district allowance, relocation allowance, rental allowance and remote travel support (subject to conditions).
The position will receive 4 weeks’ annual leave (with 17.5% leave loading) as well as one week’s remote area leave, 2 days’ travel leave, study leave, long service leave after 10 years of service (able to be taken from 7 years pro rata) and WA State public holidays.
WAC is a public benevolent institution for income tax purposes, making available excellent salary sacrifice arrangements.
The position will be focused on the Eastern parts of Wilinggin Country, making Wyndham or Kununurra the preferred locations. Frequent camping out will be required, at times using small aircraft, across remote areas of Wilinggin Country, including Karunjie, Durack, El Questro and Gibb River Stations.
This is a 2-year contract. Please apply as soon as possible by sending your application comprising a cover letter addressing the selection criteria as well as your resume to ***********@wilinggin.com.au.
Please note we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis; the position will remain advertised until a suitable candidate has joined the team.
SELECTION CRITERIA
Please note that it is essential your application addresses each of the selection criteria by providing information about your qualifications, experience and skills as they relate to each one.
- Tertiary qualification(s) in environmental science (Wildlife Biology / Land Management / sustainability) or similar
- Demonstrated experience and success in designing and leading the on-ground implementation of conservation / ecological monitoring programs, ideally in a savanna environment
- Demonstrated proficiency in GIS, remote monitoring / M&E, and data management & analysis
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to write reports for a range of audiences, and an astuteness to communicate sensitively and therefore work effectively with all staff and a range of Indigenous and non-Indigenous stakeholders
- Demonstrated ability and confidence working with Aboriginal communities and supporting Rangers and Traditional Owners on Country, as well as desire to work in a small collaborative team environment with day-to-day autonomy in the office and in the field
- Ability to carry out physically challenging tasks under sometimes challenging environmental conditions (e.g. heat)
- Experience in remote logistics & operations, with demonstrated commitment to OHS
- Current valid driver’s licence, police clearance, and Working with Children Check (or ability to obtain these)
