Womens Rangers Coordinator

Vacant Position: Ecologist / Women's Rangers Coordinator

• Base salary package: $85,000 plus super 

Looking for an exciting opportunity to work with Ngarinyin People and to help manage the spectacular natural and cultural values of Wilinggin Country in the remote central north Kimberley region of Western Australia?

• Unique opportunity to make a difference and be part of exciting developments
• Generous Salary Package with Salary Sacrificing Options
• Breathtaking Travel Opportunities on Wilinggin Country 

It is a genuine occupational requirement for the successful candidate to be Female in accordance with the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA) Section 27 and Section 50.  

About the Role

The Darran.Gu Wulaguru (Strong Women) Rangers Coordinator will work closely with the Operations Manager and other Wilinggin employees, Traditional Owners, stakeholders and partners to assist in the delivery of the Wilinggin ranger program by providing strong leadership to a team of female Aboriginal rangers to deliver on their annual works plan, as set by the Ngarinyin Traditional Owners through the Wilinggin Healthy Country Plan.

The works plan is made up of a diverse range of cultural and natural resource management activities, including fire management, threatened and pest species management, on-country trips with senior Traditional Owners, engagement with local schools and much more.

The Women’s Rangers Coordinator will take a lead role in growing the capacity of the Wilinggin Women Rangers and enhancing the Traditional Owner governance of the program.

About the Corporation:

WAC was established in 2006 and is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of Ngarinyin Traditional Owners with the broad objective to further the interests of Ngarinyin People and Wilinggin Country. WAC represents the Traditional Owners of the Wanjina Wunggurr Wilinggin Native Title Area and is a related organisation and agent of our Wanjina Wunggurr Prescribed Body Corporate.

Wilinggin country covers approximately 63,000km2 (6.3 million hectares) of land in the Central North Kimberley region of Northern Australia and is the country that has been home to Ngarinyin people for many thousands of years. WAC has a workforce of approximately 30-35 people who are tasked to take care of country, culture and heritage and bush fire management.

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.

What we are looking for:

WAC is seeking a dynamic and resilient individual with proven skills and capacity in Aboriginal engagement, cultural and natural resource management, project management and administration. The ideal candidate will have well-developed expertise in on-ground conservation management and environmental monitoring, ideally with exposure to savanna ecology, combined with excellent communication skills. The ideal candidate will also possess practical bush skills with the willingness to travel frequently and camp out on Wilinggin country in remote areas often accessible my small aircraft.

Role Duties will include:

• Design and implement on-ground monitoring and evaluation in support of the Wilinggin Healthy Country Plan and fire programs
• Supervise and coordinate the day-to-day activities of the Women Rangers to ensure delivery of the annual works plan.
• Collaborate with other Wilinggin ranger coordinators, Healthy Country Advisory Committee and external personal to develop, monitor and report on ranger activities.
• Ensure effective day-to-day administrative management of the Women’s Ranger Program, including timesheets, casual rangers and Traditional Owner payments, purchasing, scheduled maintenance and stock taking of equipment and supplies.
• Plan, supervise and participate in field activities to remote locations associated with completing the work plan and fee for service opportunities - including extended periods in the field i.e., camping overnight for field work or surveys.
• Work with and mentor the Women Rangers to develop their personal and project skills, leadership abilities and work ethic. This will include mentoring rangers in specialist roles and developing their capacity and confidence to move into more senior roles.
• Support on the job training, identify training needs and liaise with the Land Operations Manager to engage with training providers so that there are appropriate professional learning outcomes for rangers.
• Work with the Land Operations Manager and external organisations to develop partnerships and land management projects and ensure appropriate governance, ownership and participation by Traditional Owners in these activities.
• Deliver on fee for service opportunities and other projects that support the development and sustainability of the ranger group and Traditional Owner aspirations.
• Assist researchers to engage in approved on-country research with Rangers and other Traditional Owners, and direct research requests through appropriate channel.
• Ensure high level responsibility taken by rangers for the care, maintenance and safekeeping of equipment and resources used and be ultimately responsible for the group’s assets.
• Always ensure compliance with cultural protocols and WAC Policy and Procedures, including the promotion of safe working practices and instruction of Rangers in Occupational Health and Safety policy and procedures.
• Participate and assist in WAC events as required, including WAC AGMs, Healthy Country Committee meetings and regional forums.

Selection Criteria:

Applicants should address the following six (6) criteria. These should be addressed in no more than two (2) pages in total.

1. Qualifications or equivalent experience in environmental management, conservation biology, anthropology, community development, or a related field, with experience in savanna ecology a plus.
2. Experience managing small teams or coordinating natural and cultural resource management projects with Indigenous organizations.
3. Understanding of Aboriginal social and cultural challenges in Northern Australia, with a commitment to community empowerment, training, and development.
4. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in remote areas, staying focused, positive, and organized in challenging environments.
5. Strong communication, negotiation, and community consultation skills, including the ability to work with advisory groups and as part of a team.
6. Experience in project administration and financial management, including grant writing, reporting, and acquittals.

Experience:

In addition to the selection criteria, our ideal applicant will possess;

• Previous experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and their leaders while honouring traditional culture, values and business practices. (desirable)

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

In addition to the selection criteria, our ideal applicant will possess;

• Manual driver's licence.
• Currently possess or ability to obtain;
• Working with Children’s Check.
• Police Clearance.

Role is Based in DERBY WA 6728, relocation support provided.