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.
• Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
• Breathtaking travel on Wilinggin Country.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

Based in Wyndham, Western Australia, this is a practical, hands-on role, designed to improve future prospects of three Nyaliga men through strong guidance in the development and delivery of a work plan aligned with the Wilinggin Healthy Country Plan. The ideal candidate will be a senior and experienced Landcare manager with broad interests who will lead by example using both western and Indigenous ecological knowledge to help improve and inform management. The successful candidate will be an unshakable, resilient, self-starter who loves field work and can prosper equally in the office or technical realm to administer the program with limited day-to-day oversight.

ABOUT WYNDHAM:

Wyndham is the most northerly town and harbour in all of Western Australia, adorned by giant Boab trees and its infamous 18-metre giant crocodile sculpture which greets you at the entrance to the town. Its close proximity to the Gibb River Road provides the prospect of endless adventure through the heart of the spectacular Kimberley wilderness, making Wyndham the perfect location for individuals seeking an adventurous and outdoor lifestyle amongst the best settings that nature has to offer. You just have to see it!

ABOUT NYALIGA RANGERS:

The Nyaliga Rangers received funding from the WA Government's Aboriginal Ranger Program and commenced operations in March 2020. The Nyaliga Rangers are recruited from Nyaliga people from Wilinggin. The rangers work to keep their law and culture strong by working with both old and young men and women to look after their country. The Nyaliga rangers protect native flora and fauna, manage fire, control weeds and feral animals, manage visitors and support Traditional Owners to look after cultural sites and maintain traditional knowledge and practices.

The work plan is developed by Wilinggin staff (the Coordinator, rangers and Land Operations Manager) with guidance from the Wilinggin Healthy Country Committee and a subset of the Nyaliga Aboriginal Corporation membership, and is designed to progress Wilinggin's Healthy Country Plan 2023-2032 targets.

ABOUT THE CORPORATION AND NYALIGA ABORIGINAL CORPORATION:

Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation (WAC) and Nyaliga Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) were established in 2006 and 2014, respectively, and are governed by a Board of Directors comprising Traditional Owner members of the corporation. WAC represents the interests of the Traditional Owners of the Wanjina Wunggurr Wilinggin Native Title Area, including Nyaliga.

WAC, the ranger program's administering body, is a not-for-profit organisation that has, in the last five years, grown from three staff and a turnover of $500k to some 25 staff and a turnover of about $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 with clear repeatable steps in support of the Wilinggin Healthy Country Plan and fire programs.
• Supervise and coordinate the day-to-day activities of the Nyaliga Rangers to ensure delivery of the annual work plan.
• Work with both the Nyaliga and Wilinggin Aboriginal corporations to manage a high-quality ranger team and support development of the ranger base at Karunjie and Durack River Stations.
• Work closely with the Nyaliga Rangers, Wilinggin Land Operations Manager, Nyaliga and Wilinggin Healthy Country Advisory Committees to develop, monitor, and report on Ranger activities.
• Ensure effective day-to-day administrative management of the ranger program, including approval of timesheets, casual ranger and Traditional Owner payments, purchasing, scheduled vehicle and equipment 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.
• Work with and mentor the 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, including Head Ranger and Ranger Coordinator in the future.
• Work with project partners, including the AWC, ILSC, KLC, WWF and DBCA, in the areas of fire, weed, feral and biodiversity management and ensure appropriate governance, ownership and participation by Traditional Owners in these activities.
• 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.

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. .

Essential:

1. Qualifications or equivalent experience in Landcare, including fire management, weed control, feral animal management, biodiversity monitoring, or similar.
2. At least three years' experience managing small teams or coordinating natural and cultural resource management projects with Indigenous organisations.
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 organised 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.

Desirable:

1. 4WD training and experience.
2. Experience managing and supporting indigenous rangers.
3. Knowledge of aboriginal land rights, native title determination and Indigenous Protected Areas.
4. Geographic Information System (GIS) Capability.