Location: Kalumburu Community (accommodation provided/negotiable), East Kimberley, WA 6740; Job operational area: Wunambal Gaambera Country.

Salary Range: $86,912 - $93,987 (WGAC Grade 7.0 - 7.2) + 12% superannuation.

Additional salary allowances: district allowance, annual airfare, and rental assistance (where applicable), 5 weeks annual leave, salary sacrifice and professional development opportunities.

Commencing: April 2025 or before.

Summary

The Uunguu Ranger Coordinator provides leadership to the Uunguu Ranger team as primary members of WGAC's Healthy Country Team implementing our award-winning Wunambal Gaambera Healthy Country Plan 2020-30 (HC Plan); working across Wunambal Gaambera people's 2.5million ha of native title determined land and sea country (Wunambal Gaambera Country) in the North Kimberley WA that is the Uunguu Indigenous Protected Area.

Wunambal Gaambera people, a population of around 700 live mostly in Kalumburu (neighbouring Wunambal Gaambera Country), also on country at Kandiwal and in Kimberley towns. Visit our website to learn more of Wunambal Gaambera people, our Healthy Country Plan, what we do and our place at wunambalgaambera.org.au.

The Uunguu Ranger Coordinator Job

The Uunguu Ranger Coordinator, reporting to the Healthy Country Manager, coordinates the work and resources of the Uunguu Rangers, casual Wunambal Gaambera employees and partner resources to undertake, support and deliver wet- and dry-season Annual Work Plan activities of the Healthy Country Plan operations, namely Right Way Fire, Pest Control, Monitoring, Visitor Management, Culture and Living on Country. This work enables Wunambal Gaambera people to achieve their Healthy Country Vision and making sure Wunambal Gaambera Country stays healthy, families are supported to build sustainable communities and livelihoods on and from their country, and that Wanjina Wunggurr culture remains strong.

The Uunguu Ranger Coordinator role also coordinates the Uunguu Ranger's training program to assist each Ranger build his or her capacity, skills capability and career aspirations to safely, and with good practice, implement the Healthy Country Plan operations work plan and look after on-country infrastructure, transport, plant and equipment that Rangers rely on and have responsibility for.

Wunambal Gaambera Country is remote with minimal infrastructure. We operate in a range of environments include land, coastal seas and islands creating additional operational and logistical challenges.

WGAC is seeking candidates with natural resource management (or similar field) skills and experience and who are up for the challenge, leading our Uunguu Ranger team in scheduled activities on country whilst inspiring success in planning, training and safe practice.

Duties:

1. Supervise and coordinate the day-to-day activities of the Uunguu Rangers to ensure delivery of the Healthy Country annual Operations work plan.
2. Work closely with the Healthy Country Manager and the Uunguu Healthy Country Team to develop, monitor, and report on Uunguu Ranger activities.
3. Ensure effective day to day administrative management of the Uunguu Ranger work program, including timesheets, purchasing and Traditional Owner casual ranger engagement.
4. Plan, supervise and participate in field activities to remote locations associated with completing the Healthy Country work plan - including extended periods in the field.
5. Work with and mentor the Uunguu Rangers to develop their personal and project skills, leadership abilities, performance and work ethic.
6. Support on the job training and liaise with training organisations to enable appropriate professional learning outcomes for Rangers.
7. Deliver on fee for service opportunities and other projects identified by WGAC that support the development, delivery and sustainability of the Wunambal Gaambera Healthy Country Plan.
8. Assist researchers to engage in WGAC approved on-country research with Rangers and Traditional Owners.
9. Ensure high level responsibility taken by Rangers for the care, maintenance and safe-keeping of WGAC equipment, assets and resources used by and allocated to the Uunguu Ranger team.
10. Ensure compliance with cultural protocols and WGAC Policy and Procedures at all times, including the promotion of safe working practices and instruction of Rangers in OH & S policy and procedures.
11. Participate and assist in WGAC Healthy Country meetings and events as required.
12. Other duties consistent with Healthy Country Operations as directed by WGAC.

Selection Criteria

Essential:

1. Demonstrated experience and/or qualification(s) in Natural Resource Management, Community Development/Agricultural or other related field.
2. Demonstrated experience and confidence in working with Aboriginal communities, managing small teams and/or coordinating on-ground natural and cultural resource management projects, preferably with Indigenous organisations and/or in Northern Australia/other remote regions of Australia.
3. Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal social and cultural challenges in Northern Australia and willingness to commit to community empowerment, training and development.
4. Experience in working safely and independently with minimal supervision in a remote area and demonstrated capacity to remain focused, positive and organised in a challenging work environment.
5. Good communication, negotiation and community consultation skills including ability to work with an advisory group and as a member of a team.
6. Demonstrated experience in project administration and finance management including grant writing, reporting and acquittals.
7. Literacy with common computer and data collection and management programs and proven experience managing emails and other documents.
8. Current valid driver's licence and valid Working with Vulnerable People (WWVP) Card or ability to obtain one.

Desirable:

1. Experience working with Indigenous land managers/rangers, Indigenous Protected Areas or expertise in community development.
2. Understanding of native title and land tenure, community governance and personal development processes.
3. Qualifications and/or technical skills in areas such as:
   • Biodiversity conservation including plant and animal monitoring and identification.
   • Cultural heritage management.
   • Trade skills such as construction and small engine maintenance.
   • Fire management skills including prescribed burning, aerial control burning and fire suppression.
   • Pest species management skills including chemical handling, firearms training and platform shoot training.
   • Marine operations and level I or II coxswain.