Australia's ancient cultural heritage and unique wildlife are at risk from the growing threat of invasive species. Feral animals, weeds and other invasives are destroying natural systems, sacred sites and driving the extinction of Indigenous totem species.

Through this role, the Invasive Species Council will put Indigenous knowledge, culture and storytelling at the forefront of invasive species policy making. This unique role suits a passionate and driven advocate. We seek to cut through cultural, bureaucratic, and regulatory barriers that disempower traditional grassroots conservation voices.

You will lead this work by connecting and empowering Indigenous leaders and communities, telling important stories, and assisting the advocacy of our Indigenous Ambassador, Richard Swain. Together, you will implement a compelling campaign to convince politicians and the public to act on invasive species by elevating the voice of Indigenous Australians who are leading our nation's conservation future.

Position: Indigenous Engagement Officer.

Reports to: Advocacy Manager - Northern. This role also receives guidance from and supports the Invasive Species Council Indigenous Ambassador.

Basis: 4 days per week.

Location: Work from home. Travel will be required so must have reasonable access to undertake nationwide travel.

Duration: 12 months, with extension possible depending on performance and funding.

Salary range: $80,000 - $95,000 per annum pro rata plus super, depending on skills and experience. Salary packaging, paid study or field work leave, plus extra Christmas/New Year leave are part of the package.

Job description

The Indigenous Engagement Officer will work with the Invasive Species Council Indigenous Ambassador to empower Indigenous Australians as leaders in responding to the invasive species threat to culture. Invasive species in Australia threaten culturally significant plants, animals and landscapes. This person will build a strong network of indigenous advocates for action on invasive species and cut through barriers that disempower communities responding to this threat.

The role will coordinate the delivery of the Voice of Country campaign and identify further opportunities to grow the Invasive Species Council's engagement and empowerment of Indigenous leaders and communities.

Responsibilities

• Build a strong network of Indigenous advocates for action on invasive species in Australia.
• Engage with Indigenous Australians to research and document culturally significant species at risk and under threat from invasive species in Australia.
• Lead the planning and delivery of advocacy campaigns, including Voice of Country.
• Drive the recruitment, support and development of Invasive Species Council Indigenous Ambassadors.
• Coordinate and conduct meetings with allied groups, decision-makers and key stakeholders.
• Develop and distribute materials to promote the program of indigenous conservation leadership through a range of campaign tactics including traditional and social media, events and forums.
• Maintain our organisation's emphasis on working in collaboration with First Australians and using credible science-based information.
• Collaborate with colleagues to assist with fundraising efforts.
• Promote the work, positions and strategic directions of the Invasive Species Council.
• Prepare progress and performance reports under guidance from Advocacy Manager - Northern and Indigenous Ambassadors.
• Work independently with initiative, motivation and minimal supervision.
• Proactively contribute to a positive and values driven culture within the team and organisation.

Selection Criteria

Essential.

• Experience in engaging and building relationships with Indigenous organisations.
• Strong demonstrated experience using a range of techniques to research and record complex or culturally sensitive information.
• Demonstrated experience in a campaigning, advocacy, or organising role including managing stakeholders.
• Experience in delivering complex information persuasively, clearly and concisely face to face, via phone or video call, presenting to large groups and in writing.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, with motivation, self-direction and minimal supervision.
• Current driver's license and capacity to travel for work.

Desirable.

• Understanding of political processes and experience in campaigning to achieve change.
• Experience in engaging with traditional and social media and basic design and layout.
• Experience fundraising in an advocacy or campaigning role.
• Understanding of invasive species issues and/or environmental science.
• Experience working with Indigenous organisations.

About the conservation team

The Invasive Species Council conservation team aims to tackle some of our most challenging invasive species threats and drive systemic reform to Australia's biosecurity system and environmental laws.

The values of the conservation team:

• We are relentless in pursuing outcomes and having an impact.
• We are not scared to fail and learn from the experience.
• We own and drive the work that we do.
• We are creative and open-minded.
• We connect to and are motivated by our passion for nature.

About the Invasive Species Council

You will be joining a team that advocates for nature, is committed to science, is fearless and persistent and is collaborative with first Australians.

The Invasive Species Council is a non-government donor-funded organisation formed in 2002 that seeks better laws and policies to protect the Australian environment from invasive plants, animals and diseases. Over the last couple of years, the organisation has embarked on a ten-year journey of growth as we make the 2020s the 'decade of biosecurity'.

Invasive species have been the main driver of environmental loss of Australia's native animals since colonisation and remain one of the main threats to the future survival of all our unique wildlife on land and sea. Unless we take action, work with others and speak out, Australia's biodiversity crisis will only worsen.

The Invasive Species Council has made numerous interventions that have reduced the environmental impacts from invasive species. Over recent years we:

• $593 million over four years to eradicate red fire ants from Australia.
• Overturning the protection of feral horses in Kosciuszko National Park and the Australian Alps.
• More than $100 million for national preparedness for the H5N1 bird flu threat to wildlife.
• The establishment of the National Office of Environmental Biosecurity.
• Development and implementation of a national feral deer action plan.
• $30.8 million to eradicate yellow crazy ants from Cairns and Townsville.
• An additional 100 national parks pest and weed officers in NSW.

We work remotely from home in many different parts of Australia. Support for your development will be a priority.

Our 2022-2030 Strategic Plan can be found here: ​​nvasives.org.au/about-us/strategic-plan.

More details about all our campaigns can be found on our website: invasives.org.au.