This is an exceptional opportunity to be responsible for supporting the Wiluna Martu Ranger Program at Matuwa Kurrara Kurrara National Park (also an IPA) and Lake Carnegie (MKKC), jointly-managed with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions. You will be a great communicator, interested in Indigenous Land Management, have strong organisational skills, and a drive to work as a team member and to spend time on Country.

Full Time contract with a 6  month probationary period. 

This position works with Martu Rangers, other Ranger Coordinators and the Program Manager. Rangers work alongside staff at DBCA when at MKKC. A TMPAC Perth office team supports this role with finance and logistics. Most of our work occurs during the field season (roughly February to November). 

TMPAC's Ranger Program has a strong focus on land management, community development pathways, two-way science, and an emerging youth ranger program.  Our Ranger Program is a nationally-recognised and highly dynamic venture, with a terrific team of staff and Rangers working on a high-profile location that addresses cultural and biodiversity two-way learning, and the development of business opportunities linked to culture.

This position supports the effective delivery of operational activities for the MKKC National Park which includes: cultural Return to Country trips; 2 way science learning trips; fire, feral, threatened species and weed management trips; park land management activities (e.g. road maintenance, fencing removal, visitor access), and cultural awareness tours led by Martu. In particular, the Ranger Coordinator is required to work alongside - and provide mentoring and development support for - Elders and Rangers to implement annual projects and activities with associated budgets. This role requires the establishment of relationships with indigenous Rangers; implementing projects in remote areas; project multi-tasking, careful management of budgets, and facilitating the development of a future Joint Management Plan for the MKKC area to protect the cultural, natural, and economic resources of the Wiluna Martu people.

The Ranger Coordinator reports to the Program Manager of TMPAC- Mantjiljarra Yulparirra (the land management arm of TMPAC), who is responsible for the strategic oversight and implementation of the Ranger Program. The role will be Perth-based, with travel (flights) to Wiluna on a regular (monthly) basis. In Perth, a hybrid office-home work environment is accepted. In Wiluna, there is a ranger base. There will be a transition period with mentoring provided. 

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

1) TEAM WORK

• Work closely with TMPAC management, Wiluna Leaders, other Ranger Coordinators, individual Rangers and other stakeholders (including Parks and Wildlife - Kalgoorlie) to undertake field programs at MKKC and nearby areas.
• Support ranger participation in workshops, presentations and other initiatives which help build their skills and confidence, and provide opportunities to showcase the group’s achievements;
• Manage the Ranger budget and contractual reporting requirements.
• Coordinate and undertake on-ground cultural land management activities;
• Coordinate the scheduling, implementation, supervision, and reporting (internal and external) of Ranger Team operational work plans, inductions, activities on trips; ensuring all approved works are completed within agreed timeframes, to accepted standards and budget;
• Develop and maintain systems for recording and safe storage of data, media and information relating to cultural land management projects and activities;
• Ensuring appropriate workplace health and safety procedures are in place and followed;
• Keeping Ranger vehicles, equipment and premises secure and in good working order;
• Coordinate payment for Rangers, Cultural Advisers and other approved workers.

2) PARTICIPATE AS A MEMBER OF THE RANGER PROGRAM LEADERSHIP TEAM

• Assist in advocacy for and promotion of the Wiluna Martu Ranger Program and cultural land management projects and activities;
• Contribute to development of other cultural land management projects and opportunities;
• Support Ranger(s) in representing the Wiluna Martu Ranger Program at meetings in the region and elsewhere;
• Adhere to all TMPAC and Mantjiljarra Yulparirra policies and procedures;
• Other duties as directed by the Environment Manager, under advice from the Mantjiljarra Yulparirra Board and other governed Boards/Bodies bridging to the management of the MKKC area.

Selection Criteria

1. Experience in Indigenous cultural land management work; or strong community development and practical skills relevant to ranger/cultural land management activities;
2. Experience in mentoring, training and development of teams, and ideally Indigenous ranger teams.
3. Experience in relationship development, collaboration and working effectively with stakeholders;
4. Demonstrated ability to find practical solutions during field work;
5. Demonstrated ability to work productively with limited supervision in sometimes complex and remote situations;
6. Willingness to work for extended periods in a remote regional location, and undertake fieldwork in remote areas;
7. High-level organisational skills and ability to consistently follow-through on tasks promptly;
8. Well-developed written and oral communications skills;
9. Competence in the use of computers and Microsoft Office applications;
10. Current C class manual driver’s license and competence in the use of a manual 4WD vehicle in remote and off-road conditions;

Desirable

1. Qualifications and experience in natural resource management, environmental science, training & assessment, anthropology, cultural geography or community development.
2. Project management experience.
3. Experience in remote work with desert communities.
4. Experience working in the Native Title Sector.
5. Mapping and geographic information system (GIS) skills.

The successful applicant will be required to provide a current Working with Children’s and Vulnerable Persons Check and National Police Check (obtained within the last 6 months) or be willing to obtain these as a condition of employment.

This is a Perth-based position. An attractive salary package with significant benefits including 5 weeks’ annual leave (which includes paid Christmas shutdown), leave loading, will be offered to the successful candidate.