ABOUT THE ROLE

The Kija Ranger Coordinator assists the delivery of the Kija ranger program by providing strong leadership to a team of Indigenous rangers to deliver on their annual works plan, as set by Kija Traditional Owners. 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 the local school and much more.

The Kija Ranger Coordinator oversees the ranger teams and is responsible for taking the lead role in growing the capacity of the Kija rangers and enhancing the traditional owner governance of the program.

We are looking for a dynamic and resilient individual with proven skills and capacity in Indigenous engagement, land and sea cultural and natural resource management, project management and administration.

This position is based in Warmun (Turkey Creek) and works across the Kija country in the East Kimberley in Western Australia.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Duties

• Supervise and coordinate the day-to-day activities of the Kija Rangers to ensure delivery of the annual work plan.
• Work closely with the Kija Rangers, the Kija Healthy Country Advisory Committee, and LSMU staff to develop, monitor, and report on Ranger activities.
• Ensure effective day to day administrative management of the Ranger program, including timesheets, purchasing, casual ranger and Traditional Owner payments, and management of the Kija Rangers;
• 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;
• Assist researchers to engage in approved on-country research with Rangers and other Traditional Owners, and direct research requests through appropriate channels;
• 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.
• Ensure compliance with cultural protocols and KLC Policy and Procedures at all times, including the promotion of safe working practices and instruction of Rangers in OH&S policy and procedures.
• Participate and assist in KLC and Kija events as required, including LSMU meetings, Native Title meetings, regional forums and the KLC AGM; Other
• Other tasks as directed by authorised KLC personnel or representatives.

SELECTION CRITERIA - SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential 

• Tertiary qualification and/or relevant experience in Environmental/ecology/conservation Science, Anthropology, Social science/community development or other related field;
• Managing small teams and coordinating on-ground natural and cultural resource management projects, preferably with Indigenous organisations and in arid and remote regions of Australia;
• Experience and confidence in working with Aboriginal communities, understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal social/cultural challenges in Northern Australia, community empowerment, training and development;
• Experience in working independently with minimal supervision in a remote area and demonstrated capacity to remain focused, positive and organised in a challenging work environment;
• Good communication, negotiation and community consultation skills including ability to work with an advisory group and as a member of a team;
• Experience in project management including budgeting, planning, grant writing, reporting and acquittals;
• Proficiency in administration, reporting, computing and Microsoft Office suite.
• Current valid driver’s licence and experience operating vehicles and/or heavy duty machinery in remote off road conditions
• A Working with Children’s Check (WWCC) or ability to obtain one.

Desirable

• Experience working with Indigenous land managers, rangers or IPAs;
• Technical or trade skills relevant to the ranger program (i.e. construction, fire and weed management, GIS, cultural mapping, plant and animal identification, small engine maintenance);
• Experience working with community development in a cross-cultural setting.

PERFORMANCE GOALS 

• As identified in Individual Performance Plan (IPP).

See the position description attached below for further information about this role.