*THIS POSITION IS IDENTIFIED FOR AN ABORIGINAL AND/OR TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PERSON

* PLEASE NOTE: Being an Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander person is a genuine occupational qualification for this role under Section 25 of the QLD Anti-Discrimination Act 1991.

LOCATION: 235 Victoria Street, Cardwell QLD

RESPONSIBLE TO: Girringun Region IPA Coordinator

CLASSIFICATION: Fixed-term - 38 hours/week

CONTRACT DURATION: 6 months

HOURLY RATE: $30 - $36/hour based on skills and experience (with the option to negotiate and subject to funding + superannuation & salary sacrifice available).

• The position is subject to a three (3) month probationary period and an annual performance review (if position is extended).
• The position is reliant on the availability of ongoing funding and organisational financial capacity.

GIRRINGUN REGION IPA BACKGROUND

The Girringun Region Indigenous Protected Area (Girringun IPA) was declared in 2013 and is Australia’s largest marine and terrestrial co-managed IPA. It covers a range of land and sea tenures, including Aboriginal-held land, freehold land, conservation parks, national parks, marine parks, and reserves.

The IPA is managed through partnerships between Girringun Elders and Traditional Owners, their RNTBCs/PBCs, government agencies, World Heritage managers, local government, regional NRM organisations, and conservation groups.

GIRRINGUN REGION LAND AND SEA BACKGROUND

Girringun has established a significant Land and Sea Program, based in lengthy Traditional Owner-driven planning for Country and regional NRM planning. Many partnerships and voluntary agreements support this innovative program. Girringun’s regional program supports the day-to-day land and sea management activities of the Girringun Aboriginal Rangers which implement the priorities of the Traditional Owners set out in the Girringun Region Indigenous Protected Areas Management Plan 2013-2023 (extended, and presently under review).

ROLE DESCRIPTION

This position works under the direct supervision of the Girringun IPA Coordinator and supports the operation, management, and maintenance of Girringun’s IPA across the region.

The role focuses on communication, education, awareness, and delivering on-country meetings, workshops, and project activities in consultation with Traditional Owner groups. It also supports TUMRA, Arts, and Girringun Ranger programs, and works closely with staff across the regional Land and Sea program.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES:

The Girringun IPA Project Officer will assist Girringun’s IPA management including its operation, management, and maintenance within the Girringun IPA region. In accordance with Annual Project Plans, the IPA Project Officer is required to:

• Develop and maintain an awareness of the Girringun IPA and Traditional Owner priorities for country and culture while upholding cultural protocols.
• Support the collaborative management activities of Girringun in association with its regional co-management partners – being Traditional Owners, their own respective representative bodies, NRM bodies, government agencies, private landholders and local governments;
• Assist with the development, implementation and maintenance of culturally appropriate communication strategies to educate communities and the public about the Girringun IPA.
• Work collaboratively to support the IPA, TUMRA and Rangers Coordinators to coordinate and implement caring for country initiatives.
• Organise catering and venues for meetings, prepare meeting Minutes, brief reports and other documents as necessary for the IPA Program.
• Support the IPA Coordinator in conducting community / stakeholder meetings and information sessions.
• Support the development of communication materials as identified within the IPA Program to enhance the communications, education and awareness of the Girringun TUMRA and Traditional Owner led sea country management.
• Support the IPA Program to coordinate at regional-scale, the collaborative management activities of Girringun in association with its regional co-management partners – being Traditional Owners, their own respective representative bodies, NRM bodies, government agencies, private landholders and local governments;
• Assist the IPA Program and coordinator with the delivery of on-country cultural activities in conjunction with and at the advice of Traditional Owners and work with all Girringun programs as part of their annual work plan, including training needs.
• Consistently meeting all project reporting requirements on a timely basis.
• The position will require some travel and working flexible hours on occasions.
• Conduct any other duties as requested by the IPA Coordinator.

Selection Criteria - IPA Project Officer

When applying, please provide examples that show you have:

1. Experience working in land and sea management, environmental projects, community programs, or similar work.
2. Ability to support and carry out project activities under the direction of an IPA Coordinator, including following work plans, timelines, and reporting requirements.
3. Experience working respectfully with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, Traditional Owners, and Rangers.
4. Good communication skills, including the ability to share information clearly with team members, community members, and partners.
5. Basic computer skills, including experience using Microsoft Office for reports, data entry, and records.
6. Ability to work safely in field and office environments and follow workplace health and safety procedures.
7. Willingness to learn new skills and take part in training related to land, sea, and cultural management.

Mandatory: 

• Eligible to apply successfully for a Blue Card for Child Related Employment.
• Hold current Queensland Drivers Licence.