A community-led organisation dedicated to strengthening culture and supporting sustainable communities across a vast desert region in the Pilbara, Western Australia, is seeking an Area Lead - Country Programs to lead and support Indigenous ranger teams based in remote communities. Through locally based ranger teams, the program enables people to return to Country, care for land and culture, and strengthen community resilience. This role will oversee 6-10 coordinators reporting directly to you.

The Area Lead - Country Programs provides leadership for the organisation's Country Program, translating community priorities into effective land management strategies and on-Country outcomes. You will lead culturally grounded work programs aligned with the organisation's learning and development framework, managing people, program delivery, funding accountability, and community engagement. You will support multiple ranger teams to ensure that on-Country work is planned, well-resourced, safe, and delivered to a high standard, while embedding cultural knowledge, community aspirations, and cultural obligations across programs.

This role requires a hands-on leader with a regular presence in remote communities who can guide teams through complex, dynamic conditions, maintaining culturally grounded, purposeful, safe, and accountable operations. Success in this role comes from building strong relationships, providing consistent on-the-ground support, and responding flexibly to changing circumstances such as weather, cultural priorities, access constraints, and community needs.

The Country Program empowers Traditional Owners to access, care for, and remain connected to approximately 15 million hectares of desert lands, including a large national park spanning multiple desert bioregions. Guided by the organisation's Country, Culture and Communities Framework and strategic plan, the program delivers culturally grounded on-Country activities that integrate environmental management, cultural knowledge transfer, education and community outcomes.

The program enables elders, rangers and community members to work together on Country, supporting the passing on of cultural knowledge between generations while strengthening livelihoods and wellbeing in remote communities. The program is delivered through ranger teams based in remote communities, supported by specialist staff and external partners who provide technical expertise and delivery support.

Through activities such as land and fire management, cultural site visits and community-led trips, the program contributes to healthy Country, strong culture and resilient communities. The region is one of the most intact arid ecosystems in the world and is home to iconic and threatened species such as the greater bilby, northern quoll, and great desert skink. Cultural and environmental values are deeply interconnected, with landscapes, water sources, habitats, fauna, and flora forming a rich cultural landscape embedded with identity, beliefs, creation stories, sacred sites, cultural practices, and traditional livelihoods.

This is a full-time permanent position, beginning asap, or, for the right person a start date can be negotiated. There is the possibility of employment for partners with either the organisation or other service providers in the community.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Program Delivery

• Lead, manage and mentor the Country Program team in line with the organisation's values, methods and organisational culture.
• Set annual priorities and work plans with the General Manager, Ranger Teams and Cultural Advisors.
• Oversee planning, delivery and reporting of on-Country land management activities.
• Ensure all work is delivered within the Framework and guided by a local worldview.

People and Community Engagement

• Maintain regular, in-person engagement with Ranger Teams and staff in remote communities.
• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with individuals and communities.
• Support staff wellbeing, performance and development in complex operating environments.

Governance, Funding and Partnerships

• Manage program budgets and ensure accurate reporting and acquittal of funds.
• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to grant applications and funder relationships.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with environmental NGOs, partners and stakeholders.
• Influence other programs to ensure Country and local ways of working are embedded across the organisation.
• Undertake other duties consistent with the role as required. 

Benefits

The organisation will provide the following benefits:

• Salary $110,125 - $125,500
• Fully furnished subsidised accommodation
• Four return flights from Newman to any Australian capital city or New Zealand, per calendar year (not accruable) up to $750 each. Or alternatively four ground travel allowances up to $750 each (not accruable).
• Ability to salary sacrifice
• Relocation costs up to $3,000
• Internet provided and assistance with phone
• Work laptop provided
• Use of vehicle for work programs

Footprint Placements will provide benefits to assist you in your transition to remote life including,

• Trauma Responsive Practice in Education with the Australian Childhood Foundation
• Cultural Competency training with the Stronger Smarter Institute (one term+ contracts)
• First aid certification (6 month+ contracts)

What You Need to Succeed!

Essential Experience and Capability

• Demonstrated experience working in remote cross-cultural settings with Indigenous Ranger teams or communities.
• Qualifications and or substantial experience in Natural Resource Management or a related field.
• Strong people leadership capability including mentoring and performance management.
• Ability to operate calmly and effectively across a wide range of tasks from day-to-day logistics to high-value funding and stakeholder management.
• Proven capacity to manage competing priorities community expectations and political complexity.

Communication and Organisation

• Clear written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organisational skills sound judgement and practical problem-solving ability. 

Practical Requirements

• Willingness and ability to travel regularly to remote communities and spend time on Country.
• Competence in standard office systems and reporting requirements.
• Current manual C Class driver's licence (or equivalent).
• Satisfactory National Police Check and Working with Children Check (to be completed prior to confirmation of appointment).

Desirable

• Qualification and / or experience in community development
• Experience in managing and acquitting funding and grants.
• Four-wheel drive/ offroad experience.