The Corporation - Pila Nguru

Pila Nguru (Aboriginal Corporation) RNTBC (Pila Nguru) is a community-driven not-for-profit incorporated under the Corporations (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006.

Based in Tjuntjuntjara in the Great Victoria Desert (WA), Pila Nguru is the Registered Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC) for the Spinifex and Untiri Pulka Native Title Determinations, covering approximately 8 million hectares. The Spinifex Native Title Determination Area was determined in 2000. The Untiri Pulka Native Title Determination Area was determined in 2021, and the common law holders joined the Spinifex People in nominating Pila Nguru to hold their native title rights and interests on their behalf. Pila Nguru is currently the only RNTBC that holds native title rights and interests for multiple Native Title Determination Areas.

As the Registered Native Title Body Corporate, Pila Nguru is responsible for delivering core governance and operational activities, fulfilling obligations under heritage protection and land use agreements, implementing programs for the betterment of Spinifex and Untiri Pulka Native Title Holders, and protecting and preserving land and heritage for the Spinifex and Untiri Pulka People. Pila Nguru members and staff are committed to ensuring that decisions affecting the lives and land of community members are made with the input and backing of the community.

Pila Nguru supports the Spinifex and Untiri Pulka People's aspirations to articulate their continuing connection and obligations to culture, country, and community in many ways, including the Spinifex Land Management (Ranger) Programs and land access control.

Programs

Pila Nguru comprises the following key areas of operation:

• Prescribed Body Corporate and Native Title Rights and Interests:
• Board of Directors
• Land Access Permissions
• Exploration & Mining Agreements
• Cultural Awareness Training
• Cultural Heritage Protection
• Management of Maralinga Piling Trust funds
• Spinifex Land Management under the Anangu Tjutaku (Spinifex-Pilki-Untiri Pulka) Indigenous Protected Area and Spinifex Ranger Program:
• Men's Ranger Program
• Women's Ranger Program
• Spinifex Biodiversity Project

The Role

The Operations Coordinator plays a hands-on role in managing daily operations across Pila Nguru's different programs, providing logistical and administrative support to ensure organisational activities, staff, equipment and infrastructure are effectively planned, resourced and delivered.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide operational and administrative support to the Spinifex Land Management Program, including assisting Ranger Coordinators with work planning, scheduling, logistics, equipment, vehicles, training, and on-country activities to ensure activities are appropriately planned, resourced, and delivered.
• Coordinate the procurement, maintenance, and availability of equipment, PPE, goods, and services.
• Manage Pila Nguru's fleet of vehicles including liaising with mechanics and suppliers in Kalgoorlie.
• Coordinate regular asset and maintenance of Pila Nguru infrastructure, including the Spinifex Land Management Centre (Tjuntjuntjara) and Ilkurlka Roadhouse (135km north of Tjuntjuntjara).
• Project management and delivery of new infrastructure.
• Support Pila Nguru's fee-for-service heritage program by liaising with Traditional Owners, the Heritage and Native Title Coordinator and General Manager, and resource companies.
• Provide support to the General Manager as required, including preparation of correspondence, documents, meeting materials, and other organisational records.
• Maintain accurate records and registers relating to assets, vehicles, equipment, contracts, insurance, licences, training and other operational requirements.
• Assist with the implementation, review, and improvement of organisational policies, procedures, systems and administrative processes.
• Build and maintain cohesive relationships with Anangu people.
• Build and maintain productive relationships with fellow staff, community organisations, suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Provide operational support and coverage to the Men's and Women's Ranger Coordinators during periods of leave or absence.
• Adhere to all Pila Nguru policies and procedures.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Experience in coordinating operational and administrative functions, preferably within a remote, community-based or not-for-profit organisation.
• Ability to coordinate multiple programs, projects and competing priorities, with strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Experience preparing high-quality reports, acquittals and other written documentation for funders, management and stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently, use initiative, solve problems and take responsibility for achieving outcomes.
• Demonstrated people, communication, and relationship-building skills, including conflict management and cross-cultural adaptability.
• Ability to provide practical operational support in a remote environment, including coordinating vehicles, equipment, infrastructure, travel, training and on-country activities.
• Sound understanding of workplace health and safety requirements and the ability to promote a culturally and operationally safe workplace.
• Competence in Microsoft Office, GIS/mapping software, or the ability to learn.
• Understanding of Aboriginal cultural and social contexts and challenges.
• Ability to willingness to travel, stay, and work in remote locations on country.
• Good level of fitness for physical work.
• Class C Driver's Licence.

Desirable

• Experience in invoicing and accounts processing.
• Experience working in remote areas.
• First Aid Certificate.
• Firearms Training.
• 4WD Experience.

Benefits

• Ongoing Full-time (8 weeks on 2 weeks off)
• 6 weeks annual leave plus paid shut down between Christmas to New Year
• Access to Salary Sacrifice of $15,900 and Entertainment Card of $2,650 per annum
• Phone and laptop supplied
• Housing, utilities, and internet provided

Pila Nguru encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and people from culturally diverse backgrounds.