Project Officer First Nations

Overview

Permanent Full-time (average of 38 hours per week). First Nations Identified - As per section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA).

Are you passionate about working with community to strengthen cultural awareness, build relationships, and deliver impactful projects? Do you want to work in a role where your knowledge of Nyoongar culture, history and community can help shape inclusive programs, events and strategies? We’re looking for a motivated and community-focused person to join our team and make a difference.

Why You Should Apply

- Make an Impact: Be part of the City’s First Nations engagement and play a key role in delivering the Reconciliation Action Plan/Strategy and other key initiatives.
- Share Culture and Knowledge: Coordinate meaningful community events and projects such as NAIDOC Week, Dual Naming, and cultural awareness activities / training.
- Build Strong Relationships: Work alongside local Elders, service providers and community members to strengthen cultural understanding and connection.
- Support and Be Supported: Join a welcoming team that values your experience and lived knowledge, with opportunities for training, development, and career growth.

What You’ll Do

- Support the delivery of the City’s Reconciliation Action Plan/Strategy alongside the Community Development Officer (Reconciliation).
- Plan, implement and evaluate community-led First Nations projects, programs and events.
- Coordinate initiatives such as cultural awareness training, dual naming, and NAIDOC Week celebrations.
- Engage and consult with First Nations communities and stakeholders to ensure culturally safe and inclusive outcomes.
- Support administrative and promotional tasks including reporting, records, and budget tracking.

What You Bring

- Respect for and lived or professional knowledge of Nyoongar culture and communities, and a strong understanding of First Nations cultures, values, protocols, and contemporary issues.
- Experience engaging with First Nations people and establishing strong networks with community members, groups, and service providers.
- Demonstrated ability to plan, deliver and evaluate community programs, events and projects.
- Excellent communication and administration skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and a solid understanding of community development and capacity building principles.
- A tertiary qualification in Aboriginal Studies, Community Development, Social Science, Project Management or Events – or equivalent professional experience.

This is a First Nations identified position. You must identify and be recognised within your community as a First Nations person in accordance with Section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA).

What We Are Offering

- A gross annual salary of $83,781 + superannuation
- 12% superannuation with the opportunity to co-contribute up to a matching 5%
- Rostered days off and two additional paid leave days per year
- Salary packaging opportunities for motor vehicles
- Health and wellbeing programs (including flu vax, skin checks, EAP and up to $200 health subsidy)
- Paid study leave and training and development opportunities
- Flexible work options to support balance and wellbeing

How to Apply

As part of the online application process, please address the following essential selection criteria.

We need to see how you’ve demonstrated these skills in previous roles. Applications that do not adequately address these criteria will not be considered.

Selection criteria:

1. Respect for, and lived or professional knowledge of, Nyoongar culture and communities, and a strong understanding of First Nations cultures, history, values, protocols and contemporary issues, particularly in an urban setting
2. Demonstrated experience engaging and consulting with First Nations people, and establishing effective networks with community members, groups and service providers
3. Proven ability to plan, deliver and evaluate community programs, projects and events, while managing multiple priorities, deadlines and administrative tasks
4. Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail

An information package, including the position description, is available on our website.

Applications must be submitted online by 4pm, Thursday 27 November 2025.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may commence prior to the closing date. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

This process may be used to fill future similar permanent or fixed-term positions within the next 12 months.

About Us

The City of Rockingham is an award-winning local government located 40km south of the Perth CBD and is known as the place where the coast comes to life. One of the fastest-growing local governments in the south metropolitan area, we’re responsible for the delivery of high-quality services, facilities and events that meet community expectations.

We are committed to a safe, inclusive and culturally respectful workplace. Our team members share the City’s Values of Recognition, Ethics, Service, Professional Development, Empowerment, Communication and Teamwork – RESPECT. These Values are embedded in everything we do.

Need Support

If you identify as a person with disability and require adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please contact the Recruitment Team via email at jobs@rockingham.wa.gov.au or phone 08 9528 0333. We’re happy to discuss options to assist you e.g. we can provide alternate formats for application forms, or alternate methods of applying.

We strongly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including First Nations people, people living with disability, and those who speak a language other than English at home.

#J-18808-Ljbffr