First Peoples Trainee Ranger

Gandangara Local Aboriginal Land Council (GLALC)'s main objective, for each of our Members, is to improve and protect their social and emotional wellbeing by creating a meaningful connection between us based on mutual respect and understanding.

At GLALC, we are committed to preserving and enhancing our natural environment while honouring the deep cultural heritage intertwined with the land. Through our 4-year initiative, "First Peoples Ranger Program at Heathcote, NSW – Creating Jobs, Caring for Country & Empowering Female Leadership" we aim to restore and protect over 850 hectares of land and cultural heritage sites.

The Opportunity

GLALC has recently secured funding for a four-year initiative, "GLALC's First Peoples Ranger Program at Heathcote, NSW – Creating Jobs, Caring for Country & Empowering Female Leadership." This program is proudly delivered under the National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) Indigenous Rangers Program, which is grounded in the Caring for Country framework and recognises the inherent rights and cultural responsibilities of Aboriginal peoples to protect, restore, and manage their lands and waters. It honours the deep and enduring connection between Country, culture, spirit, and people — where caring for Country is both a cultural obligation and a foundation for community wellbeing.

This program actively encourages and facilitates the participation of First Peoples women in land and sea management. It aims to empower women, promote cultural knowledge transfer, and contribute to the sustainable management of Indigenous lands and resources. A such, this position is female-identified, permitted under Section 31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW).

Based at the GLALC Eco Depot on Heathcote Ridge, Trainee First Peoples Rangers will work closely with experienced leaders to restore and protect over 850 hectares of land and cultural heritage sites.

They will gain practical skills in site maintenance, waste removal, road and track repairs, cultural burns, and managing pests and weeds. They will also learn about completing and maintaining walking tracks, with a focus on installing educational signage to enrich visitors' experiences. Furthermore, they will focus on transforming sites into cultural meeting and learning places.

About You

You are passionately pursuing a career dedicated to the preservation, rehabilitation, and protection of our Aboriginal-owned lands at Gandangara. As a respected First Peoples community member, you carry a profound sense of responsibility and commitment towards Caring for Country and safeguarding its cultural significance.

Your enthusiasm is evident, and you demonstrate your dedication as you aspire to forge a long-lasting career within the First Peoples Ranger team. You thrive in dynamic environments, driven by a desire to continuously learn and grow. Your eagerness to engage in formal learning opportunities, such as TAFE courses and short courses, reflects your proactive approach to personal and professional development. R

Key responsibilities of the role

Actively engage in the activities led by the HELM Team Leader/Project Manager, supporting the implementation of the GLALC's First Peoples Ranger Program at Heathcote initiative.

Participate in executing tasks as directed by the Team Leader/Project Manager, focusing on rehabilitation, restoration, and cultural preservation efforts.

Embrace and apply Caring for Country principles and Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in conservation efforts under the mentorship of the Team Leader/Project Manager.

Actively participate in professional development initiatives, including relevant TAFE Course/s, and/or other relevant opportunities aimed at enhancing skills and knowledge in land management and conservation practice.

Support the grant administration process for the project, ensuring compliance with the Activity Plan and contributing to the achievement of project milestones.

Collaborate with the Aboriginal community, contributing to project scheduling and engaging in mentorship opportunities provided by the Team Leader / Project Manager.

Follow safety protocols and procedures under the guidance of the Team Leader/Project Manager, ensuring a safe working environment for all.

Uphold compliance with relevant legislation, regulations, and quality standards, contributing to the preservation of a safe and ethical work environment.

Comply with legislative and scientific standards

10.   Comply with organisational policies, SOPs, SWMS and standards including GLALC's code of conduct and assets management protocols

11.   Engage (as mentored) with external stakeholders to support service coordination and integration efforts, fostering positive relationships within the community.

12.   Be punctual and present.

13.   This role requires a level of fitness. Please declare any medical restrictions that could affect onsite duties.

14.   Under the guidance of the Team Leader/Project Manager, contribute to the development and implementation of strategic plans and initiatives within the HELM sector, leveraging learnings and experiences gained during the training program.

15.   Embrace a culture of continuous learning and growth, with a willingness to contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives under the guidance of the Team Leader.

Essential Criteria

Identified Aboriginal Position: The candidate must be of Aboriginal descent, as per section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), given the role's focus on serving Aboriginal communities.

Female-Identified Position: This is a female-identified role, permitted under Section 31 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 (NSW), as part of a targeted strategy to promote equal opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women in land and sea management.

Demonstrated commitment and passion to Caring for Country, land management practices, conservation initiatives, or related fields.

Demonstrated high level of commitment to learning and development, with a genuine interest in land management principles and conservation.

Ability to work effectively within a team environment and willingness to learn from experienced mentors.

Strong communication skills and the ability to engage respectfully with colleagues, stakeholders, and community members.

Basic understanding of safety protocols and procedures, with a willingness to learn and adhere to them.

Capacity to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing organisational needs.

Previous exposure to working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander communities.

10.   Full NSW Driver's License and the ability to travel to local communities and events if required.

11.   Willingness to obtain a National Police Check.

12.   Current NSW employee Working with Children Check clearance in accordance with the Child Protection (Working with Children) Act 2012 (NSW).

Benefits

• Commitment to Life. Work. Harmony
• Non for Profit and Charity Tax Exemption equivalent to a Tax FREE threshold of $18,549 - Salary packaging options with EZIWAY
• Opportunities to develop and progress your career

·       Employee Assistance Program

• Continued Professional Development internal & external training
• Supportive & friendly working culture