Geospatial Operations Lead

• Location: Darwin
• Status: Full-time
• Salary Package: $135,500 (Including District Allowance and Super)

Are you ready to lead cutting-edge geospatial initiatives that make a real impact?

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is looking for a geospatial leader to drive innovation, guide a skilled GIS team, and ensure spatial data is used with accuracy, integrity, and cultural respect across the NLC's work.

About the Role

Based in the Anthropology Service Area, the Geospatial Operations Lead oversees the development, coordination, and governance of geospatial systems and services across the NLC. You'll manage day-to-day service delivery, support field and research projects, and ensure spatial data is secure, accessible, and aligned with legal and cultural protocols.

From land claims and leasing to cultural mapping and environmental planning, your leadership will help ensure that spatial data continues to be a trusted foundation for the NLC's work with Traditional Owners and stakeholders across the Top End.

What you will Bring

You're a confident leader with a strong background in GIS, spatial systems, and you understand the importance of getting the details right—whether it's a map, a dataset, or a team decision. You're comfortable navigating technical complexity, but you also know how to communicate clearly and build trust across disciplines. Experience working in Indigenous land management, cultural heritage, or statutory environments is highly regarded. Most importantly, you bring a thoughtful, respectful approach to working on Country.

In addition to this, you will have: -

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), cartography, surveying, geography, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience (minimum five years) in the use of GIS software, particularly ArcGIS Pro and geodatabase environments, including spatial data analysis and high-quality cartographic production.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising staff, managing workflows, and coordinating project delivery within a GIS or related technical environment.
• Working knowledge of the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976 and the Native Title Act 1993, or demonstrated capacity to quickly acquire this understanding in context.

For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.

What's in it for you?

At the NLC, you'll be part of a team that's grounded in purpose and committed to Country. You'll lead work that matters—supporting Traditional Owners, protecting cultural knowledge, and enabling informed decision-making through the power of spatial data. In return, you'll enjoy a supportive workplace, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a lasting impact across the Northern Territory.

We offer:

• 15% superannuation and salary sacrificing up to $15,900 + meal entertainment and holiday accommodation benefits up to $2,650 per year.
• Other benefits under our Enterprise Agreement include:
• District allowance of up to $4,797 per annum for individuals with dependents and $2,630 without dependents.
• Generous leave provisions 5 weeks annual leave, leaving loading, 18 days personal leave;
• Paid Christmas close down;
• Upon completion of 12 months of service an Annual airfare with a net (in hand) value of $3,177

Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV along with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and what relevant skills and expertise you will bring to this role?

If you have any further queries please contact Wendy Asche on

Applications Close: Wednesday 24th September 2025

About the NLC

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth. The NLC is established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976 and its purpose is to serve its constituents who are Traditional Owners (TOs) and other Aboriginal people living in their region. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to the work that we do here at NLC. We are committed to enhancing Aboriginal peoples social, political and economic participation by supporting their aspirations and amplifying their voices on a range of issues impacting on their lands, seas, culture and communities.