Cultural Practices

This is a designated position established as a special measure under Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply.

Position Summary

The Cultural Practices & Biodiversity Officer will support BGLC and Wotjobaluk Traditional Owner aspirations regarding biodiversity planning and management. The position will work with other agencies and authorities to deliver a range of biodiversity-related projects including improving cultural and scientific understanding of the totem species, practically utilising cultural and ecological knowledge.

Area & Performance Responsibilities

• Assist in the delivery of monitoring programs and analysis of photo data and physical environment;
• Support the activities and function of the Wotjobaluk Nations Traditional Owner Full Group in relation to natural resource management matters, including attendance at Full Group meetings as required;
• Strengthen networks for promoting opportunities for Wotjobaluk Nations Traditional Owners in biodiversity management with other stakeholders and land managers;
• Liaise effectively with Wotjobaluk Nations Traditional Owners to understand, support and advance their aspirations for biodiversity management as outlined in the 'Growing What is Good' Country Plan.
• Support the activities and function of the WJJWJ Full Group in relation to Natural Resource Management (NRM) matters, including attendance at Full Group meetings if appropriate or requested;
• Strengthen networks for promoting opportunities for TOs in biodiversity management with other stakeholders and land managers;
• Contribute to community and other promotional events to educate and raise awareness of Wotjobaluk Nations Traditional Owner interests and objectives for biodiversity management, and associated projects;
• Identify and utilise opportunities to engage with other Mobs in biodiversity management;
• Provide leadership and mentoring to Wotjobaluk Nations Traditional Owner community members, including young people, with the aim of increasing community capacity, including decision making in biodiversity management;
• Develop program, project, and work plans to ensure that the strategic objectives and operational responsibilities of the organisation are met; and
• Other ad-hoc duties as assigned from time to time.

Key Selection Criteria

Demonstrated Experience & Knowledge:

• An awareness and understanding of historic and current issues affecting Wotjobaluk Nations Traditional Owners and Country; as well as of the First Nations community and their relationships with the broader Australian society to communicate effectively and sensitively with WJJWJ Peoples and our partners; and
• Demonstrated interest, knowledge of and experience in biodiversity management and First Nations community capacity-building;

• A sound understanding of:

• Cultural Heritage and Native Title

• Traditional Owner Settlement Agreements
• RAP Legislation
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain positive relationships with other staff, Wotjobaluk Nations Traditional Owner community members, natural resource management agencies, State agencies and government departments;
• Ability to clearly and confidently communicate with internal and external stakeholders;
• Ability to achieve results through self-motivation and adapting to changing needs;
• Ability to follow management instructions and comply with BGLC protocols, policies and procedures;
• An understanding of BGLC, its strategies, plans, operations, and activities as articulated in the 'Growing What is Good' Country Plan;
• Demonstrated understanding and appreciation of traditional values and knowledge;
• Possess reasonable physical fitness and ability to undertake field work;
• Ability to effectively to use computers, including Microsoft Office suite; and
• Ability to prepare written reports and carry out monitoring and evaluation to fixed deadlines.

Occupational health and safety responsibilities:

In the context of OHS policies, procedures, training, and instruction, as detailed in the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, employees are responsible for ensuring they:

• Follow reasonable instructions;
• Cooperate with their employer and report safety breaches, participate in investigations, and implement corrective actions according to applicable procedures and policies; and
• At all times, take reasonable care for their own safety and the safety of others in the workplace.

Conditions of Employment:

• Must have a full Victorian manual Drivers Licence;
• Ability to obtain National Police and Working with Children checks; and
• Ability and willingness to undertake remote works on Country.