Ranger Programs Administrator

Classification Level: Band 6 (Enterprise Bargaining Agreement)

Location: Perth

Position Status: 12-month fixed term (possible extension), Full-Time

Reports to: General Manager, Desert Support Services.

Desert Support Services (DSS) is a not-for-profit company set up to help Traditional Owners start up and run ranger teams on their country. Much of this work is funded through project-specific grants.

Our head office is based in Perth, and we have field staff located and working in some of the most remote areas of the state. These areas are the Traditional Lands of our clients, the Aboriginal people and Corporations that manage Native Title rights and interests on behalf of their communities.

Role Purpose

The Ranger Programs Administrator is central to and responsible for the governance, compliance, and efficient administration of grants and service agreements for Indigenous ranger programs.

Working closely with the General Manager, the role contributes strongly to effective funding management, client servicing and stakeholder relationships, ensuring delivery on our commitments to our clients; the Aboriginal people and corporations we serve.

Key relationships Internal: General Manager, Operations Manager, Ranger Coordinators, WHS Manager, Finance Manager, Communications Manager.

Key relationships External: Client Aboriginal Corporations, National Indigenous Australians Agency, WA State Government bodies and other funder.

Report to: General Manager DS

Direct Reports: TBC

Key Responsibilities:

1. Grant & Contract Administration

• Ensure compliance with grant terms, funding conditions, and reporting deadlines.
• Prepare, review, and manage grant and service agreements, amendments, and extensions.
• Track deliverables, milestones, and payment schedules, maintaining accurate records.
• Liaise with finance teams to verify expenditures and process invoices/reimbursements.
• Liaise with field staff to monitor milestone progress and provide related administrative support.

2. Program Delivery & Transition Support

• Assist Indigenous organisations in transitioning ranger programs from DSS to client control, ensuring long-term sustainability. This could include for example, assisting to obtain insurances, firearms licences, transfer assets, develop policies and procedures.
• Support governance and operational capacity-building for ranger groups.
• Develop tools/templates to streamline transition work, grant administration and reporting workflows.

3. Funding & Stakeholder Management

• Assist in securing funding through grants, partnerships, and sustainable models.
• Coordinate with funders, clients, and internal teams on compliance and reporting.

4. Team Collaboration

• Prioritise safety first, always.
• Contribute to strategic planning, policy development, and process improvements.
• Participate in professional development and staff workshops.
• Undertake other duties as directed by the GM.

3. Selection Criteria

Essential:

• Experience in grants/contract administration, financial acquittals, and reporting.
• Proven ability to manage grant-funded projects.
• Knowledge of remote WA's cultural, political, and environmental context.
• Highly tuned customer service skills.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and organisational skills.
• Understanding of risk management, HR, WHS, and contract compliance.

Desirable:

• Experience working with Aboriginal ranger programs or Indigenous organisations.
• Remote area field experience.

Personal Attributes:

• Respect for Indigenous culture and commitment to community-led outcomes.
• Adaptability, integrity, and problem-solving in dynamic environments.

Note: Occasional travel to remote locations may be required.

This role suits a detail-oriented professional passionate about supporting Indigenous land management through structured, compliant processes.