Land & Cultural Programs Coordinator

About the Role:

The Wilinggin Land & Cultural Programs Coordinator (Healthy Country Coordinator) plays a critical role in supporting the delivery of cultural and land management activities across Wilinggin Country, as guided by the Wilinggin Healthy Country Plan 2022 – 2032 and the aspirations of the Ngarinyin People.

The role is responsible for the management and administration of a range of grants and program budgets, coordination of remote field and event logistics and facilitation of culturally appropriate and effective engagement with Traditional Owners and community. The role also works to manage the Corporation's operational communications and media to promote the stories of Wilinggin Rangers and broader land management team.

About the Corporation:

WAC was established in 2006 and is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of Ngarinyin Traditional Owners with the broad objective to further the interests of Ngarinyin People and Wilinggin Country. WAC represents the Traditional Owners of the Wanjina Wunggurr Wilinggin Native Title Area and is a related organisation and agent of our Wanjina Wunggurr Prescribed Body Corporate.

Wilinggin country covers approximately 63,000km2 (6.3 million hectares) of land in the Central North Kimberley region of Northern Australia and is the country that has been home to Ngarinyin people for many thousands of years. WAC has a workforce of 30 to 35 people who are tasked to take care of country, culture and heritage and bush fire management.

WAC is a not-for-profit organisation that has, in the last five years, grown from three staff and a turnover of $500k to some 25 staff and a turnover of some $10m, based on a strong focus on high-integrity operations and alignment with our cultural and environmental obligations.

What we are Looking for:

WAC is seeking a qualified and culturally aware professional with experience in environmental management, conservation or indigenous community development to join our team as a Land & Cultural Programs Coordinator (Healthy Country Coordinator). You will bring strong project coordination skills, a background in land management or cultural program delivery, and a passion for working alongside Traditional Owners to protect and promote Wilinggin Country. Our ideal candidate will be confident in managing grants and budgets, coordinating remote field logistics and facilitating meaningful engagement with community and WAC stakeholders.   

Role Duties will Include:

• Supporting the delivery of land and cultural management programs across Wilinggin Country in line with the Wilinggin Healthy Country Plan.
• Coordinating remote field trips and multi-stakeholder events, ensuring safety, cultural protocols and operational readiness.
• Managing grants, budgets and reporting requirements for various environmental and cultural initiatives.
• Facilitating culturally respectful engagement with Traditional Owners and supporting their participation in planning and governance activities.
• Promoting the work of Wilinggin Rangers through media and communications, including social media and storytelling.
• Liaising with government, partner organisations and community stakeholders to support collaborative program delivery.
• Assisting with the coordination of training and capacity-building activities for community and team members.
• Supporting in the planning and implementation of visitor management strategies, including signage, access points and permit systems.
• Contributing to the development of culturally appropriate communications and community messaging.
• Ensuring compliance with Workplace Health and Safety protocols during field operations and events.

Selection Criteria:

1. Experience coordinating land management, conservation or cultural heritage programs, including logistics, stakeholder engagement and delivery of on-country activities in remote settings.
2. Demonstrated ability to manage grants and budgets, including financial reporting, acquittals and compliance with funding obligations.
3. Strong interpersonal, communication and stakeholder engagement skills with the ability to work respectfully and effectively with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal communities and a diverse range of organisational partners.
4. High level of systems and data literacy including proficiency in Microsoft Office and experience maintaining operational systems, communication platforms and digital content.
5. Experience developing and implementing culturally appropriate communications, including social media, storytelling and promotional materials that reflect indigenous perspectives and values.
6. Keen willingness and capability to live and work in remote environments, ideally in the North Kimberley or similar settings, with practical bush skills, cultural awareness and a resilient mindset suited to remote fieldwork.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Minimum two years' experience in land or conservation management roles.
• Tertiary qualification in Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science or similarly related discipline.
• Valid C-class (Manual) driver's license.
• Remote four-wheel drive experience.
• Ability to obtain and maintain:
• Current Working with Children's Card (WWCC);
• Current National Police Clearance;
• Pre-employment Medical and Fitness-for-Work Clearance.
• First Aid Certificate.

How to Apply:

Please submit your application via the job advert website and include a CV and cover letter addressing the selection criteria. Please contact or call to discuss your application.

Role will require relocation to Derby, Western Australia. Relocation support provided.

Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation will accept applications until the position is filled, and the vacancy may close without notice.

Full Australian Working Rights are a requirement for this role.