Gooniyandi Ranger Coordinators

We are looking for two dedicated Ranger Coordinators to join our highly motivated Men's and Women's Ranger teams in the Kimberley Region.

About the Role:

The Gooniyandi Ranger Coordinator coordinates the operational delivery of the Gooniyandi ranger program. This involves providing strong leadership to a small team of Indigenous rangers to deliver on their annual works plan, as set by Gooniyandi traditional owners. The works plan is made up of a diverse range of cultural and natural resource management activities, including fire management, threatened and pest species management, preservation of cultural sites, on country trips with senior traditional owners, engagement with the local school and much more. The role also involves staff management and program management.

We are looking for a dynamic and resilient individual with proven skills and capacity in Indigenous engagement, land and sea cultural and natural resource management, project management and administration. You will be a natural leader who can build bridges of common understanding within a diverse team and a wide range of external stakeholders. You should be able to work independently whilst assuring proper consultation is maintained with the Gooniyandi people.

We offer you the opportunity to work in one of Australias most stunning landscapes where you will work alongside the Gooniyandi rangers on trips to amazing natural and cultural sites, work with threatened species and work alongside Gooniyandi Traditional Owners who hold an incredible knowledge of Country. Gooniyandi Traditional Owners live in many communities east of Fitzroy Crossing including; Yiyili, Ganinyi, Moongardie, Rocky Springs, Goolgoorarra, Goodinjin, Bawoorrooga, Kupartiya, Ngumpan, Ngalingkadji, Gillieshape, Mingalkalka, Mimbi, Galeru Gorge, Wangkatjungka, Joy Springs, Karnparrmi, Gillaroong, Muludja and Bayulu.

The position is based in Fitzroy Crossing and works across Gooniyandi country in the Central Kimberley in Western Australia. Gooniyandi country is located in the central Kimberley region of Western Australia and includes the mighty Fitzroy River and its tributaries which have been listed for its National Heritage Values. Gooniyandi country covers 1.12 million hectares of land and water and includes the Indigenous-owned pastoral stations of Bohemia Downs, Mt Pierre and Louisa Downs and portions of the non-Indigenous Christmas Creek, Gogo, Fossil Downs, Larrawa and Margaret River pastoral stations. Gooniyandi country is roughly bounded in the North by the Margaret River, Christmas Creek and the Great Sandy Desert in the South, and the Fitzroy River to the west.

Gooniyandi country comprises stunning tablelands, gorges and ravines, floodplains and spinifex grasslands. The area has a rich biodiversity including Freshwater Crocodiles, Barramundi, Black-footed Rock wallaby, Bilbies and many others. The area is home to the Gooniyandi people who have a strong connection to their ancestral land and culture, and today live across a number of communities in the region.

Key Responsibilities:

Supervise and coordinate the day to day activities of the Gooniyandi Rangers to ensure delivery of the annual work plan. Work closely with the Gooniyandi Rangers, the Gooniyandi Women Coordinator, the Gooniyandi Healthy Country Advisory Committee, and LSMU staff to develop, monitor, and report on Ranger activities. ​ Ensure effective day to day administrative management of the Ranger program, including timesheets, purchasing, casual ranger and Traditional Owner payments, and management of the Gooniyandi Rangers; Plan, supervise and participate in field activities to remote locations associated with completing the work plan and fee for service opportunities - including extended periods in the field; Work with and mentor the Rangers to develop their personal and project skills, leadership abilities and work ethic, including productive collaboration with the LSMU support team. Support on the job training and liaise with the Ranger Training Coordinator and training organisations to enable appropriate professional learning outcomes for rangers; Deliver on fee for service opportunities and other projects that support the development and sustainability of the ranger group and Traditional Owner aspirations; Assist researchers to engage in approved on-country research with Rangers and other Traditional Owners, and direct research requests through appropriate channels; Ensure high level responsibility taken by rangers for the care, maintenance and safekeeping of equipment and resources used and be ultimately responsible for the groups assets. Ensure compliance with cultural protocols and KLC Policy and Procedures at all times, including the promotion of safe working practices and instruction of Rangers in OH&S policy and procedures; Participate and assist in KLC and Gooniyandi events as required, including LSMU meetings, Native Title meetings, regional forums and the KLC AGM; Other duties as directed by LSMU/KLC Management.

Benefits:

On top of a competitive market salary, you'll get access to salary packing benefits, additional salary allowances such as District Allowance, rental/mortgage assistance where applicable and 5 weeks' annual leave. An opportunity to make a difference for First Nations people in the Kimberley region. You'll also get access to ongoing learning and development programs.

Who are we looking for?

Essential

Tertiary qualification and/or relevant experience in Environmental/ecology/conservation Science, Anthropology, Social science/community development or other related field; Managing small teams and coordinating on-ground natural and cultural resource management projects, preferably with Indigenous organisations and in arid and remote regions of Australia; Experience and confidence in working with Aboriginal communities, understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal social/cultural challenges in Northern Australia, community empowerment, training and development; Experience in working independently with minimal supervision in a remote area and demonstrated capacity to remain focused, positive and organised in a challenging work environment; Good communication, negotiation and community consultation skills including ability to work with an advisory group and as a member of a team; Experience in project management including budgeting, planning, grant writing, reporting and acquittals; Proficiency in administration, reporting, computing and Microsoft Office suite. Current valid drivers licence and experience operating vehicles and/or heavy duty machinery in remote off road conditions A Working with Childrens Check (WCC) or ability to obtain one.

Desirable

Experience working with Indigenous land managers, rangers or IPAs; Technical or trade skills relevant to the ranger program (i.e. construction, fire and weed management, GIS, cultural mapping, plant and animal identification, small engine maintenance); Experience working with community development in a cross-cultural setting. nrmjobs.com.au/job/20020885

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