Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions; Shire Of Narrogin; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

12% superannuation

Flexible working arrangements

Annual leave + loading

Study leave for development

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions in Narrogin is seeking an Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator to lead relationships with Regional Aboriginal Corporations. You will drive joint management, cooperative agreements, and policy alignment for the conservation estate under ILUA, promoting Noongar heritage and opportunities.

The role requires strong communication skills and the ability to build enduring partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, reporting to the

Qualifications

• Experience working with traditional owners to deliver land and cultural heritage management through joint management or collaborations.
• Proven project management experience and ability to research/apply knowledge to protect traditional owner heritage.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; proven ability to build strategic partnerships with internal/external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provides strategic and regional leadership for the interface between the department and Regional Aboriginal Corporations (RACs).
• Ensures effective relationships are developed so Cooperative Management Committees and Agreements are established/implemented per ILUA.
• Oversees Aboriginal engagement in advising high level policy for management of conservation estate within the ILUA area.

Skills

Cultural engagement

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.

THIS IS A PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION THIS POSITION IS BASED IN NARROGIN APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT MIDDAY ON MONDAY, 26 OCTOBER 2026

Located in the Wheatbelt Region, Narrogin lies near the Dryandra Woodland, a valuable nature conservation area. The region is popular with nature lovers for its diverse flora and fauna, walking trails and guided nocturnal tours of the Barna Mia animal sanctuary. We currently have an opportunity for an Aboriginal Engagement Coordinator to join our team.

Under limited direction and working in collaboration with the Aboriginal Partnerships Branch:

• Provides strategic and regional leadership for the interface between the department and the Regional Aboriginal Corporations (RACs).
• Ensures effective working relationships are developed and maintained so that Cooperative Management Committees are established, and Cooperative Management Agreements are implemented, and Joint Management Agreements are established and implemented; as per the Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA).
• Ensures Aboriginal engagement in advising and informing high level strategic policy associated with the management of all conservation estate (including State Forest) within the ILUA Agreement Area, so that Noongar interests regarding cultural and heritage values, economic development, employment strategies and customary activities and land access are promoted.
• Where Aboriginal engagement results in issues which cross departmental regional boundaries, ensures effective liaison with relevant departmental staff in adjacent regions.

At the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector.

In this role, you will be Leading Others to help drive positive change.

Selection Criteria

Applicants should address the following three (3) criteria. These should be addressed in no more than three (3) pages in total.

• Understanding of and experience in, working successfully with traditional owners to deliver their land and cultural heritage management aspirations and goals through joint management, cooperation, or collaborative arrangements.
• Demonstrated experience in project management skills and the ability to research and apply knowledge to protect and conserve traditional owner heritage and culture.
• Evidence of highly developed oral communication and interpersonal skills and demonstrated experience in developing and maintaining successful strategic partnerships with internal and external stakeholders and other interest groups.

About Us

DBCA, one of Western Australia’s largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world‑class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills. For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website.

Benefits of working with us

• Staff discounts at gyms, pools and fitness centres (where available) through the Fitness Passport program.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December.
• 3 days additional public sector holidays each year.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
• A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
• An annual National Park Entry Pass.
• Well-established learning and development programs.

Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain:

• A current Western Australian "C" class drivers licence.

Eligibility

It is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship, Australian permanent residency status. Only applicants who meet this eligibility requirement will be considered for this position. A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.

Substantive Equality Statement

DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements. As part of our strategy to increase the diversity of our workforce, Aboriginality is preferred for this position (refer Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), as amended). Aboriginal applicants who meet the selection criteria may be prioritised for appointment. Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on [phone] or [e-mail].

Similar appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.

The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.