Custodian Coordinator

Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation in Cairns seeks a Custodian Coordinator to lead our Ranger Program, guiding the Custodian team to deliver annual plans and field operations across multiple sites. You will work closely with Traditional Owners and the Management team to ensure activities respect culture and Country.

You will travel regularly to northern Cape York, with transport provided, and contribute to safety, administration, budgeting and stakeholder partnerships.

Qualifications

• Proven leadership to mentor and support teams in on-ground projects and remote field operations.
• Experience developing and delivering strong WHS/field operation procedures with continuous improvement.
• Highly organized with solid coordination and administrative skills, able to manage competing priorities.
• Ability to work effectively in a dynamic team environment.
• Strong practical knowledge of land and sea management.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Flexible and able to adapt to changing priorities and requirements.
• Experience with First Nations groups and communities.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and mentor the Custodian team to deliver annual work plans.
• Coordinate cultural and environmental management activities, including weed management, fire, heritage, biodiversity monitoring, and land projects.
• Plan work schedules, allocate resources, and coordinate field operations across projects.
• Develop and grow the Custodian team’s capacity.
• Collaborate with Traditional Owners, Elders and the Wuthathi Board to align with cultural protocols.
• Build partnerships with government agencies, researchers, contractors and stakeholders.
• Support program administration, reporting, procurement and planning.
• Promote safety and ensure WHS compliance on-site.

Skills

Leadership

WHS procedures

Organisation

Communication

Teamwork

Land & sea management

Adaptability

Travel ability

First Nations engagement

Long drives & 4WD

Education

Land management degree

Environmental science degree

Job description

Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation – Manunda QLD

Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (WAC) is the Registered Native Title Body Corporate for the Wuthathi people of North-Eastern Cape York. We manage significant land and sea Country, support cultural and conservation programs, and work towards strengthening Wuthathi community self-determination.

We are seeking a Coordinator to lead our Ranger Program (termed Custodians), working closely with our Management team, Traditional Owners and stakeholders to deliver Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC’s key programs on ground.

This is an exciting leadership opportunity for someone who is committed to developing people, coordinating meaningful projects and helping Traditional Owners care for Country in accordance with Wuthathi Kincha (Lore).

About the Role

As the Custodian Coordinator, you will ensure the success of our programs by:

• Leading, supervising and mentoring the Wuthathi Custodian team to deliver annual work plans
• Coordinating cultural and environmental management activities including weed management, fire, cultural heritage, biodiversity monitoring, research and general land management projects
• Planning work schedules, allocating resources and coordinating field operations across multiple projects
• Developing and growing the capacity of the Custodian team
• Working closely with Traditional Owners, Elders and the Wuthathi Board to ensure activities align with cultural protocols and community priorities
• Building positive partnerships with government agencies, researchers, contractors and other stakeholders
• Supporting program administration, reporting, procurement and operational planning
• Promoting a strong safety culture and ensuring compliance with workplace health and safety requirements

Please note: This role is based in Cairns but requires significant regular travel to our Custodian Base in northern Cape York. Transport is provided and may be via road or light plane.

Selection Criteria

You will bring:

• Proven ability of leadership, to mentor and support teams in on ground projects and remote field-based operations
• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and delivering strong work health and safety / field operation procedures with continuous improvement
• High levels of organisation with solid coordination and administrative skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Ability to work effectively within a dynamic team environment
• Strong practical knowledge of land and sea management
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build and maintain respectful, productive relationships
• Flexibility and willingness to adapt to changing operational priorities and requirements
• Experience working collaboratively with First Nations groups and communities
• Ability to travel to Country and be based away from home for periods of several weeks at a time
• Class C Driver’s licence with 4WD experience and basic vehicle maintenance skills
• Blue Card (or ability to obtain)
• Qualifications in land management, environmental science or related field
• Experience in project management including budgeting and reporting
• Understanding of communities, organisations and Country in the northern Cape York region
• MR licence and demonstrated ability to safely operate trucks
• Tickets and experience with machinery such as tractors, fire units, side-by-sides and chemical spray units

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.