Manager - Land Management

Theibr; Umuwa; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

8 weeks annual leave

Subsidised housing

Annual airfare

Fully maintained vehicle

Job summary

APY Lands in Umuwa, SA, is seeking a Manager, Land Management to lead land management programs and a small team. You will work with traditional owners, communities and agencies to deliver biodiversity, land-use and enterprise initiatives across the APY Lands, prioritising cultural respect and governance.

The role requires a proactive, adaptable leader with experience in remote environments and a commitment to meaningful outcomes for country and communities.

Qualifications

• Tertiary qualifications in Land and Resource Management, Development Studies, Ecology or related discipline.
• Experience leading and developing teams to achieve outcomes.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects, budgets and timelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead APY land management programs across the Lands, ensuring effective planning and delivery.
• Oversee conservation, Indigenous Protected Areas and land use initiatives.
• Provide day-to-day leadership and development to the Land Management team.
• Engage with traditional owners and communities to support consultation and delivery.
• Develop funding opportunities, manage reporting and acquittals.

Skills

Team leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Budget management

Education

Tertiary qualifications in Land and Resource Management, Development Studies, Ecology or related

Job description

About our Client:Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) is the statutory authority established under the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Land Rights Act 1981 (SA) to represent and protect the interests of Anangu people across more than 103,000 square kilometres of land in the far north-west of South Australia. Guided by traditional owners and an elected Executive Board, APY supports strong communities through land stewardship, cultural preservation, governance, economic development and community-led decision-making. Through its land management programs, APY works to protect Country, conserve biodiversity, strengthen cultural knowledge and create employment and development opportunities for Anangu people. About the Opportunity:Based in Umuwa, the administrative hub of the APY Lands, this permanent full-time role offers the opportunity to live and work in a unique remote environment while contributing to meaningful outcomes for Country and community.

Reporting to the General Manager, the Manager, Land Management is responsible for coordinating APY's land management programs and leading a small team delivering practical outcomes on Country. Working alongside traditional owners, communities, government agencies and other stakeholders, you will oversee projects ranging from biodiversity conservation and Indigenous Protected Areas through to land-based enterprise initiatives and community partnerships. Combining leadership with hands‑on involvement, this role spans program delivery, stakeholder engagement, funding management and team development. More than a land management role, it is an opportunity to contribute to the protection of Country and help deliver lasting environmental, cultural and community outcomes for future generations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the delivery of APY's land management programs across the Lands, ensuring projects are effectively planned, coordinated and delivered.
• Oversee conservation, natural resource management and land care initiatives, including biodiversity protection, Indigenous Protected Areas, land use planning and sustainable land‑based enterprise activities.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership, support and development to the Land Management team, with a strong focus on building Anangu capability and employment pathways.
• Work closely with traditional owners and communities to support consultation, engagement and the successful delivery of approved programmes and initiatives.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with government agencies, funding bodies, service providers and other stakeholders.
• Identify funding opportunities, prepare grant applications and manage reporting and acquittal requirements.
• Support the development of land‑based enterprises and initiatives that contribute to sustainable economic opportunities across the APY Lands.
• Prepare clear and timely reports, briefings and recommendations for APY leadership and governance groups.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, policies and governance requirements, maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure fieldwork, travel and on‑Country activities are undertaken safely and effectively.

To be successful in this role you will have:

• Tertiary qualifications in Land and Resource Management, Development Studies, Ecology or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience leading and developing teams, with the ability to plan, organise and motivate others to achieve outcomes.
• Proven experience managing complex projects, programmes or grants, balancing competing priorities while delivering within budget and agreed timeframes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build productive relationships across communities, government, funding bodies and other partners.
• Experience working within culturally diverse and complex environments, with a genuine respect for Aboriginal cultures, communities and ways of working.
• Well‑developed written, verbal, analytical and problem‑solving skills, with the ability to prepare reports, funding submissions and recommendations.
• A proactive, adaptable and resilient approach, with the ability to work independently and maintain momentum in a remote operating environment.
• Experience working with Pitjantjatjara communities and understanding cultural protocols will be highly regarded. The ability to speak Pitjantjatjara, or a willingness to undertake language and cultural training, will be advantageous.
• Fieldwork or research experience with Aboriginal communities, knowledge of the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Land Rights Act 1981 (SA), and experience living and working in remote locations will be highly regarded.

Successful candidates must hold, or be willing and able to obtain, a National Police Clearance, Working with Children Check and APY Lands Entry Permit. A current Australian Driver's Licence, four‑wheel drive competency, remote area driving capability and unrestricted Australian working rights are essential. The role also requires regular travel across the APY Lands, including extended periods of remote fieldwork and camping.

Why join APY Lands:

• Make a genuine impact.Contribute to work that protects Country, supports culture and delivers meaningful outcomes for Anangu communities.
• A diverse and rewarding portfolio.Lead programmes spanning conservation, Indigenous Protected Areas, natural resource management and land‑based enterprise initiatives.
• Attractive remuneration and benefits.Enjoy a competitive salary package, generous salary sacrifice opportunities to help maximise your take‑home pay, and 8 weeks annual leave to support work‑life balance and time away from a remote location.
• Practical living benefits.Subsidised housing, annual airfare, and a fully maintained vehicle are provided to help make remote living both affordable and sustainable.
• A unique lifestyle and career opportunity.Work in one of Australia's most significant Aboriginal land regions alongside traditional owners, communities and a dedicated team committed to positive change.
• Be part of APY's future.Join a leadership team focused on strengthening systems, building capability and creating long‑term success for the organisation and its communities.

The National Indigenous Times acknowledges and pays respect to past and present Traditional Custodians and Elders of this nation. We recognise Aboriginal Community's continuing connection to their lands, waters and stories and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded.