Program Manager (Projects, Junior Rangers) – Central Desert Regional Council – Alice Springs, NT

COOEEads; Alice Springs; On-site; AUD 107,000 - 131,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

6 weeks Annual Leave

12 public holidays

Leave loading 17.5%

Personal Leave 15 days

TOIL 12 days

Days off between Christmas and NewYear

Job summary

Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) in Alice Springs is hiring a Program Manager – Projects to oversee the Ti Tree Junior Ranger Program, supporting culturally informed education for school-aged children. The role focuses on developing and evaluating a place-based program working with a Steering Group of ranger groups, Schools, Traditional Owners and Elders.

Based in Alice Springs, you will supervise the First Nations Project Coordinator and Officer, engage First Nations students in classroom

Responsibilities

• Oversee the Ti Tree Junior Ranger Program and supervise project staff.
• Develop a place-based program and curriculum aligned to the Australian Curriculum for on-country learning.

Job description

Employment Type: Fixed-term, Full-time position
Remuneration: Base Salary Level 8: $104,388.82 – Package: $119,276.27

Do you possess the ability to supervise, oversee and administer program services? Are you able to liaise with community, contractors, staff, management and stakeholders on issues relevant to program operations and service plans?If yes, we want to hear from you!

Who Are We?

• We are passionate about empowering our communities, we want to make a difference and as a team we work together with a strategy of ‘Two Ways – One Outcome’.
• Our goal is to foster quality living, and develop sustainable communities with strong local involvement and employment.
• We want proud communities, strong communities, and connected communities!

More About Us

Central Desert Regional Council (CDRC) is a local government authority covering an area over 282,000 Sq. kilometres.CDRC builds sustainable communities through traditional local government services such as waste management, road repair and upgrades, and community services (Community Safety, Children’s Services; Youth, Sport and Recreation, Aged Care) in 12 communities to the North of Alice Springs: Lajamanu, Ti Tree, Wilora, Nturiya, Pmara Jutunta, Willowra, Laramba, Nyirripi, Yuelamu, Atitjere, Engawala and Yuendumu. The Central Desert area is considered remote and disadvantaged and over 80% of the population is Aboriginal.

The Role

The Program Manager – Projects will oversee the Ti Tree Junior Ranger Program, supporting cultural and environmental education for school-aged children at Ti Tree School and the surrounding community. The program aims to promote the intergenerational transfer of First Nations cultural knowledge and resource management through activities aligned with the Australian Curriculum. A Steering Group must be established, consisting of ranger groups, schools, Traditional Owners, and Elders from the region. The Program Manager – Projects will support this Steering Group/Committee and develop a place-based program and curriculum for the delivery and evaluation of the project. Based in Alice Springs, they will engage with First Nations students in the Anmatjere region through a combination of classroom and on-country learning. The role includes supervising the First Nations Project Coordinator and the First Nations Project Officer, while also working collaboratively with ranger groups in the region.

What’s on Offer

• Fast growing career
• Generous base salary (Level 8 : Base Salary:$104,388.82/ Package $119,276.27)
• 6 weeks’ Annual Leave accrued per year
• 12 public holiday days per year
• 1 additional holiday for NAIDOC day
• 12 extra days off in lieu (TOIL)
• 3 additional days between Christmas and New Year’s
• 15 days Personal Leave accrued per year
• 17.5% leave loading
• and much more!

We offer an excellent work/life balance giving you the opportunity to explore this iconic region.

We strongly encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for all positions.

Please note:

• Applications submitted by other methods will not be considered.
• Applications will not be considered if the selection criteria questions are not answered in at least 50 words.
• Position open until filled.

Applications close: Sunday, 8 November 2026.