Project Officer Indigenous Identified

Queensland Government; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 85,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Queensland Government's Wet Tropics Management Authority in Cairns invites a Project Officer (AO4) Indigenous Identified. You will support Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples, Traditional Custodian organisations and partner agencies to advance Indigenous-led initiatives and rights-based World Heritage management.

You will help with project planning, delivery and reporting, prepare communications and resources, and facilitate culturally appropriate engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience engaging with Indigenous communities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to coordinate projects and manage stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Support engagement and partnership activities with Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples.
• Assist in project planning, implementation, delivery and reporting.
• Prepare communications materials and resources.
• Assist staff with culturally appropriate engagement through free, prior and informed consent.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Skills

Community engagement

Stakeholder relations

Written communication

Project coordination

Job description

Join the Wet Tropics Management Authority and help support Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples to shape the future management of the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

As the Project Officer (AO4) - Indigenous Identified, you will work alongside Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples, Traditional custodian organisations and partner agencies to support Indigenous-led initiatives, meaningful engagement and the implementation of a rights-based approach to World Heritage management. Based in Cairns, you'll contribute to projects, communications and partnerships that strengthen cultural connections to Country, support Traditional Owner aspirations, and promote the rich Indigenous heritage values of the Wet Tropics. This is a rewarding opportunity to help deliver positive outcomes for Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples and future generations.

Project Officer AO4 (Indigenous Identified)

The Wet Tropics Management Authority is seeking a motivated and community focused Project Officer to support engagement and partnership activities with Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples across the Wet Tropics World Heritage Area.

This role provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to the recognition and protection and management of one of Australia's most significant cultural and natural landscapes. Working as part of the Rainforest Aboriginal Partnerships team, you will support initiatives that strengthen Traditional Custodian involvement in the management of the Wet Tropics and help deliver positive outcomes for Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples.

Key responsibilities include building and maintaining effective relationships with Rainforest Aboriginal Peoples, Traditional Custodian organisations and partner agencies; supporting project planning, implementation, delivery and reporting; preparing publications, communication materials and resources; and assisting staff to undertake culturally appropriate engagement through a free, prior and informed consent approach.

The successful applicant will have demonstrated experience working collaboratively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities in a culturally appropriate manner. You will possess strong communication and relationship building skills, experience supporting Traditional Custodian-led initiatives, and the ability to contribute to project delivery through effective planning, organisations and time management.

You will also have strong written communication skills, including experience preparing reports, newsletters, planning documents and other communication materials. The ability to build and maintain effective stakeholder relationships, work as part of a team, and support a positive, respectful and inclusive workplace culture is essential.

Mandatory requirements

• This is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identified position. Under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991 (Qld), it is a genuine occupational requirement for the successful applicant to be an Aboriginal person and/or Torres Strait Islander person.
• Applicants must demonstrate cultural capability and provide details of, or a written reference from, an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person who can attest to their knowledge, skills or experience working with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and communities.
• Hold a current unrestricted driver's licence.
• Have the legal right to work in Australia.

The position is based in Cairns and may require travel throughout the Wet Tropics region, including occasional overnight stays. The successful applicant will be subject to pre-employment checks and will be expected to contribute to a safe, respectful, diverse and inclusive workplace.

Job Ad Reference: QLD/706285/26

Closing Date: Tuesday, 17 November 2026

Occupational group Administration