Ranger (Custodian) Coordinator

Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC in Cairns is seeking a Custodian Coordinator to lead our Ranger program (Custodians) and coordinate field operations across diverse projects. You will mentor a dedicated Custodian team, manage work plans, and collaborate with Traditional Owners and stakeholders to protect Country.

The role requires travel to northern Cape York, strong WH&S practices, and the ability to develop capacity within the team while building partnerships with government, researchers

Qualifications

• Leadership experience coordinating field-based teams on country projects.
• Experience implementing WH&S procedures and continuous improvement.
• Excellent organisational and administrative skills with competing priorities.
• Ability to work with First Nations communities and leaders.
• Willingness and ability to travel to Country for extended periods.
• Class C and MR licences with 4WD experience and vehicle maintenance skills.
• Blue Card or ability to obtain.
• Qualifications in land management / environmental science or related field.
• Experience in project budgeting and reporting.
• Understanding of communities and Country in northern Cape York.

Responsibilities

• Leading, supervising and mentoring the 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.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Organization

Communication

Teamwork

Travel readiness

Safety procedures

Land & sea management

Education

Land management / Environmental science or related field

Tools

Class C Driver's licence

MR licence

4WD experience

Machinery operation experience

Job description

Wuthathi Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC - 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 requirementsExperience 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.