Ranger Program & Operations Manager

HR-Xcellence Solutions; City of Brisbane; Hybrid; AUD 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Cooper Basin Rangers Support Services Ltd invites an experienced Ranger Program & Operations Manager to establish and run a new First Nations ranger program across multiple Traditional Owner Groups. The role is full-time fixed term for 12 months with flexible work arrangements, including remote Queensland or remote South Australia, and up to 50% work-from-home where possible.

You will oversee operational management, establish systems, budgets and partnerships to ensure long-term success,

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing service delivery programs, preferably within a not-for-profit organisation and ideally supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities or organisations.
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, including coordinating work plans, operational activities, staff rosters, logistics, travel and resources.
• Experience establishing or managing office operations, including procurement, systems and administrative processes.
• Financial administration experience, including managing operational budgets, expenditure and fee-for-service arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Establishing office operations, organisational systems, procurement processes and organisational infrastructure
• Managing program budgets, financial administration, funding compliance and fee-for-service arrangements
• Leading, mentoring and supporting five Head Rangers across multiple remote locations
• Managing recruitment, onboarding, HR processes, workforce development and performance management
• Coordinating ranger activities, work plans, travel logistics and operational resources
• Developing and implementing policies, procedures and governance frameworks
• Supporting the Board through governance, reporting and continuous improvement initiatives
• Building strong relationships with Traditional Owners, government agencies, funding partners, industry and community stakeholders
• Overseeing Workplace Health & Safety, risk management, emergency preparedness and legislative compliance
• Monitoring program performance while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and long-term sustainability.

Skills

Program management

Not-for-profit

Stakeholder engagement

Team leadership

WHs knowledge

Tools

Procurement systems

Budgeting tools

Office software

Job description

Make a genuine impact supporting Traditional Owners to care for Country.

HR-Xcellence Solutions is proud to be partnering with Cooper Basin Rangers Support Services Ltd (CBRSS) to recruit for this exciting opportunity.

Cooper Basin Rangers Support Services Ltd is seeking an experienced and motivated Ranger Program & Operations Manager to lead the establishment and ongoing operations of a new First Nations ranger program.

Funded for an initial five-year period, the Cooper Basin Rangers Program has been created to support Aboriginal Traditional Owners across one of Australia's most significant cultural and environmental landscapes. Spanning approximately 130,000 square kilometres across Queensland, South Australia and New South Wales, the program will create meaningful employment opportunities while protecting Country for future generations.

Reporting directly to the Board of Directors, you’ll play a key role in establishing the Ranger Program while supporting five Head Rangers and their teams across multiple Traditional Owner Groups.

The role is full-time fixed term for an initial 12-months, and offers flexible working arrangements, with possible locations including Brisbane, Adelaide, remote Queensland or remote South Australia. The successful candidate will work across both office-based and remote field environments, with limited FIFO travel and up to 50% work from home available, subject to operational requirements.

About the Role

This is a hands-on role where no two days are the same. You’ll oversee the operational management of the ranger program while developing the systems, processes and partnerships that will ensure its long-term success.

• Establishing office operations, organisational systems, procurement processes and organisational infrastructure

• Managing program budgets, financial administration, funding compliance and fee-for-service arrangements

• Leading, mentoring and supporting five Head Rangers across multiple remote locations

• Managing recruitment, onboarding, HR processes, workforce development and performance management

• Coordinating ranger activities, work plans, travel logistics and operational resources

• Developing and implementing policies, procedures and governance frameworks

• Supporting the Board through governance, reporting and continuous improvement initiatives

• Building strong relationships with Traditional Owners, government agencies, funding partners, industry and community stakeholders

• Overseeing Workplace Health & Safety, risk management, emergency preparedness and legislative compliance

• Monitoring program performance while identifying opportunities for continuous improvement and long-term sustainability.

About You

We’re looking for a capable and organised operations professional who enjoys working across a broad range of responsibilities, building strong relationships and contributing to meaningful outcomes. You’ll bring a practical, hands-on approach, excellent organisational skills and a genuine commitment to supporting Aboriginal Traditional Owners to care for Country.

You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience managing service delivery programs, preferably within a not-for-profit organisation and ideally supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities or organisations.

• Excellent organisational and project management skills, including coordinating work plans, operational activities, staff rosters, logistics, travel and resources.

• Experience establishing or managing office operations, including procurement, systems and administrative processes.

• Financial administration experience, including managing operational budgets, expenditure and fee-for-service arrangements.

• Experience leading and supporting staff, including performance management, coaching and professional development.

• Strong knowledge of Workplace Health and Safety legislation, with experience implementing or maintaining WHS systems and safe work practices.

• Experience developing, implementing and improving policies, procedures and operational systems.

• A proactive and solutions-focused approach, with the ability to identify issues, develop practical solutions and see them through to completion.

• Proficiency using a range of business systems and software to support information management, project delivery, budgeting, communications and operational planning.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with Traditional Owners, community organisations, government agencies, industry partners and other stakeholders.

• A collaborative approach, with the ability to work effectively within a team and provide high-quality support to a governing Board.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing reports, policies and professional correspondence, and confidently representing the organisation with stakeholders.

• High levels of resilience, adaptability and sound judgement, with the ability to work effectively in changing or remote environments.

• A genuine understanding of, and commitment to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and communities, including an appreciation of cultural protocols, the importance of Reconciliation, and the cultural and environmental significance of Caring for Country.

Highly Regarded

• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations or communities

• Experience leading remote or field-based teams

• Qualifications in project management, program management, land management or a related discipline

• Experience in environmental, conservation or natural resource management

• Current Open Driver Licence, with 4WD and remote driving experience

• Willingness to travel, including to remote locations and occasional light aircraft travel.

Why Join Us?

This is more than just an operations role. You’ll have the opportunity to:

• Lead the establishment of a significant First Nations ranger program

• Work alongside Aboriginal Traditional Owners to support Caring for Country

• Help shape a new organisation and leave a lasting legacy

• Enjoy flexible work arrangements, including remote work options

• Receive salary packaging benefits in addition to your salary

• Travel to some of Australia's most unique and culturally significant landscapes.

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