Traditional Owner Engagement Coordinator – Parks Victoria – Ballarat, VIC

Parks Victoria; Ballarat; On-site; AUD 107,000 - 115,000; Full time

Job summary

Parks Victoria is seeking a Traditional Owner Engagement Coordinator – Central West to drive culturally informed engagement with Traditional Owner Corporations during the Central West transition under VEAC recommendations. The role supports communication about changes and preserves partnerships, rights, and cultural authority.

You will work within the Aboriginal Engagement and Partnerships Division to deliver strategic advice, build trust-based partnerships, and contribute to governance and

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience leading Traditional Owner engagement initiatives in complex public land or natural resource settings.
• Proven ability to build and sustain trust-based partnerships with Aboriginal communities and government.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills to assess issues and develop practical solutions.
• Understanding of governance, accountability, and compliance in public sector operations and Traditional Owner Corporations.

Responsibilities

• Lead culturally informed Traditional Owner engagement initiatives in the Central West during the VEAC transition.
• Develop and implement engagement strategies in partnership with Traditional Owner Corporations.
• Build and sustain partnerships with Aboriginal communities and government agencies.
• Support governance, compliance and communication around the transition and changes in management.

Skills

Traditional Owner engagement

Partnership building

Analytical thinking

Governance & compliance

Job description

Salary: $107,178 – $115,111 pa. + super
Work Type: Ongoing – Full-time
Reference: VG/291026/1955140TOEC

Drive meaningful Traditional Owner engagement across the Central West parks transition!

• Help shape the future of parks through Traditional Owner partnerships.
• Drive culturally informed engagement across the Central West.
• Contribute to a significant public land and parks transition.

About the Team

The Aboriginal Engagement and Partnerships Division provides strategic direction and culturally sound advice to guide Parks Victoria and empower staff to genuinely partner and meaningfully engage with Traditional Owners, including through joint management of parks and reserves.

The Division also provides cultural heritage management advice and oversees the implementation of organizational wide strategies and frameworks to advance Aboriginal Self Determination; employment outcomes and cultural safety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and Partners that Parks Victoria works with.

About the role

The Traditional Owner Engagement Coordinator – Central West supports the delivery of coordinated, culturally informed and respectful engagement with Traditional Owner Corporations across the Central West transition, which implements the Victorian Government’s accepted VEAC Central West recommendations through the Parks and Public Land Legislation Amendment Act 2025. The legislation created new and expanded national parks, conservation parks, regional parks and reserves, and provides for the transfer of direct management responsibilities to Parks Victoria. The role will help Parks Victoria prepare for this transition, supporting clear communication about what is changing, what remains unchanged in the short term, and how Traditional Owner partnerships, rights, interests, and cultural authority are considered through implementation.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Demonstrated experience in leading and delivering Traditional Owner engagement initiatives in a complex environment, preferably in public land or natural resource management.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain trust-based partnerships with Aboriginal communities, Traditional Owners, and government
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess issues and develop practical solutions
• Understanding of governance, accountability and compliance obligations in public sector operations and Traditional Owner Corporations.

Sound like you?

We focus on hiring people who value collaboration and integrity. We value a culture where everyone can be themselves at work, regardless of background, orientation, age or gender.

Your application will need to include:

• A Current Resume
• A Cover Letter
• Aboriginality Form (if applicable)

Applications close Friday 13 November 2026 at 11.59pm

Employment Requirements

Parks Victoria is committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for child abuse and all forms of harm to children, in accordance with the Victorian Child Safe Standards. All prospective employees to undergo a National Police Record Check and Working with Children Check prior to commencing employment.

This position is an “identified position” where “special measures” will be applied to applicants of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, however all applicants are eligible and welcome to apply.