Ecologist / Women Rangers Coordinator

Ecologist / Women Rangers Coordinator

• Unique opportunity to make a difference and be part of exciting developments
• Generous Salary Package commensurate with experience
• Breathtaking Travel Opportunities on Wilinggin Country

ABOUT THE ROLE:
This is a practical, hands-on role designed to improve the job-readiness and confidence of four Ngarinyin women (aged 20-26) through empathic and strong guidance. The ideal candidate will be an ecologist with broad interests who will lead by example using both Western and Indigenous ecological knowledge to help improve and inform management and achieve outcomes aligned with the Healthy Country Plan. She is a resilient self-starter with exceptional, practical problem-solving skills.

ABOUT DARRAN.GU WULAGURA RANGERS:
The Darran.gu Wulagura (Strong Women) Rangers were established in 2023 to facilitate the culturally appropriate engagement of Ngarinyin women in work on country. The Darran.gu Wulagura Ranger team is one of three Indigenous ranger teams working on Wilinggin country. The other teams are called the Wunggurr Rangers (Derby) and the Nyaliga Rangers (Wyndham). It is intended that the three ranger groups support each other and there are frequent opportunities for collaboration.  Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation self-fund the women’s program, which is highly regarded and valued by the community.

The Program of works focuses on biodiversity inventory and monitoring with partners such as Australian Wildlife Conservancy; facilitating intergenerational on-country events with Traditional Owners in such areas as bush medicine and bush craft; two-way science programs with schools, tourism and visitor management; and the production of cultural resources including short booklets to preserve language. The work plan is developed by Wilinggin staff (the Coordinator, Rangers and Land Operations Manager) with guidance from the Wilinggin Healthy Country Committee and is designed to progress Wilinggin’s Healthy Country Plan 2023-2032 targets.

A key goal is to create opportunities for the women to work on country and it’s anticipated that the team may spend as much as 12 weeks on country each dry season (April–October, variable). 
  
ABOUT THE CORPORATION:
Wilinggin Aboriginal Corporation (WAC) and Nyaliga Aboriginal Corporation (NAC) were established in 2006 and 2014, respectively, and are governed by a Board of Directors comprising of Traditional Owner members of the Corporation.  WAC represents the interests of the Traditional Owners of the Wanjina Wunggurr Wilinggin Native Title Area, including Nyaliga.  

WAC, the Ranger Program’s administering body, is a not-for-profit organisation that has, in the last five years, grown from three staff and a turnover of $500k to some 25 staff and a turnover of about $10m, based on a strong focus on high-integrity operations and alignment with our cultural and environmental obligations.

ABOUT AUSTRALIAN WILDLIFE CONSERVANCY AND OTHER PARTNERS:
The Darran.gu Wulagura Rangers work with many partners to deliver their work plan, including the WA Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), Environmental NGOs such as the World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), schools, Aboriginal communities (including Kupungarri and Ngallagunda) and neighbouring stations (including Gibb River Station).
  
In 2019, WAC commenced a long-term partnership with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy (AWC) which is bringing additional resources and expertise to look after plants and animals and manage fire, weeds and feral animals on Wilinggin country by combining traditional knowledge and practices with modern science and technology.  AWC provide support to the Women’s Ranger Program and offer great opportunities for mentoring and shared resourcing of remote survey, typically based at Charnley River-Artesian Range Sanctuary. The program is regularly reviewed and updated according to requirements of each organisation and the partnership has been a cornerstone of the women’s program to date.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR:
WAC is seeking a dynamic and resilient individual with proven skills and capacity in Aboriginal engagement, cultural and natural resource management, project management and administration. The ideal candidate will have well-developed expertise in on-ground conservation management and environmental monitoring, ideally with exposure to savanna ecology, combined with excellent communication skills.

The ideal candidate will also possess practical bush skills with the willingness to travel frequently and camp out on Wilinggin country in remote areas often accessible my small aircraft.

ROLE DUTIES WILL INCLUDE:

• Design and implement on-ground monitoring and evaluation with clear repeatable steps in support of the Wilinggin Healthy Country Plan and fire programs.
• Supervise and coordinate the day-to-day activities of the Women Rangers to ensure delivery of the annual works plan.
• Collaborate with other Wilinggin ranger coordinators, Healthy Country Advisory Committee and external personal to develop, monitor and report on ranger activities.
• Ensure effective day-to-day administrative management of the Women’s Ranger Program, including timesheets, casual rangers and Traditional Owner payments, purchasing, scheduled maintenance and stock taking of equipment and supplies.
• Plan, supervise and participate in field activities to remote locations associated with completing the work plan and fee for service opportunities - including extended periods in the field i.e., camping overnight for field work or surveys.
• Support knowledge transfer, training and career development for rangers. This will include mentoring rangers in specialist roles and developing their capacity and confidence to move into more senior roles and/or engaging with wiith training providers so that there are appropriate professional learning outcomes for rangers.
• Work with the Land Operations Manager and external organisations to develop partnerships and land management projects and ensure appropriate governance, ownership and participation by Traditional Owners in these activities.
• Deliver on fee for service opportunities and other projects that support the development and sustainability of the ranger group and Traditional Owner aspirations.
• Assist researchers to engage in approved on-country research with Rangers and other Traditional Owners, and direct research requests through appropriate channel.
• Be responsible for ranger base and assets and ensure high level responsibility taken by rangers for the care, maintenance and safekeeping of equipment and resources used and be ultimately responsible for the group’s assets.
• Always ensure compliance with cultural protocols and WAC Policy and Procedures, including the promotion of safe working practices and instruction of Rangers in Occupational Health and Safety policy and procedures.
• Participate and assist in WAC events as required, including WAC AGMs, Healthy Country Committee meetings and regional forums.

SELECTION CRITERIA:
Please note that it is essential your application addresses each of the selection criteria by providing information about your qualifications, experience and skills as they relate to each one.
Essential:

1. Qualifications or equivalent experience in environmental management, conservation biology, anthropology, community development, or a related field, with experience in savanna ecology a plus.
2. At least one year’s experience managing small teams or coordinating natural and cultural resource management projects with Indigenous organisations.
3. Understanding of Aboriginal social and cultural challenges in Northern Australia, with a commitment to community empowerment, training, and development.
4. Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in remote areas, staying focused, positive, and organised in challenging environments.
5. Strong communication, negotiation, and community consultation skills, including the ability to work with advisory groups and as part of a team.
6. Experience in project administration and financial management, including grant writing, reporting, and acquittals.

Desirable:

1. 4WD training and experience.
2. Experience managing and supporting indigenous rangers.
3. Knowledge of aboriginal land rights, native title determination and Indigenous Protected Areas.
4. Geographic Information System capability.

HOW TO APPLY:
Please send your application addressing the selection criteria and your resume providing contact details for three referees to Human Resources by email to Wilingginhr@wcasolutions.com or call (08) 9383 3293 to discuss your application.

Please direct any job specific questions to Victoria, Land Operations Manager by email to Lom@wilinggin.com.au or call (+61) 439 481 372.