• Perth, or regional centres, with occasional travel to Tjuntjuntjara. There is the opportunity to work from home or in a shared workplace.
• Part-Time (0.6 FTE)
• 2-year fixed term contact with the possibility of extension 
• Access to Salary Sacrifice & Entertainment Card
• 5 weeks leave plus paid shut down between Christmas to New Year.

The Corporation – Pila Nguru 

Pila Nguru (Aboriginal Corporation) RNTBC (Pila Nguru) is a community-driven, self-funding, not-for-profit corporation and is incorporated through the Corporations (Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006. Our members and staff are committed to involving the community in decisions that affect their lives and their land.

Located in Tjuntjuntjara, in the Great Victoria Desert of Western Australia, Pila Nguru is the Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) of the Spinifex and Untiri Pulka Native Title Determinations – a combined area of around 8 million hectares.

Tjuntjuntjara is situated within the Spinifex Native Title Determination Area – the first consent determination of Native Title in Western Australia, made in 2000, following the commencement of the operation of the Native Title Act 1993. In 2021, Untiri Pulka Native Title holders joined with Spinifex in nominating Pila Nguru to hold their native title rights and interests on trust on their behalf. Pila Nguru supports the Spinifex and Untiri Pulka People's aspirations to articulate their continuing connection and obligations to culture, country, and communities in many ways, including the Spinifex Land Management and Ranger Programs.

As a Registered Native Title Body Corporate, Pila Nguru is responsible for delivering core governance and operational activities, fulfilling obligations under heritage protection and land use agreements, implementing programs for the betterment of Spinifex and Untiri Pulka Native Title Holders, and protecting and preserving land and heritage for the Spinifex People.  

The Role

The Heritage and Native Title Coordinator administers Native Title agreements, heritage surveys, monitoring and land access for the Spinifex and Untiri Pulka people.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate the implementation of Pila Nguru’s obligations under Heritage and Native Title Agreements
• Establish and maintain relationships with community, government and industry
• Assess work programs and coordinate heritage surveys and monitoring
• Ensure proponents are compliant with the terms of agreements and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage legislation
• Manage the permit system for access to Spinifex and Untiri Pulka lands.
• Manage grants relating to cultural heritage including implementation and reporting
• Support agreement negotiations
• Review future acts on Spinifex and Untiri Pulka lands and manage compensation payments
• Maintain databases and project management schedules
• Provide advice to the General Manager and the Board
• Comply with Pila Nguru policies and procedures.

Selection Criteria

• Demonstrated interest and understanding of Indigenous culture
• Experience managing heritage surveys and monitoring
• Knowledge of WA and Commonwealth legislation in relation to Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Management
• Demonstrated relationship building, communication skills and ability to manage conflict
• Strong written communication skills to prepare reports, briefing papers, correspondence, submissions and advice
• Experience in using georeferenced systems (GIS), and databases
• Competency in computer applications and the ability to learn new applications
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Willingness to take responsibility and work collaboratively in a team
• Experience administering Native Title agreements for a mining company, National Native Title Tribunal, native title representative body or for an RNTBC or PBC.
• A degree in Anthropology, Archaeology or related discipline
• Class C Driver’s Licence.

Salary and Benefits

• Competitive annual salary and access to salary packaging providing tax benefits up to $18,550 per year.
• Paid annual shut down between Christmas and New Year
• 5 Weeks Annual Leave, with Leave Loading of 17.5%.
• Ongoing paid Professional Development & Training.

Pila Nguru encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for this position.

Applicants for this position must be legally entitled to work in Australia and will be required to provide evidence of this entitlement, such as an Australian or New Zealand passport, birth certificate, or foreign passport with a relevant working visa.

Next steps

Please email Jodie Rowell [email protected] using the subject line: Heritage and Native Title Coordinator enquiry via EthicalJobs for a copy of the position description.