WHO WE ARE

The Indigenous Desert Alliance (IDA) is an Indigenous-led, member-based organisation that plays a vital role in keeping the desert connected and strengthening desert ranger programs. The IDA works with its members and partners to ensure that Indigenous rangers are enabled to collaboratively manage the Australian desert and empowered to realise their aspirations for community, culture, and Country.

We work with over 65 ranger groups from across the desert, supporting them in our role of ‘Keeping the Desert Connected’, to empower a united voice for the desert.

THE ROLE

The Fire Officer will have a unique opportunity to support Indigenous rangers to engage in fire programs in the desert. They will work closely with Traditional Owners, Indigenous rangers, IDA members and the IDA team delivering fire management operations across Australia’s desert regions. In doing so, they will draw on a long tradition of Indigenous fire use and knowledge which informs contemporary fire practices.

Based in Alice Springs, this is a field work focussed role. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to spend significant amounts of time working closely with Indigenous rangers on remote desert country.

Working closely with the Desert Projects Operations Manager, the Fire Officer will:

• support the development of fire management skills and capacity in Indigenous Land Management Organisations (ILMOs)
• participate in fire management planning and consultations with ILMOs, Traditional Owners (TOs) and other stakeholders
• support ILMOs to undertake fire management operations safely and effectively
• develop resources, deliver presentations, and publicly represent the IDA
• actively participate as a member of the IDA Team.

ABOUT YOU

To be successful in this role you will:

• be committed to empowering women to engage in male dominated fields
• have a high level of respect for Indigenous people and culture
• be committed to working collaboratively with Indigenous people and their organisations
• have tertiary qualifications and/or experience relevant to the sector
• have experience and/or a keen interest in implementing burning programs with a cultural and conservation focus
• have high level project management skills
• be an excellent communicator
• be highly organised, self-reliant, and able to work independently
• be willing and able to undertake field work in extremely remote desert regions spending extended periods of time camping and in remote communities.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Participation in the work of a successful national for-purpose organisation that has a significant positive impact across the Australian deserts
• Unique and rewarding opportunity to work with Aboriginal communities looking after their Country
• Competitive remuneration package and excellent conditions, with salary packaging available
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment with dedicated, passionate, and professional team members
• Additional paid leave during Christmas/New Year shut down period
• Employee Assistance Program for your personal well-being

If you have any queries, please contact: [email protected] using the subject line: Fire Officer - Alice Springs enquiry via EthicalJobs.

A position description is attached.

The IDA reserves the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient suitable applications for the role. Our recruitment and selection process includes a variety of assessment methods that may encompass reference checks and verification of working rights in Australia.

The IDA is committed to safeguarding vulnerable people. You may be required to undergo a screening process on appointment.

The IDA is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to diversity and inclusion, and welcome suitable applicants from all backgrounds. We encourage applications from Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people. We encourage diversity of physical ability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, nationality, ethnicity, religious beliefs, cultural and family background.

This position is authorised under Section 27(1) of the Equal Opportunity Act (WA) 1984.