The Warnpurru Aboriginal Corporation is seeking skilled and experienced professionals to support the development and operations of the Warnpurru Ranger Program. This opportunity is a drive-in, drive-out role focused on the Pila (formerly Gibson Desert) Nature Reserve and its surroundings, with the Patjarr Community serving as the gateway to the Reserve and the base for the program.

The position is initially expected to be based for at least half of the field season (March to November) in the field at Patjarr, with the actual terms to be negotiated with the successful candidate. A Perth-based team will provide support for this role.

What We Offer:

• An initial contract of up to two years, with the possibility of an extension.
• A competitive salary, negotiable based on skills and experience, with a range of $95,000–$105,000 per annum, plus salary sacrifice options.
• Additional allowances as per the SHADS Award.
• An opportunity to work closely with the Warnpurru community in an engaging, culturally rich, and environmentally significant setting.

Position

The Ranger Support Officer is essential to the success of the Warnpurru Ranger Program, providing mentorship to rangers, assisting with land management activities, and ensuring projects are delivered effectively. This role involves working closely with community leaders and stakeholders to support the preservation and protection of the cultural and natural heritage of the Pila Nature Reserve.

Key Responsibilities:

• Mentor and develop the Warnpurru lead ranger(s) and ranger team in carrying out cultural land management duties.
• Assist with planning and execution of cultural land management projects and activities.
• Support efforts to build financial and physical resources for the ranger program.
• Participate as a key member of the Warnpurru Ranger Program leadership team.
• Work with Warnpurru Elders and Leaders to develop and implement strategic and operational plans for the program.
• Support the preparation and implementation of annual project and activity plans, including budget development.
• Facilitate the process of developing a Warnpurru Country Plan to protect cultural, natural, and economic resources.
• Build relationships with key partners and stakeholders
• Ensure the safe and effective operations of the program, including compliance with policies and procedures.
• Provide administrative and logistical support, including managing membership and employment registers and databases.
• Assist with accommodation and venue bookings, coordination of food orders for meetings and field trips.
• Support Yarnangu in establishing management systems for vehicles, facilities, and field/office equipment.
• Provide secretariat support for Warnpurru meetings, including taking minutes and follow-up actions.
• Contribute to improving administrative processes and implementing new technologies to enhance work efficiency.
• Identify opportunities for skills development and employment within the Warnpurru community.

Selection Criteria (Essential):

• Experience in Indigenous cultural land management or strong community development skills relevant to ranger activities.
• Experience mentoring, training, and developing Indigenous ranger teams.
• Strong ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with stakeholders.
• A problem-solving approach with demonstrated ability to find practical solutions.
• Experience working independently in remote environments.
• Willingness to work for extended periods in a remote location and conduct fieldwork in Pila Nature Reserve.
• High-level organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Competence in using computers and Microsoft Office applications.
• Current manual C Class driver’s license and experience operating 4WD vehicles in remote, off-road conditions.
• A current First Aid certificate or willingness to undertake training.
• Ability to obtain a current Police and Working with Vulnerable People Clearance.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Formal qualifications in natural resource management, environmental science, training & assessment, anthropology, cultural geography, or community development.
• Experience working with remote desert communities.

How to Apply

If you have the skills, experience, and motivation to contribute to a dynamic cultural land management program, we encourage you to click 'Apply Now'. 

Application Deadline: 9:00 AM (AWST), on the closing date.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

For more information about the role, please contact Ian Rawlings, Malpa Pulkana, at 0409 200 905.