IPA Project Officer - Katherine & Northern Australia - Marthakal Homelands and Resource Centre Aboriginal Corporation ICN 8274

Description

Join Us at Marthakal: Where Purpose Meets Country

Step into a role where your work truly matters. At Marthakal Homelands Resource Centre, you're not just taking a job — you're becoming part of a movement. Grounded in the heart of Yolŋu Country on Elcho Island and extending across a vast network of Homelands and protected coastal areas, Marthakal is a dynamic Aboriginal organisation driven by culture, community, and connection to Country. Through our Marthakal Master Planning Strategy, we're building strong futures — from economic development and housing to health, rangers, tourism, and more — and we're looking for passionate people to walk alongside Yolŋu leaders in bringing this vision to life.

Working here means:

• Contributing to real change across housing, health, enterprise, and environmental stewardship.
• Collaborating with Yolŋu leaders in a Both-Ways approach that values culture as central to everything we do.
• Living and working in one of Australia's most unique and culturally rich locations — surrounded by community, ceremony, sea Country, and purpose.

If you're ready to bring your skills, your heart, and your curiosity to a place where your work becomes part of something much bigger — we want to hear from you.

Primary Purpose of the Role

The Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) Project Officer plays a vital support role in the delivery of the Marthakal IPA program. Working under the supervision of the Ranger Manager and in close collaboration with senior Yolŋu rangers, the Project Officer will help implement the IPA Plan of Management and contribute to the achievement of community-led conservation, cultural heritage protection, and capacity-building goals across land and sea Country.

This position directly supports the Master Planning Strategy of the Marthakal Homelands Resource Centre and embodies the organisation's "Our Way of Working Together" values—prioritising collaboration, respect for traditional knowledge, and empowerment of local Yolŋu governance.

Personal Attributes and Skills

• Strong Interpersonal Skills: Ability to build and maintain relationships with a wide range of people from diverse backgrounds, including staff, board members, and external partners.
• Independent Work Ethic: Capable of working independently with minimal supervision, taking initiative to complete tasks and projects.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Able to handle a high-pressure environment and adapt to changing circumstances and challenges.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Strong understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, customs, and practices.
• Problem-Solving Skills: Excellent problem-solving skills with the ability to think critically and provide solutions in complex situations.

Qualifications and Experience

• Tertiary qualifications in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related field (or equivalent work experience).
• Demonstrated ability to work in remote Indigenous communities with respect and cultural awareness.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience working in cross-cultural team settings.
• Good communication and record-keeping skills (including written reports, forms, and basic computer use).
• Manual Driver's Licence and 4WD experience required.
• First Aid Certificate and Working with Children (Ochre) Card, or willingness to obtain.

Key Responsibilities

1. Support IPA Plan Implementation

• Assist the Ranger Manager in coordinating and monitoring the delivery of annual IPA work plans.
• Ensure activities align with the IPA Plan of Management and Traditional Owner guidance.
• Help facilitate consultations with Traditional Owners and the IPA Advisory Committee.

2. Operational and Ranger Team Support

• Provide on-ground assistance to senior rangers during environmental and cultural activities such as weed control, feral animal management, marine debris cleanup, and cultural site maintenance.
• Support logistics including travel, gear preparation, reporting, and field safety.
• Ensure rangers are supported in their daily work and help resolve any logistical issues.

3. Capacity Building and Mentorship

• Work closely with senior rangers to identify training needs and assist with the coordination of professional development opportunities.
• Provide mentoring and informal coaching to emerging ranger leaders.
• Support participation in Learning on Country and community education programs.

4. Administration and Compliance

• Assist with data collection and field reports, including photographs, GPS records, and basic monitoring forms.
• Help maintain records required for funding acquittals, project reporting, and compliance.
• Assist with grant applications and documentation under direction from the Ranger Manager.

5. Cultural and Community Engagement

• Help coordinate cultural heritage projects and events involving elders and youth.
• Ensure all activities uphold Yolŋu cultural protocols.
• Foster strong communication and working relationships with local homelands and Traditional Owners.

6. Safety and Equipment

• Follow and promote MHRC Work Health and Safety procedures.
• Support safe operation of vehicles, boats, and field equipment.
• Help ensure all safety gear is maintained and properly used in field operations.

Key Performance Indicators

• Annual IPA work plan activities supported and completed on schedule.
• Positive feedback from Ranger Manager, senior rangers, and Traditional Owners.
• Accurate and timely submission of field reports, data logs, and compliance records.
• The number of training sessions or workshops supported and completed.
• Contribution to improved ranger team operations and community engagement activities.
• Demonstrated alignment with the values of "Our Way of Working Together."

Special conditions of employment

·       Must be an Australian citizen or have unlimited work rights in Australia.

·       Must satisfy a criminal history check.

·       Must hold or be able to obtain an Ochre Card.

·       Six-month probationary period.

·       Referees (at least two) are required.

·       Ability to gain/maintain a current NT Driver's License

Selection Criteria

Essential:

·       Demonstrated ability to engage effectively and sensitively with Indigenous people for whom English is not their first language.

·       Demonstrated ability and experience to work autonomously and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team in the context of a remote Aboriginal Controlled organisation.

·       Demonstrated knowledge of the principles of working in a remote Aboriginal organisation.

·       Demonstrated commitment and strong understanding of Continuous Quality Improvement processes, infection control and WHS principles.

·       Demonstrated ability to maintain positive and effective relationships with all stakeholders.

·       Relevant computer skills in an MS Office environment

·       Ability to travel by 4WD, single engine planes and small barges to remote Marthakal Homelands

Desirable

·       Experience working with Indigenous ranger teams or in IPA/land management programs.

·       Familiarity with GIS, mapping, and field data collection tools.

·       Boat license (Coxswain Grade 2) or relevant marine experience.

· WD experience

Please contact our Corporate Services Lead on for the Position Description or any further information.