Ranger Development Officer (Kimberley Ranger Initiative)

Job No: 13954

Location: Kununurra, WA

Closing Date: 5 Apr 2010 ACST

About the Organisation

The Kimberley Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (KLC) is an association of Aboriginal people in the Kimberley region. It is a peak regional community organisation.

The KLC was established in 1978 by Aboriginal people to work for the protection of traditional land and waters and is charged with the responsibility to protect, enhance and gain formal status (legal, social and political) for the customs, laws and traditions of Kimberley Traditional Owners.

As the Federal Government-recognised native title representative body for the Kimberley region, the KLC has statutory functions under the Native Title Act 1993. In accordance with these functions, it assists Aboriginal people to obtain recognition of, and fully enjoy, their native rights and interests. Operations of the KLC are funded primarily, but not exclusively, by the Department of Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

The KLC is conscious of the dynamic change taking place in contemporary Aboriginal society and emphasises the role of Kimberley Traditional Owners, our members and communities in managing that change. In this context, it is dedicated to the development of a modern, sophisticated and innovative service to our members and the community.

About the Kimberley Region

The Kimberley region is located in the northern part of Western Australia and covers about 421,000 square kilometres.

The Kimberley has only three towns with a population of more than 2,000 (Broome, Derby and Kununurra), and the total population is only around 25,000. In addition to the sealed Route 1 which runs along the southern part of the area, the unsealed Gibb River Road runs through the heart of the region from Derby to the highway near Kununurra. Access to much of the region is by dirt road, air or sea.

Industries in the region have included pearling (a big industry in Broome for many years until the 1940s), mining (including the Argyle Diamond mine, which began operation in 1983 and is still producing about 1/3 of the world's diamonds), agriculture (centred on the Ord River Irrigation Area near Lake Argyle) and tourism. The geology of the area is varied and fascinating, as well as producing some spectacular scenery. Ancient Aboriginal rock art can also be viewed in this region.

The Land + Sea Management Unit

The KLC Land & Sea Management Unit is working with Traditional Owners to look after, manage and take control of their traditional country. The LSMU works in partnership with community organisations, industry, government agencies and local government, and currently manages 65 projects with 30 staff members across the region. LSMU projects include on ground land care and conservation projects, cultural heritage site management, recording traditional knowledge and planning for country. LSMU projects are a positive way for Aboriginal people in the Kimberley region to maintain their connection to traditional country.

Kimberley Ranger Initiative

A number of community based Ranger groups have and are operating across the Kimberley. Rangers engage in Cultural & Natural Resource Management projects on country. In 2007 KLC received significant funding allowing it to establish the Kimberley Ranger Initiative. The two primary partners who are assisting us to develop the KRI model are Department of Environment, Heritage Water and the Arts (DEWHA) "Working on Country" program. This program primarily funds Ranger wages to deliver an annual work program. The second key Partner is the Indigenous Land Corporation (ILC) who is assisting to develop the Kimberley Ranger Initiative Unit. The KRI Unit houses key roles to make the model operate and will be based in Derby.

About the Opportunity

The Kimberley Land Council (KLC) is seeking an experienced and passionate Ranger Development Officer to work on a day-to-day basis with the Kimberley Ranger Groups to support the delivery of the KRI model.

Within this program, some of your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Working with traditional owner groups to develop a ranger initiative within a CDEP framework;
• Undertaking large on country fieldtrips and meetings with Ranger groups;
• Delivery of weekly, daily work programs of Ranger groups;
• Documenting activiites and providing regular reports on Ranger activities for training purposes;
• Convening steering committee meetings of senior traditional owners to guide the group;
• Liaising with TAFE training partners, Job Network partners and CDEP partners; and
  
• Assisting in cross-cultural exchanges, leadership programs and conference attendance.

To be successful in this role, you will require a demonstrated ability to work with a wide range of people from different backgrounds and interest groups including state and federal government agencies, NGO's and other organisations. A background in living and working in remote areas is vital to your success in this role.

The ideal candidate will have a working knowledge of and a demonstrated experience in working with Indigenous communities on land and sea management and/or community development. You will possess strong communication, negotiation and community consultation skills.

Your background in leadership and teamwork will also be valuable.

Kimberley Land Council also require the successful candidates to hold or be willing to obtain a current driver's licence, a Blue Card and a Working with Children Check (WCC).

Above all, you will need an understanding of Aboriginal cultural issues in Northern Australia, and the traditional connections communities have with their land.

The successful candidate will enjoy real day-to-day variety and the opportunity to work with the support of a friendly, cohesive team.

KLC provides a fantastic organisational culture, as well as a strong support network available to help you achieve your goals.

You will be rewarded with an attractive remuneration package circa $50,512- $68,693 (dependent on experience and qualifications) plus salary sacrificing options to boost the value of your take-home income.

Additional benefits include:

• Five weeks annual leave
• 10 days time off in lieu
• Rental subsidy up to 34%
• Annual leave airfare
• District allowance
  
• Assistance with removal costs may be negotiated with applicants from outside the Kimberley.

This is your chance to work in an immensely satisfying role and enjoy the multicultural experience of living and working among Australia's indigenous people. APPLY NOW!

Please note: Applications close Friday, 19th March, 2010.