Caring For Country Facilitator

Build meaningful relationships that connect communities, industry and Traditional Owners to achieve lasting environmental outcomes.

NQ Dry Tropics supports the Burdekin Dry Tropics community to sustainably manage natural resources and deliver landscape-scale outcomes. We work alongside landholders, Traditional Owners, industry, community groups and government to improve the health, productivity and resilience of our region.

We are now seeking a passionate and motivated Caring For Country Facilitator to join our Strategy and Partnerships team. 

• Full time, permanent position 
• Based in Townsville 
• Attractive annual salary range $83,406 to $105,536 + 15% superannuation 

Genuine occupational requirement

To perform this role it is essential that the person is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person. It is therefore a genuine occupational requirement under section 25 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991.

About the role

In this role, you will contribute to the development of Traditional Owner partnerships. Guided culturally by the Burdekin Dry Tropics Traditional Owner Management Group (TOMG), the role supports Traditional Owner partners, including Land and Sea Ranger groups, in delivering Caring for Country and natural resource management initiatives. The position also facilitates the implementation of NQ Dry Tropics’ Reconciliation Action Plan actions.

Key responsibilities include:

• Working collaboratively across internal teams and with external partners to support Traditional Owner group partnerships and in further building and maintaining trusted relationships including Burdekin Dry Tropics Traditional Owner Management Group, Traditional Owner organisations, Ranger groups, and other stakeholders.  
• Support Traditional Owner inputs into consultation and planning processes in the region.  
• Facilitating and supporting Traditional Owner engagement including organising internal and external meetings and workshops, Caring For Country planning support, and providing support to Traditional Owner groups (RNTBCs and Ranger groups) to apply for relevant caring for Country funding opportunities.  
• Supporting the NRM Partnership Manager in updating the Indigenous Participation Plan and providing support to the development and consultation for the Regional NRM Plan.
• Supporting Project managers and staff in ensuring compliance with the Cultural Heritage Act (2003).  
• Provide support and inputs related to Regional Delivery Partners Program projects and deliverables including the Burdekin Landscape Repair Program, Living Landscape, Sustainable Agriculture, and Reefwise Projects.  
• Complete monitoring and reporting requirements on the progress of assigned project activities.   
• Contribute as a Reconciliation Action Plan working group member to the implementation of the NQ Dry Tropics Reconciliation Action Plan and undertake assigned delivery of RAP priorities and initiatives.
• Working as a part of an interdisciplinary team within a culturally safe workplace to undertake other duties as reasonably required to support organisational priorities, applying skills, knowledge, and adaptability to emerging priorities and operational needs. This includes contributing to team initiatives, supporting colleagues across programs, and responding to changes in engagement processes to ensure continuity of organisational outcomes.

Selection Criteria 

You will bring:

1. Highly developed communication, negotiation and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively across corporate, strategic, and operational teams and with external stakeholders including Traditional Owner partners. The role requires professional judgement, conflict resolution and problem solving capability in a complex and dynamic organisational environment.
2. Ability to provide staff guidance in accordance with NQ Dry Tropics Indigenous Participation Plan and Cultural Learning Strategy guidelines, and to provide approved coaching and training to project teams and staff to promote respectful Traditional Owner engagement. 
3. Demonstrated ability to gather and collate information, support funding application requirements, and complete reporting requirements. 
4. Ability to operate effectively within a fast-paced and complex organisational environment, managing competing priorities while maintaining focus on project delivery objectives.
5. ‘C’ class driver’s licence and ability to travel and participate in field work within the Dry Tropics region. This will necessitate travel outside standard hours with occasional nights away from home. 

Whilst not essential, formal qualifications (eg: Certificate level or above) in Natural Resource Management or a relevant field and/ or relevant work experience would be desirable. 

Why join NQ Dry Tropics?

At NQ Dry Tropics, you’ll be part of a supportive and purpose-driven organisation making a real difference in North Queensland.

We offer:

• Flexible work arrangements (where operationally appropriate) 
• Regular professional development opportunities
• A collaborative and values-driven workplace
• Five weeks annual leave
• Attractive salary package plus 15% superannuation

How to Apply

For a confidential discussion about the role, contact Karen Vidler on 0438 487 794 or email karen.vidler@nqdrytropics.com.au.    

To be considered for this position, your application must include:

1. a cover letter introducing yourself and outlining why you are a suitable candidate for the role (we encourage you to show your personality);
2. a separate document addressing each of the selection criteria; and
3. a current resume including the contact details of two recent referees.

Email your completed application documents to careers@nqdrytropics.com.au. Alternatively, you can apply via Seek or on our webpage. 

Applications close at 5pm Monday 27 July