Remote Operations & Community Engagement Officer

About Australian Private Networks (APN)

Australian Private Networks (APN) is a leading telecommunications and technology provider delivering connectivity solutions across some of Australia’s most remote and challenging environments.

For many years, APN has worked closely with First Nations communities, delivering telecommunications services that help connect people, support essential services, improve access to education and healthcare, and strengthen community outcomes.

Our work takes us deep into remote Australia where we partner with communities, Elders, leaders and local organisations to deliver reliable communication solutions that make a genuine difference.

As our operations continue to grow, we are seeking a practical, resilient and community-focused Community Liaison Officer to join our team.

This Is Not An Office Job

Let’s be upfront.

While this role does include office-based work when you’re in Melbourne, this is not a desk job and it’s not suited to someone looking for a traditional Monday to Friday office position.

You will spend significant time travelling throughout remote and regional Australia, working alongside First Nations communities and supporting APN field teams in some of the country’s most isolated locations.

You may find yourself:

• Driving long distances in 4WD vehicles.
• Staying away from home for extended periods.
• Living in dongas, work camps, remote accommodation or basic facilities.
• Working in hot, dusty and rugged environments.
• Meeting with Elders and community leaders.
• Supporting telecommunications deployments and upgrades.
• Helping field teams get projects completed.
• Solving problems as they arise.
• Adapting to changing conditions and priorities.

If you’re looking for comfort, predictability and a clearly defined desk-based role, this probably isn’t the job for you.

If you enjoy variety, challenge, travel and making a real difference, keep reading.

About the Role

This is a unique role that combines community engagement, customer support, project coordination and hands-on operational assistance.

You will be APN’s representative within First Nations communities, building trusted relationships while supporting the delivery of telecommunications projects across Australia.

The successful candidate will become a key link between communities, customers, project teams and operational staff.

Just as importantly, you’ll be someone who is willing to roll up their sleeves and help wherever required.

This is not a position where you’ll stay in your lane.

You may be speaking with community leaders one day, assisting a field crew the next, obtaining permits for an upcoming deployment, helping in the warehouse, supporting customers on the phone or coordinating logistics for a project team working remotely.

No two weeks are the same.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with First Nations communities, Elders and community leaders.
• Act as a trusted representative of APN.
• Support telecommunications deployments across remote and regional Australia.
• Assist APN implementation teams during field activities and project delivery.
• Act as the primary point of contact for community stakeholders and customers.
• Assist with issue resolution and ongoing customer support.
• Coordinate community engagement activities and stakeholder meetings.
• Obtain permits, approvals and other project requirements.
• Assist with travel, accommodation and deployment logistics.
• Support field teams remotely from the Melbourne office when required.
• Communicate community feedback and requirements to internal teams.
• Help identify and implement practical solutions to customer and community needs.
• Assist with warehouse and operational activities when required.
• Support project delivery teams to ensure successful outcomes.

When You’re Not Travelling

When you’re not working in communities, you’ll be based from APN’s Melbourne office.

This is where you’ll continue supporting community members, customers and field teams.

Office-based responsibilities may include:

• Speaking with community members and stakeholders over the phone.
• Assisting with customer enquiries and issue resolution.
• Planning upcoming deployments and community visits.
• Coordinating travel and accommodation.
• Obtaining permits and site approvals.
• Supporting field teams remotely.
• Assisting with project coordination and administration.
• Preparing equipment and materials for deployment.
• Supporting warehouse activities when required.
• Helping other departments wherever needed.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys variety and appreciates that every part of the business contributes to successful outcomes for our communities and customers.

About You

We place more value on attitude, character and life experience than formal qualifications.

The ideal candidate will be:

• Resilient and adaptable.
• Comfortable living and working in remote Australia.
• Willing to travel extensively and spend extended periods away from home.
• Based in Melbourne.
• Confident driving 4WD vehicles.
• Practical, hands-on and self-sufficient.
• Comfortable working in challenging environments.
• Able to build trust and meaningful relationships.
• Resourceful and solutions-focused.
• Comfortable working independently.
• Willing to help wherever needed.
• A strong communicator who can connect with people from all walks of life.

Experience working with First Nations communities will be highly regarded.

Experience living or working in remote Australia will also be highly regarded.

The Person Who Will Succeed In This Role

The people who thrive in this position are often described as:

• Down to earth.
• Practical.
• Resilient.
• Self-reliant.
• Adaptable.
• Honest.
• Hard working.
• Trustworthy.
• Community minded.
• Problem solvers.

They’re comfortable sitting with Elders in a community meeting, driving remote roads, helping a project team unload equipment, obtaining permits, supporting customers over the phone or assisting in the warehouse.

They don’t wait to be asked.

They see what needs doing and get involved.

They’re rough around the edges when they need to be, but have a heart of gold.

Most importantly, they genuinely care about people and understand that trust is earned through respect, consistency and following through on commitments.

Why Join APN?

This is a rare opportunity to work in some of Australia’s most unique and remote locations while helping deliver services that genuinely improve outcomes for First Nations communities.

You’ll build meaningful relationships, experience parts of Australia that few people ever see, and become part of a team that values initiative, teamwork and making a difference.

If you’re looking for a predictable desk job, this role probably isn’t for you.

If you’re looking for purpose, challenge, adventure and the opportunity to make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you.