Ranger Coordinators

About Desert Support Services

Desert Support Services (DSS) has over a decade of experience supporting Traditional Owner groups across the Central Desert region of Western Australia to achieve strong environmental, economic, social and cultural outcomes on Country. DSS works alongside its clients to establish, develop and sustain Indigenous land management and ranger programs, while actively building governance and organisational capacity to enable Traditional Owner groups to run their own programs into the future.

About This Expression of Interest

DSS is seeking Expressions of Interest from experienced and motivated Ranger Coordinators for upcoming, grant‑funded land management programs anticipated in the Kimberley and Pilbara regions.

This EOI is intended to identify suitably qualified candidates who may be considered for Ranger Coordinator roles as funding is confirmed and programs commence over the coming months.

These roles will support a diverse range of Indigenous land management activities, undertaken on Country and offer the opportunity to contribute to long‑lasting social, cultural and ecological outcomes.

About the Role

Ranger Coordinator roles are dynamic, demanding and highly rewarding. They support the effective delivery of land and sea management activities and play a critical role in building strong, confident and capable ranger teams.

Subject to program scope and funding, responsibilities may include:

• Supporting ranger team development and day‑to‑day coordination
• Organising and coordinating remote field trips, including safety planning and logistics, to enable rangers to work effectively on Country
• Supporting the intergenerational transfer and recording of cultural knowledge
• Coordinating right‑way burning and other cultural land management practices
• Facilitating connections between ranger teams, industry specialists, partners and funders
• Assisting with the establishment of species, biodiversity and threatened species surveys and monitoring programs
• Maintaining regular communication with rangers and other Traditional Owners
• Recording cultural, GIS, threatened species and other data using field‑based apps and formal reporting systems
• Facilitating ranger meetings, planning sessions and feedback processes
• Spending extended periods on Country, including camping during field work

These opportunities offer the chance to be involved at the early stages of new ranger programs, to build strong relationships with emerging teams, and to work closely with Traditional Owners in some of Western Australia’s most remarkable desert environments.

About You

We are interested in hearing from Ranger Coordinators who:

• Have demonstrated experience in Indigenous land management and/or strong skills in environmental science, natural resource management, community development or related practical fields
• Are resilient, adaptable and enjoy working in remote environments
• Are collaborative and confident team players
• Have strong facilitation, coordination and multi‑tasking skills
• Are comfortable working respectfully with Aboriginal people to achieve shared goals
• Are able to undertake extended periods of remote field work, including driving and camping in desert conditions
• Show initiative and can work effectively with limited supervision
• Have strong problem‑solving, organisational and communication skills
• Hold a current manual driver’s licence and are competent in operating 4WD vehicles in remote and off‑road conditions
• Are able to obtain a current Police Clearance and Working with Children Check

Roles typically involve working in community and remotely in the field for extended periods during the field season (approximately March to November).

DSS maintains offices in Broome and Perth, where Coordinators work alongside staff supporting a range of land management programs across the region.

Employment Conditions

Subject to funding, successful candidates may be offered attractive salary packages that may include benefits such as paid Christmas shutdown, relocation assistance, leave loading, regional allowance (where applicable), time‑off‑in‑lieu (TOIL), and access to salary sacrificing arrangements.

How to Register Your Interest

To register your interest, please submit a cover letter and resume via Seek or in PDF format to meggietownsend@centraldesert.org.au

Please note that submitting an Expression of Interest does not guarantee appointment; however, applicants may be contacted as relevant opportunities arise.

While we may not be able to respond to every applicant, we sincerely thank all individuals for their interest.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are strongly encouraged to apply. DSS is committed to building a diverse workforce to better support our clients and improve equal opportunity outcomes. This is authorised under Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA).