Language Officer (Identified Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander role)

• Strengthen Language
• Strengthen Community
• Strengthen Culture

This is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Identified Position designated under Special Measures in accordance with Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). Only Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply. Bunurong applicants are strongly encouraged to apply.

About Bunurong Land Council

Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (BLCAC) is the Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) representing the Bunurong people of the South-Eastern Kulin Nation.

We advocate for the protection of Bunurong cultural heritage, the care of Country, and the wellbeing of our community and workforce across Greater Melbourne, the Mornington Peninsula and the Bass Coast. Our work is grounded in culture, respect and strong governance.

About the Role

BLCAC is seeking a passionate and community-driven Language Officer to support the reawakening of Bunurong language.

Reporting to the Language Team Leader, you will work closely with the Bunurong community to create language learning resources, building opportunities to learn Bunurong language in ways that are determined by Bunurong peoples, are culturally relevant, and foster community strength.

Working as part of the Language team, you will contribute to the active reawakening of Bunurong language by combining a passion for teaching with strong cultural awareness and communication skills to build long-term community capacity and strength in language. A core part of the role is to work closely with Bunurong community members, providing training, advocacy, and support to lead individuals to become language champions.

This is a hands-on role that combines strong community engagement and creativity to support learning Bunurong language. The time commitment and location of the role are  flexible and on-the-job training may be provided to support passionate Bunurong applicants to work in language reawakening.

What this role focuses on

• Reawakening Bunurong language.
• Creating resources for teaching and learning Bunurong language.
• Supporting Bunurong peoples to become language teachers and researchers.
• Building economic opportunities for Bunurong peoples in language.

Key Responsibilities

• Create Bunurong language learning resources, including posters, games, songs, videos, worksheets, and language lessons.
• Develop employment and training pathways for Bunurong peoples to work as language teachers and/or language researchers.
• Build connections and trust with Bunurong community members to increase engagement in language reawakening.
• Help facilitate regular Bunurong language learning workshops and classes.
• Pursue economic opportunities to support language work through grants, language workshops, or other work.

What You Bring

Qualifications and Experience

• Aboriginality is mandatory (Bunurong Nation is desirable)
• Experience working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and languages.
• Project management and the proven ability to plan, implement, and coordinate the delivery of multiple projects concurrently and on time.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
• Current Victorian Driver’s License
• Clear Working with Children Check and National Police Check (or willingness to obtain)
• Basic computer skills (Outlook, Microsoft Office)
• Qualification(s) in Linguistics, Applied Linguistics, or Teaching/Education are desirable but not required.
• Skills in art, graphic design, songwriting, programming, video editing, and/or other technical skills that can be used in the development of language learning resources are desirable but not required.

Personal Qualities and Attributes

• Strong interest in learning and/or teaching Bunurong language (pre-existing knowledge of Bunurong language is not required).
• Strong interest in First Nations languages and language revitalisation.
• Respectful communicator who engages with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in an ethical, supportive, and culturally appropriate way.
• Innovative and willing to create new processes without an existing framework.
• Highly organised with a capacity to prioritise competing demands.
• Strong teaching and communication skills.
• Strong ethical values practiced in the workplace.
• Effective conflict resolution skills, negotiation, mediation and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team and take direction from Team Leaders.

Why Join Us?

At BLCAC we are committed to building a strong Aboriginal workforce. Bunurong People are strongly encouraged to apply and we are dedicated to providing a culturally safe and supportive workplace.

By working with us, you will be part of a team that values culture, Country, and community, and provides support to help you grow in your role.

All our employees benefit from:

• A strong, culturally safe team environment.
• On-the-job training and mentoring to build skills and confidence.
• Access to cultural learning and professional development opportunities.
• Supportive leadership across the business.
• Career pathways that recognise and value community knowledge as well as technical skills.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to:

• Be part of a dedicated team caring for Bunurong Country
• Help protect landscapes of deep cultural and environmental significance.
• Work in a culturally safe, supportive and collaborative environment.
• Access salary packaging benefits to increase your take-home pay.
• Develop practical skills through hands-on, on-Country fieldwork.

Apply Now

Join BLCAC and play an active role in reawakening Bunurong language for current and future generations. 

To apply, please click 'Apply Now' to submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your skills, experience, and interest in the role.

Please note: Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Suitable candidates may be shortlisted and interviewed prior to the closing date, so we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

A position description is attached.