Project Officer - Caring for Country

Employment Type: Fixed Term – Part-Time or Full-Time (Negotiable)

Term: 2 years

Salary/Rate: $75,000-$95,000 p.a (1.0 FTE) (pro rata at 0.8-1.0 FTE)

Location: Wollongbar depot and various field work locations in the Northern Rivers region

Position Title: Project Officer - Caring for Country

Role Type: Aboriginal targeted. Preference is given to suitable Aboriginal applicants, though non-Aboriginal applicants are encouraged to apply.

Background

Jagun Alliance’s vision is clear – “We care for Country, as Country cares for us”. As an Aboriginal led not for profit charity, we focus on Caring for Country through Community leadership and benefit sharing. We have a diverse range of community, government and sector partnerships and projects delivering positive impacts. Caring for Country means everything to us. Jagun Alliance is on the ground, in the community and wherever we are welcomed to connect, listen, learn, act or share knowledge and practice’s that are good for Community and Country. We are based in the Northern Rivers region of NSW and engage widely in purposeful partnerships with First Nations communities, government organisations, local industries, motivated landholders and the wider community to care for, protect and restore Jagun (Country).

About the Role: The Project Officer – Caring for Country will work closely with the Caring for Country Lead and Jagun Alliance Aboriginal Corporation ( Jagun) staff to plan, implement, monitor, and report on various projects. This role involves working both in the field and the office, supporting cultural land management activities.

The role will be responsible for the coordination of bush regeneration and revegetation projects across the Northern Rivers region. The Project Officer will also assist in other caring for Country and community engagement activities including cultural burning. The position will also support the establishment of native plant nursery and propagation capacity for the organisation and other partners.

Key Responsibilities:

• Coordinate bush regeneration, revegetation and other restoration work for various projects and sites across the Northern Rivers.
• Assist in the planning, implementation, and reporting of projects, working closely with the Caring for Country team, Cultural Advisors and Jagun staff.
• Support the activities of the Ranger team, including professional development, work planning and supervision of field activities as required.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with Jagun staff, cultural advisors, community members, partner organisations, and other stakeholders.
• Support the implementation and maintenance of project management systems, including policies, procedures, risk assessments, professional development and workplace health and safety protocols.
• Assist in identifying and developing further funding and fee-for-service opportunities to support the growth of Jagun Alliance and our partners.

Essential Skills:

• Demonstrated experience in supervising and leading teams in bush regeneration and revegetation in the Northern Rivers region.
• A tertiary or vocational qualification in environmental science and/or ecological restoration
• Advanced botanical identification skills and experience relevant to the Northern Rivers region.
• Proven experience in project management, including planning, implementation, record-keeping, and reporting on project activities and outcomes.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, including community members, and partner organisations, and work in teams.
• Experience in administrative tasks such as risk assessments, job safety analysis, and daily work reports.
• Ability to coordinate field-based activities, requiring a reasonable level of fitness and willingness to stay overnight in remote locations occasionally.
• Ability to operate and maintain small plant and equipment, including chainsaws, fire units, and other land management tools.
• Current driver's licence, with the ability to drive 4WD vehicles.

Desirable Skills:

• This is an Aboriginal targeted role. Which means we can preference a suitably qualified Aboriginal person, but non-Aboriginal applicants are eligible and encouraged to apply.
• Strong understanding of Aboriginal culture and experience working effectively with Aboriginal communities and organisations.
• Experience in GIS and mapping for environmental projects.
• Experience in identifying and securing further funding opportunities for not-for-profit organisations.
• Familiarity with project management software and tools.

Please include a cover letter addressing the essential skills list