POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: On Country Operations Manager
LOCATION: Warrnambool, Victoria
TERM: 1.0 FTE, Full-time, fixed term - 24 months
SALARY: $110,000 - $115,000 per annum, plus Super
REPORTS TO: General Manager, Biocultural Landscapes SUPERVISES: On Country Coordinator and On Country Guardians

THE ORGANISATION

The Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) is a Registered Native Title Prescribed Body Corporate (RNTBC) established under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) and registered as a corporation under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders) Act 2006 (CATSI Act).

EMAC was established in 2011 following a positive Native Title consent determination by the Federal Court. This determination granted rights over an area known as PART B, spanning from Deen Maar (Lady Julia Percy Island) in the south to Dunkeld in the north. It is shared with the Western Gunditjmara Native Title Holders, represented by the Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

In March 2023, a second positive Native Title Determination expanded EMAC's jurisdiction, covering an extended area from Yambuk to Aireys Inlet in the southwest, reaching Middle Creek and Ararat in the north, and returning south to Dunkeld.

Eastern Maar peoples are those descendants, including by adoption, of the following persons:

King of Port Fairy and Eliza; Old Jack (father of John Dawson); Charlie and Alice (parents of Albert Austin); Samuel Robinson and Mary Caramut; Lizzie (mother of Frank Clarke); Robert and Lucy (parents of Alice Dixon); Barney Minimalk; Nellie Whiturboin; Louisa (mother of William Rawlings) and Richard Sharp;

and who:

either identify as being from the eastern domain of the Maar-speaking people and are recognised as being from the eastern domain by the Eastern Maar people;

or otherwise identify as Maar, Gunditjmara, Tjap Wurrung, Peek Whurrung, Keeray Wooroong (Kirrae Whurrung), Kuurn Kopan Noot, Yarro Waetch (Tooram Tribe), Djargurd Wurrung, Gulidjan and/or Gadubanud and are recognised as being from the eastern domain by the Eastern Maar people.

EMAC is a formally recognized Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) responsible for protecting and managing cultural heritage. The RAP boundaries extend beyond the Native Title-recognized boundaries, including Winchelsea in the east and reaching the furthest point of Landsborough in the north.

As the representative body, EMAC advocates for the collective group, advancing their native title rights, protecting cultural heritage, providing policy advice, and leading key initiatives aligned with the rights, aspirations, and assertions of the EMAC community. They actively strive to enhance the cultural and economic capacity and independence of Eastern Maar citizens by pursuing and implementing their economic and social aspirations, notably through the Victorian Registered Aboriginal Party regime.

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION

The purpose of this role is to ensure high-level leadership, management and performance in the development and delivery of projects delivered by EMAC. Overseeing the productivity of the On Country Management Branch and On Country Guardians as part of works programs in Cultural Heritage and natural values management, including fire management, and protecting and promoting Eastern Maar Culture and Country as it relates to the Eastern Maar Society.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

KEY DUTIES OF THE POSITION INCLUDE:

Strategic Development and Implementation

Assist and lead in the development and implementation of the strategic direction of the Corporation and the Biocultural Landscapes Division.

Provide leadership, management and strategic direction to the On Country Operations Branch

Ensure the effective implementation of coordination, supervision, and management of works undertaken by On Country Guardians.

Identify, promote and activate development opportunities for Guardians in all aspects of EMAC work.

Develop and maintain positive and effective working relationships with the Eastern Maar Community and EMAC.

Continuous Quality Improvement and Policy Management

Oversee and support Continuous Quality Improvement initiatives, ensuring policy innovation, development, and implementation align with industry best practices and Eastern Maar values.

Drive continuous improvement initiatives across the corporation.

Oversee and contribute to a comprehensive risk management framework, integrating it with continuous improvement activities.

Administrative Operations

Oversee and support the day-to-day administrative operations of the corporation.

Depot, Plant and Equipment

Management of EMAC assets, including depots, plant and equipment relative to On Country Branch.

GENERAL

Provide updates/reports to the General Manager, CEO and the Board of Directors.

Perform other duties as may be directed from time to time.

Be aware and adhere to The Privacy Act, OH & S Legislation, and other relevant legislations.

Be aware and adhere to EMAC Policy and Procedure manuals.

Attend all mandatory training as required.

Understanding of quality and technical operating procedures in On Country operations.

Demonstrate leadership in punctuality, tidiness, and professionalism.

Demonstrate a willingness for further professional development and attendance at all mandatory training.

Be aware of and participate in staff performance reviews.

Actively participate and contribute to Corporate, Division and Branch meetings as required.

Be aware of and adhere to EMAC Policy and Procedure manuals.

KEY SELECTION CRITERIA

To be considered for the role of On Country Operations Manager, candidates must meet the following selection criteria:

Essential Criteria

Valid Driver’s Licence is mandatory

Expertise in Aboriginal Cultural Heritage

Demonstrated experience and ability to provide strategic leadership and drive organisational excellence in a complex environment.

Proven experience in managing diverse teams and working conditions and implementing change initiatives.

Expertise in corporate governance, compliance, and risk management

Strong stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to manage relationships such as with Board of Directors, Board members, community, and external partners.

Proficiency in financial oversight, budgeting, and resource management, including experience with funding agreements.

Track record of driving continuous improvement and fostering innovation within an organization.

Desirable Criteria

Relevant tertiary qualifications and experience in Public Administration, Cultural Heritage Management or related fields.

Experience with quality assurance systems and accreditation processes.

Understanding of Native Title and Traditional Owner Settlement processes.

Demonstrated leadership experience in non-profit, community-based, or Aboriginal organizations, coupled with a strong understanding of and commitment to Aboriginal culture.

Victorian Drivers Licence with Light Rigid or Medium Rigid endorsement.

OTHER POSITION REQUIREMENTS

Offers of employment can only be made once all required probity checks have been completed. These include:

Reference checks.

The appointment of the successful applicant will be made subject to a satisfactory national police history check. A clear Police Check must be conducted within the last three months.

The incumbent requires the ability to travel regularly for work-related purposes. A current Victorian driver’s licence is essential.

Proficiency in the use of computer and telecommunications technology.

A request to conduct probity checks does not guarantee that an offer of employment will be made.

Working for Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation:

What sets us apart…

Flexible hybrid working arrangements are available.

Salary Packaging (or Salary Sacrificing) benefits are available in accordance with the ATO-approved rates for Public Benevolent Institutions, currently up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment benefits up to $2,650 per year.

Paid Christmas break in addition to 4 weeks' annual leave

Employee Assistance Program

A friendly and supportive culture

Professional Development Opportunities

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please include in your application a CV/resume and cover letter that addresses why you are the best candidate for this position and how your background, experience and skills align with the Key Selection Criteria.

Please ensure your full name is on all attachments and email your application to Ms Bansri Dave, [email protected]

Closing date for applications: COB Sunday 08 June 2025, until 11:59 PM.

If you have any queries about the role, please email [email protected]

Appointment of the successful applicant will be made subject to a satisfactory national police history check.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply, but this is not a designated/identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander appointment.

Read a full description of the position at www.easternmaar.com.au/news