POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Biocultural Landscapes Officer
LOCATION: Warrnambool, Victoria
TERM: 1.0 FTE to 30 June 2026, Full-time
SALARY: $70,000 to $80,000 per annum, plus super
REPORTS TO: Healthy Country Manager

IDENTIFICATION: Designated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander appointment.

THE ORGANISATION

The Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (NTA) requires that, following a native title determination, native title holders establish a Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) to manage and protect their rights and interests. These corporations must incorporate under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act) and register with the National Native Title Tribunal (NNTT). Once registered, they become a Registered Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC).

Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) was established in 2011 as a PBC following a positive consent determination by the Federal Court, covering an area known as PART B—from Deen Maar (Lady Julia Percy Island) to Dunkeld—shared with the Western Gunditjmara People, represented by Gunditj Mirring Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.

In 2023, a second determination expanded EMAC’s jurisdiction from Yambuk to Aireys Inlet, reaching Middle Creek and Ararat, and looping south to Dunkeld.

EMAC is a formally recognised Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP), with responsibilities for protecting and managing cultural heritage across a broader area extending to Winchelsea and Landsborough.

As the representative body for Eastern Maar citizens, EMAC leads the advancement of native title rights and interests, cultural heritage protection, high-quality policy advice, and initiatives aligned with the inherent rights, aspirations, and independence of its people.

PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION

A primary focus of the role will be representing, liaising, and organising advice from Eastern Maar Elders and citizens in planning and development of projects and programs in Gadubanud and Gulidjan Country, including the Gadubanud Meerreeng Coastal Trail. The role supports a partnership approach with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA), Great Ocean Road Coasts and Parks Authority (GORCAPA) and Parks Victoria as the current land managers of the public land.

The role will act as a secretariat for the Eastern Maar Citizens working group to develop a cultural landscape plan, embed Eastern Maar stories and maximize economic participation opportunities through employment and procurement, all of which are cornerstones of Eastern Maar’s community articulated Country Plan, Meerreengeeye Ngakeepoorryeeyt.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Be EMAC’s operational point of contact for land management projects and programs in Gadubanud and Gulidjan Country such as the Gadubanud Meerreeng Coastal Trail project, including:

Representing, liaising, and organising flow of advice from Eastern Maar Elders and Citizens.

Working with DEECA, GORCAPA and other organisations as relevant, to develop, facilitate or coordinate any collective and common planning and project initiatives

Working with EMAC’s Mana Developments division, support the planning, coordination and delivery of activities or actions agreed by the Parties. These may include input or development to various trail related activities or opportunities such as:

Aboriginal businesses and/or employment

Branding

Naming opportunities

Story telling

Promoting, educating and advocating for EMAC (and the members and Eastern Maar community it represents), it’s ways of working and aspirations and assertions

Participate in Gadubanud Meerreeng Coastal Trail related activities, meetings or forums (as required) to support EMAC Elders and members to participate in decision making as supporting ongoing collaborative communication and engagement on other relevant land management matters.

Ensuring reporting obligations are met under the funding agreement

Work with EMAC employees, its members and Eastern Maar community

Develop and maintain relationships, as well as represent EMAC, relevant agencies

Manage logistics and requirements for running effective engagement activities on Coastal Trail matters with EMAC, its members and community, and agencies.

Providing advice on opportunities, challenges and issues

General

Provide regular updates/reports to direct line manager and reporting for CEO and the Board of Directors where directed.

Perform other duties as may be directed or implied 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.

Be aware and participate in staff performance reviews.

Attend all mandatory training as required.

Key Selection Criteria - Essential

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with demonstrated experience of working collaboratively and influencing across multiple stakeholder groups.

Sound project management skills with demonstrated ability to take initiative and manage issues.

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Highly developed verbal and written communication skills, and the ability to conceptualise and communicate ideas using a wide range of tools.

Proficiency in the use of computer and telecommunications technology.

Key Selection Criteria - Desirable

Strong understanding of the importance of Country to Traditional Owners and recognition of the Eastern Maar as Traditional Owners of the south-west region of Victoria.

Ability to communicate respectfully, sensitively and effectively with Eastern Maar Citizens and all Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Commitment to and appreciation of Eastern Maar culture, values, perspectives, and heritage, including impacts of colonisation and importance of cultural continuity.

Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to Aboriginal self-determination and supporting aspirations of the Eastern Maar community.

Tertiary qualification in project management or similar discipline or equivalent experience.

Demonstrated understanding of the regulatory framework in which EMAC operates.

Other Position Requirements

Working with Children Check within 90 days

Current Victorian Driver’s Licence.

National Police Check for Employment Purposes within the last 3 months

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

Working with EMAC - Our offer to you

What sets us apart…

At EMAC, we are committed to fostering a supportive, culturally safe, and empowering work environment. When you join our team, you’ll enjoy:

Flexible hybrid working arrangements available

Salary packaging 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, send your resume and a cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria to [email protected]

Closing Date: Sunday, 27 July 2025 at 11:59 PM.

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