JOB TITLE: Healthy Country Guardian (5 x Positions available)
LOCATION: Warrnambool, Victoria
EMPLOYMENT TYPE: 1.0 FTE, up to 30 June 2028, Full-time or Part-time, Negotiable
SALARY: $70,000 to $75,000 per annum + super
REPORTS TO: Lead Guardian
IDENTIFICATION: Designated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander appointment

About 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.

This is a new role at EMAC that supports both the CEO and the Board, reporting directly to the CEO and sitting within the Office of the CEO.

Who we are looking for

EMAC is seeking Healthy Country Guardians to join Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) in a newly created Indigenous Ranger Program (IRP) Employment Model that supports to development of a fit-for-purpose employment structure and organisational model that enables the successful integration of IRP-funded full-time Guardian roles within its broader workforce.

This is not a Casual role. Instead, it is a fixed-term employment with the main purpose of delivering Caring for Country, fee-for-service and Natural Resource Management work and supporting the Biocultural Landscapes Division to deliver on the goals of the Eastern Maar Country Plan.

What you'll be doing

On a day-to-day basis:

In this role, you’ll work hands-on in the field, supporting Healthy Country and Sea Country projects while developing your skills and contributing to the team.

Deliver Caring for Country and Natural Resource Management work, including revegetation, pest control, fencing, and fire readiness.

Undertake CHMP / cultural heritage fieldwork – artefact identification, sieving, site prep, and clean-up.

Complete task records and report key site information.

Follow safety protocols and guidance from Lead Guardians and Coordinators.

Support the Junior Ranger Program.

Participate in ongoing training and skill development.

Work as part of a stable team and contribute to new capability projects, such as threatened species work and whale disentanglement.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who:

Has strong communication and teamwork skills, respect for Eastern Maar citizens and culture, organisational initiative, ability to follow directions, fitness for fieldwork, and a connection to Eastern Maar Country.

About You

You are passionate about caring for Country and supporting the community. You work well in teams, communicate respectfully, and take initiative to get things done. You enjoy hands-on fieldwork, value Eastern Maar culture, and are committed to learning and growing within the Indigenous Ranger Program.

For further details, read the full position description available at https://easternmaar.com.au/category/news/

Working with EMAC – Our offer to you

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

Salary packaging benefits 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 can you apply

Applications close: Sunday, 07 September 2025 at 11:59 PM

To apply, send

your resume outlining your employment history

which position/s and preferred hours of work you wish to apply for
(Only one application is required if applying for multiple roles)

and a cover letter introducing yourself, outlining your motivation for applying and highlighting how your background aligns with the requirements of the role or a brief statement of why you should be considered (noting the Key Selection Criteria) to [email protected]

For further details, read the full position description available at https://easternmaar.com.au/healthy-country-guardian-20-08/