Who we are

Mingaan Wiradjuri Aboriginal Corporation (MWAC) is an Aboriginal community controlled non-profit organisation located in the Lithgow area of New South Wales. MWAC represents Wiradjuri Elders, Aboriginal Land Council representatives and Aboriginal community members from all age groups and walks of life. We have been established since 2007 as a registered organisation with the Office of Registrar of Indigenous Corporations (ORIC).

MWAC was established to provide meaningful and culturally supportive employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal people in environmental and cultural heritage preservation and management throughout a sacred cultural landscape. This contributes to the resilience and continuation of cultural knowledge. Yindyamarra (respect) is at the heart of what we do, and at the centre of our commitment to supporting our people and caring for Ngurambang.

The opportunity

The Murun-gi-y-ali-nya Ngiyanhigin-gu Ngurambang Indigenous Rangers Program is an exciting new opportunity taking place throughout Lithgow, Oberon, and Mudgee LGA's. A core management area for the program will be Maiyingu Marragu Aboriginal Place, within Lithgow LGA. You will be a part of a culturally supportive team, working to conserve Ngurambang through environmental and cultural heritage management practices.

You will have opportunities for professional and skills development to support your success and growth in the program. The day-to-day work will be primarily field based, with some classroom-based training as required.

Positions are open to men and women; however, we are particularly focused on providing culturally supportive employment to women and strongly encourage women to apply. As the Team Leader you will lead the on-ground implementation of land management activities, provide day-to-day planning and coordination, supporting the growth of a skilled and empowered ranger team. If you are proud in your cultural identity and keen to be a part of an initiative that aims to make impactful positive change in environmental and cultural heritage management, we would be proud to have you be a part of our team.

Key responsibilities include

· Yindyamarra for Wiradjuri cultural protocols and traditional knowledge, with a demonstrated understanding of respectful sharing of knowledge, communication with Elders and community.

· Willingness to participate in training, develop and maintain key skills required for success in the role.

· Ensure effective site management at work locations by following good housekeeping practices, all relevant Work Health Safety policies and procedures, and encouraging a positive WHS culture among the ranger team.

· Work closely with the Ranger Program Coordinator to plan daily work programs and management of the ranger team, in line with key objectives identified within the project schedule.

· Support cultural fire, weed and feral animal management strategies.

· Maintain ranger base, plant and equipment in accordance with workplace policies and procedure.

· Deliver practical, on-the-job training for rangers with input from specialist contractors as required.

· Mentor rangers through a culturally responsive, leadership-focused approach.

About you

· To succeed in this role, you'll be responsible, self-motivated and resilient with an ability to work collaboratively.

· You will have strong team leadership skills, with effective time management and workflow planning skills.

· You are keen to be a part of a team working to conserve Ngurambang.

· You are dedicated to supporting your people and resilience of traditional cultural knowledge.

· You will be proud to be part of an Aboriginal led initiative to protect cultural and environmental heritage.

Selection criteria

Essential

1. Confirmation of Aboriginality via relevant documentation, and or demonstrated connection to and acceptance by Aboriginal community. (Please note that preferrable applicants for the program are Wiradjuri people, however we welcome non-Wiradjuri applicants).

2. Respect for Wiradjuri cultural protocols.

3. Demonstrated, effective team leadership skills for the implementation of field and operational activities in a culturally supportive environment.

4. Competence and experience in safe operation of machinery, plant and equipment.

5. High-level organisational and planning skills, with an understanding of cost estimation and budgeting of equipment and resources.

6. Demonstrated experience in fire, weed, and feral animal management.

7. Experience in walking track construction and maintenance.

9. SafeWork NSW certifications such as White Card, Chainsaw Operation, Chemical Application, and First Aid.

9. Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

10. Competence with Microsoft Office and general IT systems.

11. A current full NSW Driver's License, with the ability to safely operate a manual vehicle and 4WD.

12. Hold a valid NSW Working With Children's Check.

13. Be willing to undergo a National Police and Criminal History Check.

Desirable

· Qualifications in land management, conservation, or training and assessment.

· Knowledge of Wiradjuri Country biodiversity and relevant legislation.

· Completion of and experience in a trade, including but not limited to; mechanical engineering, metal fabrication, vehicle mechanics, and building and construction.

This is an Aboriginal Identified role where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977).

Privacy disclaimer-MWAC respects and values your right to privacy and confidentiality. All personal information that is collected and stored during the recruitment process of the program will not be inappropriately or unreasonably disclosed as per the Privacy Act (1988) and Fair Work Act (2009).

How to apply

To organize a time to introduce yourself and discuss this opportunity, please email the Ranger Program Coordinator Aunty Sharon Riley, on email [email protected]