POSITION DESCRIPTION
Officer
Position Number: P01041
Directorate: Environment & Planning Services
Service: Natural Environment
Location: Katoomba HQ
Date Created/Updated August 2025
Position Classification: Band: 7
POSITION PURPOSE / OBJECTIVE
To deliver the Connecting to Country program which aims to enable Aboriginal people
and organisations in the Blue Mountains to undertake on Country activities that foster
healthy relationships to Country, preservation of culture, and strengthening of
communities.
RELATIONSHIPS
Reports to: Program Leader First Nations
Staff Responsibility: Nil
Key Internal Relationships: First Nations team, Environment Branch in particular
Healthy Waterway, Bushcare, Natural Area
Operations, Fire and Emergency, Open Space and
Recreation Branch and Media and Communications
Branch
Key External Relationships: BMCC Aboriginal Advisory Council, Dharug and
Gundungurra Traditional Owner Groups,
Aboriginal Community, identified Government and
Non-Government Organisations.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
The key responsibilities for this position include:
* Work with the First Nations Program Leader and Traditional Owners to further develop
the Connecting to Country Program in a way that restores balance and heals Country
from an Aboriginal cultural perspective, and empowers Traditional Owners to continue
cultural activities in a sustainable manner;
* Manage and implement Connecting to Country activities in collaboration with key
Traditional Owners and other project partners;
* Seek opportunities to facilitate the transfer of cultural knowledge across
intergenerational groups participating in Connecting to Country activities;
* Assist with the development of Natural Resource Collection Agreements and
associated cultural processes to ensure a sustainable approach is established;
* Work with First Nations Program Leader, BMCC Fire and Emergency Team to
investigate opportunities for traditional burning practices 'On-Country' with Traditional
Owners and relevant staff / agencies, and coordinate approved burns;
* Provide logistical support for cultural burns under the guidance of the Traditional
Owners
* Assist Traditional Owners to further develop 'On-Country' opportunities that result in
positive environmental, cultural, social, spiritual, and economic outcomes for
Traditional Owners and other Aboriginal people; Working with Traditional Owners,
assist in establishing a traditional knowledge repository and database of knowledge
holders / cultural educators;
* Monitor, evaluate and report on Connecting to Country outcomes;
* Keep the First Nations Team r informed on all matters relating to the role; and
* Assist the team with NAIDOC week and undertake other associated duties as directed.
WORKPLACE HEALTH & SAFETY
Ensure compliance with WHS obligations and responsibilities as outlined in Councils
policies and procedures and under the relevant WHS legislation. These include but are
not limited to identifying potentially unsafe situations or work practices and notifying your
Supervisor or Manager (or the Health, Safety Manager/Area Safety Representative);
never performing a task that you believe is dangerous or for which you do not have the
experience, or have not received appropriate instructions and training or where the correct
equipment to carry out the task safely is not available; always work in a safe manner and
in accordance with safety instructions, where applicable; use the work equipment supplied
for the job, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions), and any personal
protective equipment, which the Council deems necessary and has provided; be safety
aware and report any actions to your line manager which will assist the Council to meet
its legal workplace health and safety obligations.
You have the right to cease or direct cessation of unsafe work. In addition you are required
at all times to comply with Councils Asbestos Management Plan and Policy.
COMPLIANCE & RISK
You will support the team in ensuring that risk management responsibilities as described
in council's Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Policy and Procedure (the ERM
Framework) are met, with the goal of ensuring that potential issues are identified and
reported in a timely manner.
COMMUNICATION
The Connecting to Country Project Officer will communicate with a wide range of
stakeholder. Importantly the Project Officer will be required to work closely with Dharug
and Gundungurra Traditional Owners and other Aboriginal stakeholders therefore
experience in communicating with diverse Aboriginal communities is essential. The
Project Officer will also be required to communicate with Council Officers as well as
external Government and non-government organisations where appropriate.
The position will need well developed communication, group facilitation, conflict
resolution and interpersonal skills.
JUDGEMENT & PROBLEM SOLVING
The Connecting to Country Project Officer requires well developed judgment and problem-
solving skills. These skills will be required in dealing with issues concerning the
development of the Connecting to Country program, co-management relationships,
delivering workshops and On-Country activities. The individual will draw on resources and
knowledge from local Traditional Owners, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
community, Aboriginal-led organisations, Council stakeholders and other organisations in
order to meet the specific responsibilities identified for the position.
AUTHORITY
1. Effective management of budget focus areas under their control, and financial
delegation to expend up to $1,000.
1. Matters as delegated from Chief Executive Officer.
IDENTIFIED POSITION
Blue Mountains City Council considers that being an Australian Aboriginal or a Torres
Strait Islander is an essential personal requirement for this role, in accordance with
Section 14 & 21 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and under clause 26 of the
Government Sector Employment (General) Rules 2014.
SKILL, EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES
ESSENTIAL
* Demonstrated understanding of, and experience in working with Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander communities and a good understanding of traditional and
contemporary Aboriginal culture;
* Practical experience delivering projects that protect, conserve and improve natural
and cultural heritage;
* A high level of practical experience in developing programs which relate to
addressing the social, cultural or economic needs of Aboriginal people;
* Sound awareness of the impacts of European colonisation and the ongoing affect on
the continuity of Aboriginal connections to Country and transmission of cultural
knowledge;
* High level communication, group work, negotiation and conflict resolution skills;
* Ability to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders including Traditional
Owners, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents, Aboriginal organisations, the
Council, and government and non-government agencies;
* Demonstrated time management and computer skills (MS Office/Outlook);
* Demonstrated ability to work independently and within a team;
* Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (identified position).
* Understanding of and commitment to Work Health & Safety and Equal Opportunity
principles.
* Current drivers licence.
DESIRABLE
• Experience working with the Blue Mountains First Nations community.
* DPIE Native Title Manager Training.
* Experience in, or a sound awareness of, Cultural Burning Practices
* Experience working in or with Local Government.
* Knowledge and understanding of provisions of the NSW Local Government Act and
the NPWS Act as it relates to the recognition and protection of Aboriginal cultural
heritage.