Water Coordinator
Are you passionate about protecting Country's waterways, strengthening partnerships, and empowering Traditional Owner voices in water management? Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) is seeking a skilled and culturally grounded Water Coordinator to lead our water program and support our vision for a healthy Country and thriving community.
About the Role
Based in Ballarat or Geelong, this leadership role sits within our Gobata Dja - Caring for Country program and oversees a small team delivering meaningful water projects across Wadawurrung Country. The Water Coordinator plays a vital role in leading and coordinating water-based initiatives from cultural flows and environmental planning to community education and policy engagement ensuring Wadawurrung values, knowledge, and rights are embedded in all water management decisions.Working closely with Traditional Owners, the Paleert Yaluk cultural water group, and government partners, you will guide the team's work to strengthen Wadawurrung's influence across water planning, governance, and on-Country activities.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and support the Water Officer, Trainee Water Officer, and IWM Officer to deliver projects that reflect Wadawurrung priorities.
* Coordinate Wadawurrung involvement in Integrated Water Management (IWM), flood studies, cultural and environmental flows, and waterway restoration.
* Facilitate the functioning of the Paleert Yaluk group to provide cultural guidance in water management.
* Build strong partnerships with government departments, agencies, and stakeholders to achieve long-term water outcomes for Country and community.
* Ensure clear information sharing and reporting to the Wadawurrung community, Board, and Elders.
* Seek and secure funding opportunities that expand WTOAC's capacity to influence water outcomes.
* Coordinate the planning and management of WTOAC water licences and release trials.
About You
You are a confident communicator and natural collaborator who thrives on bringing people together to care for Country. You can balance strategic leadership with hands-on project delivery and are passionate about embedding cultural values in environmental work.
You'll bring:
* Experience in waterway management, environmental projects and Aboriginal community capacity building.
* Strong knowledge of Victorian water policy or the ability to quickly develop this understanding.
* Demonstrated ability to lead and support a team.
* Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
* Confidence in working across government, community, and cultural contexts.
* A valid driver's licence and willingness to travel regularly across Wadawurrung Country.
Desirable:
* Experience working with Aboriginal communities or in Indigenous employment.
* Familiarity with environmental monitoring, evaluation, and reporting systems (e.g. MERIT).
What's on Offer
A purposeful leadership role supporting Wadawurrung water rights and self-determination.
3-year full-time fixed-term contract with flexible work arrangements and strong cultural support.
Salary packaging and opportunities for professional development.
How to Apply
If you're ready to lead a team that protects and restores Wadawurrung waterways, we'd love to hear from you. Please send your CV and cover letter to by Sunday 2/11/2025.
Wadawurrung, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.