Arafura Swamp Rangers Aboriginal Corporation (ASRAC)
Under the direction of the traditional landowners, the corporation undertakes land and sea management activities in the Arafura Swamp (Gurruwiling) Indigenous Protected Area. Located in east Arnhem Land, the greater Arafura Swamp and catchment comprises a vast wetland surrounded by an 11,000 km2 catchment extending from Castlereagh Bay to the upper reaches of the Goyder and Glyde Rivers. Traditional country of Yolngu and Bi people, the area shares an unbroken history of Aboriginal ownership and management. With many landowners still residing in their homelands, the region is a stronghold for Indigenous culture. Long considered an area of exceptional conservation value, the catchment is listed on the Register of the National Estate, the central swamp being a Wetland of National Importance and a Site of Conservation Significance as well as being a Key Biodiversity Area.
ASRAC acts as an umbrella organisation comprised of multiple ranger groups. Each group has its own identity and responsibilities in a particular area. ASRAC rangers consult and work with the area's traditional custodians to implement, monitor and update the ASRAC Healthy Country and IPA Plan as outlined on its website
ASRAC aims to maintain the environmental and cultural values of the area by:
•Conducting flora and fauna surveys to inform management of habitat condition.
•Integrating traditional and contemporary land and sea management practices.
•Effectively managing and monitoring fire.
•Implementing and monitoring feral animal control in line with landowner expectations.
•Mapping and managing weeds, with emphasis on early interventions preventing weed spread.
•Protecting and documenting cultural sites and supporting and conserving cultural practices.
•Working collaboratively with other Indigenous ranger groups, the local school, community members and other local organisations.
•Supporting people to get out on country and transfer knowledge.
•Operating enterprise based on sustainable practices.
•Undertaking other land management activities as required by landowners and the Board.
The role
The Ecological Monitoring Coordinator will support ranger teams to deliver land and sea management by coordinating the environmental monitoring and adaptive management program under the general direction of the CEO, and in consultation with the landowners.
The Ecological Monitoring Coordinator will co-develop evaluation and monitoring activities in line with ASRAC's plan of Management with a focus on adaptive management and help support rangers to deliver the program. This role is a mix of practical hands-on coordination in field, consultative and office-based program development. Additionally, the role works to support and build the capacity of the workforce from Ramingining and from the satellite bases in the surrounding homelands. Delivering on-the-job training and leading by example are essential.
Key responsibilities:
Specifically, the Ecological Monitoring Coordinator will:
•Support the development of ASRAC's monitoring and evaluation (M & E) Indigenous Protected Area programme in line with the Plan of Management.
•Coordinate the implementation of M & E work plans, provide day-to-day coordination, supervision and support for rangers to undertake the activities in field.
•Organise and run IPA Committee meetings.
•Support the wider engagement of remotely based rangers in the ASRAC management area by undertaking regular visits to homelands and remote bases.
•Identify the training and professional development needs of all ASRAC rangers and coordinate training and capacity building activities.
•Attend conferences, regional meetings, training and other public occasions as required, and assist the rangers attending.
•Produce timely reports as required for the acquittal of grant funding and fee-for-service activity.
•Consulting with traditional owners and other stakeholders on IPA plan and progress
•Building capacity in rangers through mentorship and training.
•Ensure compliance and show dedication to health and safety in the workplace
•Undertake other duties as directed by the CEO from time to time.
Selection Criteria
Essential:
•Experience in protected area, environmental management or ecological monitoring.
•Experience or interest in integrating traditional and contemporary land management practices.
•High level written and oral communication skills.
•Ability to consult and engage wide range of stakeholders.
•Competency in Microsoft Office and IT generally.
•Current driver's licence and willingness to undertake travel in light aircraft.
•Knowledge of, and commitment to, the principles of Australian workplace health and safety.
•A working with children card, or an ability to obtain one.
Desirable:
•Tertiary qualifications in natural resource management, environmental management or ecology.
•Demonstrated experience or interested in consulting and working collaboratively with Indigenous people in remote environments.
•Experience in designing biodiversity monitoring plans.
Position contact:
Apply Now and embark on an exciting journey with ASRAC, applications close COB 31st October.
To apply send your current resume with three reference contacts and a letter addressing the selection criteria in attached position description to
For a confidential discussion on this opportunity please email to arrange.