Location: Darwin
Status: Full-time
The Northern Land Council (NLC) is seeking a Recreational Fishing Lead, to join our Sea Country Service Area, working alongside Traditional Owners to progress Aboriginal sea rights and support sustainable access and management arrangements for recreational fishing in Aboriginal waters.
This role plays a key leadership and coordination function in implementing consultation outcomes arising from the landmark Blue Mud Bay High Court decision, supporting Traditional Owners to exercise decision-making over access to their sea country.
About the Role:
The Sea Country Service Area works with Traditional Owners across coastal and intertidal regions of the Northern Territory to advance Aboriginal rights and interests in sea country.
As the Recreational Fishing Lead, you will be responsible for facilitating consultation, policy development and operational arrangements relating to recreational fishing in Aboriginal waters. This includes working directly with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal ranger groups, government agencies and the recreational fishing sector to support access arrangements that reflect cultural authority, legal frameworks and community aspirations.
You will lead consultations, coordinate organisational systems and frameworks, support permit administration processes, and represent the NLC in relevant forums and advisory groups. The role requires strong engagement skills, sound judgement and the ability to balance community expectations, regulatory requirements and sector interests.
What You Will Bring:
You are an experienced engagement or project professional with a strong interest in sea country, fisheries or natural resource management. You bring confidence in facilitating consultations, preparing high-quality reports, and working respectfully within cross-cultural environments.
You are comfortable working across policy, operations and stakeholder engagement, and you value collaboration, clarity and accountability in your work.
In addition, you will have:
* Minimum three (3) years' experience in community engagement and consultation roles
* High-level cross-cultural, interpersonal and verbal communication skills
* Experience delivering public presentations and facilitating discussions with diverse groups
* Strong written communication skills, including previous experience in creating high level reports, briefings and submissions
* A current NT C Class Driver's Licence and the ability to undertake remote travel in manual 4WD vehicles or light aircraft
* Knowledge of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and Aboriginal Land Act 1978 as they relate to access to Aboriginal waters
Why Join the NLC?
The NLC's Sea Country work sits at the forefront of Aboriginal rights, environmental stewardship and public policy in the Northern Territory. As Recreational Fishing Lead, you'll contribute to nationally significant work that supports Traditional Owners to assert authority over sea country while shaping fair and workable access arrangements.
You'll work alongside committed colleagues, Aboriginal ranger groups and community leaders, contributing to outcomes that balance cultural, environmental and recreational expectations of the community at large
What's in it for you?
Meaningful, purpose-driven work grounded in Aboriginal self-determination. Exposure to diverse stakeholders across communities, government and industry
We offer
competitive remuneration and benefits under the NLC Enterprise Agreement, including:
* A Base Salary of $102,669 plus 15% Superannuation on Base and District Allowance
* Salary Sacrificing of up to $15,900 plus meal and entertainment card benefits
* Other benefits under our Enterprise Agreement include:
*
o District Allowance DA2 of $4,797 per annum for individuals with dependents and $2,630 without dependents.
* 5 weeks annual leave, leaving loading, 18 days personal leave;
* Upon Completion of 12 Months of Service and Annual Airfare with a net in hand value of $3,177
How to Apply
Interested applicants should submit a current CV and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience align with the position.
Applications Close: Friday, 27 February 2026
Enquiries: Jamie Damaso
This position is designated prioritised for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander applicants under section 57 of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT).
Applicants who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander are strongly encouraged to apply and will be given priority consideration.
About the Northern Land Council
The Northern Land Council is an independent statutory authority established under the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. We support Traditional Owners and Aboriginal communities across the Top End to protect land and sea rights, strengthen governance and pursue social, cultural and economic aspirations. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to our work. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.