This opportunity offers purpose, connection and tangible outcomes in a way few roles can.
* Direct, long‐term impact on young people and Country.You are not running a short program or delivering one‐off activities. You are walking alongside young Aboriginal people over time, helping them move from school into real roles on Country, building confidence, developing skills and pathways into meaningful employment.
* Deep cultural connection and trust with genuine engagement. This role is embedded in community and ranger teams. You work with families, Elders and Ranger Coordinators across multiple homelands, building relationships and trust that most youth or environmental roles never reach.
* A rare blend of youth development and real on‐Country work. Instead of classroom‐based coordination, you are supporting young people through hands‐on, practical land management, fire management, weed control and caring for cultural sites. You get to see learning turn into real capability on the ground.
The Organisation
Warddeken Land Management, founded by the Traditional Owners of the Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area in 2007, is an Aboriginal-owned, not-for-profit company committed to integrating traditional ecological knowledge with Western science. Operating from remote homeland communities in west Arnhem Land, we provide employment for over 200 Indigenous people who engage in vital projects, including fire management, carbon abatement, weed and feral animal control, rock art and ecological conservation, and cultural heritage management.
Our organisation is guided by an ambitious and skilled Board of Directors who are deeply motivated to support the CEO, Deputy CEO and leadership team, in achieving the organisation's full potential.
Warddeken is an Aboriginal‐owned organisation supporting Traditional Owners to care for one of Australia's most significant landscapes. Our work is grounded in culture, respect and long‐term outcomes for Country and people.
If you are looking for work with purpose, strong relationships and tangible impact, this role offers a genuinely rewarding opportunity.
The Opportunity
Do you want to help young people find their place on Country, build skills for life and step confidently into meaningful work?
Warddeken Land Management is seeking a Junior Ranger Coordinator to lead and grow our Junior Ranger Program across remote communities in west Arnhem Land. This is a rare opportunity to work alongside Aboriginal rangers, families and communities, supporting young people aged 16–25 as they transition from school into land management and ranger careers.
As Junior Ranger Coordinator, you will guide, support and coordinate a cohort of Junior Rangers as they learn, train and work on Country. You will organise day‐to‐day program activities, support training and mentoring, and ensure young people are safe, supported and engaged as they build confidence, skills and pathways into employment.
You will work closely with Ranger Coordinators, community members and families, helping to balance cultural obligations, wellbeing and operational requirements. The role combines youth development, practical coordination and on‐Country land management.
Why This Role Matters
This program creates real pathways for young Aboriginal people to stay connected to Country, culture and community while developing skills in fire management, weed control, caring for cultural sites and ranger work. Your work will directly shape future ranger leaders.
Location
The Warddeken Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) forms a significant part of Australia's National Reserve System. Covering 1,394,951 hectares of spectacular stone and gorge country on the Arnhem Plateau immediately east of Kakadu National Park. Warddeken Land Management Ltd. operates out of the remote communities of Kabulwarnamyo, Manmoyi and Mamaradwerre and employs up to 130 Indigenous rangers a year on a casual basis. Rangers work on a variety of projects including fire management and carbon abatement, weed and feral animal control, rock art conservation, education and cultural heritage management. Passing on traditional ecological knowledge to younger generations is a key role for rangers as they act as important role models in their communities. This is a General Restricted Area where Alcohol restrictions are in effect.
The role is based in Darwin with regularand extended periods of remote travel and self-sufficient camping in West Arnhem Land.
About You
You are organised, calm and people‐focused. You enjoy working with young people, understand the importance of boundaries and duty of care, and are comfortable working in remote, cross‐cultural environments. You are practical, reliable and motivated by making a difference rather than sitting behind a desk.
Experience working with Aboriginal communities, youth programs or ranger or land management programs will be highly regarded.
Your Reward
* A unique opportunity to spend time working on Country alongside Traditional Owners
* Full Time, ongoing role
* Competitive salary package
* Salary Sacrifice Options
* Professional Development opportunities
* Relocation assistance (if applicable)
* Be part of a team making a real difference for Country and culture
Warddeken Land Management is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals.
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