Live and work on Country. Build partnerships that make a difference.
The Northern Land Council (NLC) is seeking a culturally capable and relationship-driven Special Projects Officer to join our Regional Operations team. This unique role begins with a full induction and onboarding in Darwin for a couple of months, before relocating to Timber Creek, where you will live and work on Country with accommodation provided.
The role is based in one of the most culturally rich and environmentally significant regions of the Top End and helping to deliver long-term cultural, environmental and economic outcomes for Traditional Owners under key Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs). Supported by both the NLC and the Department of Defence, working together to build strong partnerships, protect sacred sites, and facilitate local development opportunities.
About the Role
The Special Projects Officer is a central role coordinating, advising and supporting the delivery of key Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) between Traditional Owners, the NLC and the Department of Defence, particularly at the Bradshaw Field Training Area and Delamere Air Weapons Range.
The role goes beyond agreement implementation, with the requirement to work with a high level of independence, motivation and cultural sensitivity to:
* Support Aboriginal participation in Defence-related economic opportunities.
* Strengthen partnerships with government agencies and contractors.
* Safeguard cultural and environmental values.
* Help local organisations take up business, procurement and training pathways.
What you will bring
The role seeks a candidate that understands the importance of strong, respectful relationships, and capability to live and work on Country with Traditional Owners and communities. The candidate will bring:
* A deep respect for Aboriginal values, decision-making, and connection to land.
* Experience working closely with Aboriginal people in remote settings.
* An ability to build trust and navigate complex partnerships, and confidence working across cultures to work collaboratively and in partnership.
* Practical business and economic development knowledge, to be applied to support Aboriginal organisations through mentoring to assist local procurement, and managing contracts.
* Strong coordination skills to maintain strategic oversight at the same time as progressing cultural, environmental and economic outcomes for Traditional Owners.
* A current Australian driver's licence and the ability to obtain a Baseline security clearance.
What's in it for You
This is a unique opportunity to work in a cross-cultural setting where land, law, and legacy intersect. You will be provided accommodation in both Darwin and Timber Creek, living and working on Country, with support from the NLC's wider team. You will receive other entitlements such as:
* Base Salary $115,194 plus 15% Superannuation paid on base and District Allowance
* Salary sacrificing up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation benefit up to $2,650 per year.
* Other benefits under our Enterprise Agreement include:
o District Allowance up to $9,750 (DA4) with dependents or $6,114 (DA3) without dependents
o Generous leave provisions 5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave.
o Paid Christmas close down;
o Upon completion of 12 months of service an Annual airfare with a net (in hand) value of $3,177
Contact
For further enquiries please contact: Nicole Hucks Mobile 0455 874 774
Applications Close: Friday 29 May 2026
This position requires the successful applicant to obtain and maintain a Baseline security clearance through the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA).
About the Northern Land Council
The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth. The NLC is established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (Northern Territory) 1976 and its purpose is to serve its constituents who are Traditional Owners (TOs) and other Aboriginal people living in their region. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to the work that we do here at NLC. We are committed to enhancing Aboriginal peoples social, political and economic participation by supporting their aspirations and amplifying their voices on a range of issues impacting on their lands, seas, culture and communities.
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