Anthropologist / Project Officer – Cultural Heritage – Alice Springs

An exciting opportunity exists with the Ngaanyatjarra Council, Land & Culture Program for an Anthropologist – Cultural Heritage Project Officer to join our team working in the Western Desert on the Ngaanyatjarra Lands, WA. This position offers the opportunity for an enthusiastic and motivated person, to support Ngaanyatjarra people to manage and protect their rich cultural heritage and to look after country. The role involves overseeing and managing mining and exploration projects and other land access matters on the Ngaanyatjarra Lands. The role will involve an immersion in and understanding of cultural heritage and places of significance, as well as genealogical connection to country associated with these projects across the Ngaanyatjarra Lands.

The role will be suited to a person motivated by a keen interest in the priorities and aspirations of Ngaanyatjarra people and in delivering on-ground outcomes that reflect these priorities for country, culture, and community. The position requires someone who is willing and able to understand the interests and priorities of the resource industry and liaise effectively with their representatives.

You will be willing and able to travel, and to spend time out in the bush. You will require flexibility, independence and resilience, and will enjoy working in a rich, desert environment.

Main Duties/ Deliverable

• Conduct Traditional Owner and community consultations on the Ngaanyatjarra Lands.
• Review Work Programs, plan and undertake Cultural Heritage surveys and reports.
• Liaise with and support Ngaanyatjarra Liaison Officers and cultural heritage monitors.
• Facilitate negotiation and distribution meetings.
• Document and contribute to cultural heritage site records.
• Undertake collection of GIS field data, update GIS database and prepare maps. 
• Maintain and update genealogical records.
• Provide anthropological advice and support to Ngaanyatjarra Council, Land and Culture and other Ngaanyatjarra Council staff as required.
• Provide anthropological and research assistance to external consultants in relation to cultural heritage, connection to country and genealogical data.
• Undertake anthropological research / fieldwork in relation to sites of cultural significance, connection to country for native title future acts processes and provide reports / advice in a timely manner.
• Advocate for the rights and interests of traditional owners arising from the use and management of Ngaanyatjarra land.
• Provide anthropological advice in relation to the Native Title Act 1993 and the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 1972.
• Work collaboratively with other Ngaanyatjarra Land and Culture program staff to implement the program’s land and cultural heritage management projects, including managing grants and project budgets reporting and acquittals.
• Additional tasks as directed by Land and Culture Operations and/or General Manager.

Essential:

• Tertiary qualifications in anthropology or related discipline.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of remote Aboriginal society and culture. Understanding of the culture, social, economic, and political issues that affect Aboriginal people in Ngaanyatjarra Council’s representative body area.
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with traditional Aboriginal people.
• Experience working in cultural heritage management, mining and exploration, or on other land access projects.
• Experience in applied anthropological research with fieldwork in remote areas.
• Excellent written communication skills and experience in report writing.
• Strong administration and management skills.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS and the collection and preparation of GIS data and maps.
• Ability to work independently without direction and within a remote team setting.
• Willingness and ability to undertake long periods of remote field work while being based in community, involving 4WD or light aircraft to and in remote, isolated, and arid regions.
• Current Class ‘C’ manual driver’s license.
• Current Working with Children Check or ability / willingness to obtain one. 

Desirable:

• 4WD and remote driving experience.
• Current First Aid Certificate.
• Knowledge of the Native Title Act 1993 and the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage (WA) Act 1972 or other land rights legislation.
• Ability to speak and understand Ngaanyatjarra, Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara, or Pintupi language.

Please note: If successful you will be required to complete a Pre-Employment Medical including Drug Test and a Police Clearance.

Applications close on the advertised closing date unless position is filled prior.

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

For a copy of the full position description, please contact:

Human Resources

Ngaanyatjarra Council Group

Email: [email protected] using the subject line: Anthropologist / Project Officer – Cultural Heritage – Alice Springs enquiry via EthicalJobs

Ph: 08 6200 1200