Ranger Coordinator

This is a Ranger Coordinator job opportunity like no other. Working with the Crocodile Island Rangers to manage the c. 8,000km2 Maringa IPA, one of the most spectacular and untouched coastal environments in Australia.

If you're energetic and keen, and passionate about nature and the outdoors, and are looking for adventure, working with one of the oldest cultures in the world, you can't go past the Crocodile Islands Ranger Program.

The Crocodile Islands

The Crocodile Islands is a unique part of Top End Australia. It possesses rich biodiversity, pristine landscapes and a strong Yolngu culture dating back tens of thousands of years; as well as numerous untouched islands and coastal wetlands, a myriad of wild estuaries and vast mangrove forests. The region supports abundant wildlife, including rare and threatened species such as marine turtles, dugong, migratory shorebirds and others. The seas are closed to commercial fishing, and the recreational fishing is unsurpassed, including barramundi, reef and pelagic species.

Crocodile Islands Rangers

The Crocodile Islands Rangers were established in 2011 by Traditional Owner and 2012 Senior Australian of the Year, Laurie Baymarwangga.

The rangers are based at Milingimbi and are governed by an Executive Committee of Traditional Owners from the region.

In 2023 the Crocodile Islands and surrounding waters and mainland was declared an Indigenous Protected Area, the Maringa IPA.

The Rangers manage the IPA, working alongside the Maringa people and Traditional Owners, and neighbouring ranger groups. They have a diverse work plan which includes land and sea patrols, surveillance operations, biodiversity surveys; fire, weed and feral animal management; biosecurity operations, culture preservation, Indigenous knowledge transfer, community engagement and more.

The overall aim of the Ranger program is to protect the health of land and sea country across the Crocodile Islands region; provide meaningful jobs and work together with the community; share knowledge and keep culture and language alive and strong.

crocodileislandsrangers.org.

MOPRA

The Crocodile Islands Rangers are managed by MOPRA, a Yolngu-owned Aboriginal Corporation based at Milingimbi. MOPRA's work focuses on environmental management, cultural preservation, service delivery and livelihood improvement across the Crocodile Islands.

The Ranger Coordinator role

MOPRA employs two Coordinators who work together with the rangers. As a team, the Ranger Program plans and implements work programs, as well as identifies and develops new programs. A lot of fieldwork occurs, including regular camping on outer islands.

The primary objective of the Coordinator role is to facilitate, guide, support, mentor and help develop capacity of the rangers, and deliver projects that enhance and protect culture and biodiversity across the Crocodile Islands region.

The full job description can be found attached.

Our preferred candidate

The ideal candidate for this job is somebody with who is highly motivated, proactive and a good thinker; and comfortable providing direction and leading teams of people, and passionate about the environment and outdoors work.

A demonstrated track record of being a respectful team-player who has good interpersonal skills, particularly in a cross-cultural context, is essential.

A background in biodiversity conservation and/or natural resource management is desirable, but not essential, particularly if compensated by other experience and attributes suited to the role.

Our offer

In addition to this unique job opportunity, MOPRA is offering a generous renumeration package:

• Salary range of $80,000 to $90,000 p.a. + super + salary sacrificing
• 9 weeks leave per annum:
• 6 weeks annual leave.
• 3 weeks wellbeing leave (does not accrue).
• Furnished accommodation with unlimited Starlink internet and no bills to pay.
• Four FOIL fares to Darwin per year (do not accrue).
• Use of boats to recreate.
• Vehicles for work.

Selection Criteria

Essential.

• Highly motivated, proactive and able to work unsupervised.
• Easygoing, patient and a flexible approach to work.
• Good interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively and respectfully in a cross-cultural environment.
• Able to work outdoors and spend considerable time on boats, and travelling by sea.
• Willing to live in a remote Indigenous community.
• NT drivers licence or ability to obtain.

Desirable.

• Tertiary qualification and/or previous experience doing land management, NRM or biodiversity conservation.
• Coxswain certification and/or experience operating boats.
• Sound command of written English.
• Data collection and management experience.
• Experience using equipment such as 4WD vehicles, side-by-side ATVs, tractors, forklift, backhoe, chainsaws, herbicide and spraying equipment, burning and firefighting equipment.
• Experience living and working in a remote Aboriginal community.
• GIS literate.
• First Aid certificate.
• Firearms licence or ability to obtain.