Caring for Country Operations Manager

The Northern Land Council is seeking a full-time Operations Manager for the Caring for Country program in Darwin, NT. The role involves overseeing ranger programs aligned with the CFC Strategic Plan, focusing on Indigenous community needs and environmental stewardship. Candidates should have experience in program delivery, team leadership, and managing field-based operations. A minimum Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science is required. The position emphasizes cultural respect and professional growth.
• Location: Darwin
• Status: Full-time Fixed Term Contract (3 Years)

About the Role

The Operations Manager - Caring for Country (CFC) is responsible and accountable for ensuring CFC ranger programs operate in accordance and in alignment with the CFC Strategic Plan to achieve outcomes that reflect the unique priorities, aspirations and needs of Traditional Owners (TOs) and their communities.

The Caring for Country (CFC) Program currently supports the work of fourteen (14) Indigenous Ranger Groups across the Northern Territory "Caring for Country" refers to the holistic practices and responsibilities that Indigenous Australians have towards their land, water, and all living things. It's a deeply spiritual and cultural concept rooted in generations of knowledge and connection to the environment. This concept encompasses not only environmental stewardship but also cultural preservation, community wellbeing, and sustainable land management.

What you will Bring

You will have a previous background in program delivery, and evaluation. You're confident leading a team, keeping projects on track, and managing budgets. You can build rapport with diverse groups—whether it’s staff, Traditional Owners (TO’s) Government reps, or partner organisations and you bring a calm, clear approach to problem-solving with a strong understanding of Indigenous culture, collaborative leadership skills, and experience in environmental management and project management.
• Minimum of five (5) years’ relevant practical business and leadership experience in managing field-based programs in natural resource management or conservation.
• Minimum of three (3) year’s senior operational management experience in remote settings.
• Experience in delivering training, capacity building and mentoring staff in remote settings.
• Experience managing logistical challenges in remote or regional areas A minimum Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental and Conservation Science or relevant equivalent qualifications

For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.

At the NLC, you’ll thrive in a supportive and inclusive workplace that values professional growth, cultural respect, and work-life balance.

What’s in it for you?

This role offers the opportunity to empower local communities in some of the most culturally and biologically diverse areas of Australia.

Be part of something bigger—where your work truly matters!

We offer:
• Annual Salary: Minimum $155K plus 14.5% Superannuation (Negotiable)
• Salary packaging benefits of up to $15,900 and additional Meal Entertainment
• Generous leave entitlements such as 5 weeks annual leave, 18 days personal leave per annum, and paid Christmas shut down.

Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV along with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and what relevant skills and experience will you bring to the role.

If you have any further queries please contact: Paul Donohoe 0456 811 868

This vacancy is an Aboriginal prioritised position. Eligible Aboriginal applicants will be given priority consideration as per the special measures provision of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1992 (NT). All other applicants will only be assessed for selection if there is no suitable Aboriginal special measures applicant.

Applications Close: Wednesday 28th May 2025.

About the NLC

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth. The NLC is established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 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.