About the role

Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation (WAC) is seeking an Aboriginal person to join our team as the Djarlgarro (Canning) River Guardian. This is a practical, community-focused Caring for Country role that will help strengthen Whadjuk involvement in the management, restoration and protection of the Djarlgarro (Canning River) and surrounding areas.

Working closely with Whadjuk community, Elders, WAC, the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), Local Governments and other project partners, the River Guardian will help bring Whadjuk cultural knowledge, community participation and on-Country involvement into the delivery of projects across the Djarlgarro.

The position is classified at NTRB Officer Level 6, with a current salary range of $109,210.90 to $122,847.23 per annum, depending on experience and the appropriate salary point.

What you'll be doing

The River Guardian will:

- build strong relationships with Whadjuk members, Elders, DBCA, Local Governments, community organisations and project partners;
- facilitate Whadjuk cultural advice and participation in activities relating to the Djarlgarro;
- coordinate and support Back to Country and on-Country activities;
- work with stakeholders on cultural mapping, Whadjuk naming and recognition of culturally significant places;
- identify opportunities for Whadjuk people to participate in restoration, conservation, monitoring and Caring for Country activities;
- support cooperative management initiatives for parks, reserves and waterways along the Djarlgarro;
- help coordinate cultural awareness and engagement activities;
- assist with project planning, delivery, monitoring and reporting; and
- help create stronger and longer-term partnerships that increase Whadjuk participation in the management of Country.

These responsibilities reflect the practical community engagement, cultural mapping,



stakeholder relationship, on-Country participation and cooperative-management functions established in the JDF.

About you

We are looking for someone who is comfortable both on Country and around the meeting table. You don't need to be an environmental scientist. We are looking for someone who can build relationships, work respectfully with community and cultural knowledge holders, organise activities and help turn plans into practical outcomes.

To succeed in the role, you will need:

- strong ability to engage respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal people, community members, Elders and cultural knowledge holders;
- demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with stakeholders and partner organisations;
- experience in, knowledge of, or a genuine passion for Caring for Country, land and waterways management, conservation, restoration or related activities;
- good organisational skills and the ability to coordinate activities, people and competing priorities;
- strong verbal and written communication skills;
- ability to undertake basic project administration, record keeping, planning and reporting;
- confidence using standard computer applications;
- willingness and ability to undertake practical on-Country and field-based activities; and
- a current WA driver's licence.

The JDF also requires the successful applicant to be able to obtain and maintain a Working with Children Check.

Desirable

It would be advantageous if you have:




- Whadjuk or broader Noongar cultural knowledge and connections;
- experience working with Aboriginal communities;
- experience in Caring for Country, conservation, environmental restoration, land management or waterways projects;
- experience working with government, Local Government or community organisations; or
- project coordination or community engagement experience.

These are deliberately desirable rather than barriers to applying. The JDF itself recognises experience or passion for Caring for Country and willingness to develop knowledge across culture, setting, language, conservation and land management.

Aboriginal identified position

Aboriginality is an essential requirement of this position and is a genuine occupational qualification under section 50D of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA). Whadjuk and other Noongar people are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why join WAC?

This is an opportunity to work directly with community and partners to strengthen Whadjuk involvement in Caring for Country and help shape how Whadjuk knowledge and participation are embedded in the future management of the Djarlgarro. The role provides an opportunity to build relationships across community, government and Local Government while delivering practical outcomes on Whadjuk Country.

How to apply

Please submit:

- your current resume; and
- a cover letter of no more than two pages explaining your interest in the role and how your experience relates to the essential requirements.

You do not need to prepare a separate written response to every selection criterion. Applications should be submitted through SEEK.

For enquiries about the position, please contact:

Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation

1A George Wiencke Drive

Perth Airport WA 6105

Email: [email protected]

📌 Djarlgarro (Canning) River Guardian (50D)
🏢 Whadjuk Aboriginal
📍 Perth