Job description
Agency Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority Work unit Research
Job title Anthropologist Designation Professional 2
Job type Full Time Duration Fixed for 4 years
Salary $95,697 - $114,104 Location Alice Springs/ Darwin
Position number 32260014 RTF 359104 Closing 12/11/2026
Contact Shannon Tchia, Director Research on 0447 392 550 or [email protected]
About the agency http://www.aapant.org.au/
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=359104
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR TERTIARY
QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with
disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss
this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go to the
OCPE website.

Primary objective
Undertake anthropological fieldwork research to meet the objectives of the Authority in accordance with the Northern Territory Aboriginal
Sacred Sites Act 1989.
Context statement
The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority is an independent statutory Authority established by the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites
Act 1989 designed to effect a practical balance between the recognised need to preserve and enhance Aboriginal cultural tradition in relation
to certain land in the Territory and the aspirations of Aboriginal and all other peoples of the Territory for their economic, cultural and social
advancement by providing advice for the protection of sacred sites in the context of development.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Plan and undertake approved projects including anthropology fieldwork research and report writing. Projects may involve the

Registration of Sacred Sites, Authority Certificates, Site Damage Investigations or any other aspects of Authority responsibility.
2. Report consultations and otherwise document projects in writing, maps, image and audio recording via approved manner in

accordance with research policy, procedure and methods.
3. Review, revise and supplement the Authority records relating to Sacred Sites, traditions and custodians.
4. Undertake consultation to achieve a practical balance with landowners with regard to land access and landowner interests in the

context of the registration of sacred sites and other work.
5. Liaise with/between applicants, landowners and custodians regarding all facets of Authority Certificate and Sacred Site Registration

applications along with site damage matters as required.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Honours Degree (equivalent or higher) in Anthropology or equivalent discipline.
2. Independent research skills and anthropology fieldwork experience in an Aboriginal context.
3. Demonstrated ability to prepare complex research reports and other documents demonstrating unbiased and

confidential practices.
4. Demonstrated high level ability in contemporary negotiation and problem-solving skills, discretion, initiative, flexibility

and ability to effectively manage conflict.
5. Highly developed oral and written communication skills, including an ability to communicate complex issues to a wide

range of clients and work effectively as a member of a team.
6. Highly developed computer skills, database use and use of report writing programs.
7.



Ability to undertake remote fieldwork via vehicle or charters for extended periods of time.
8. An ability to interact and work effectively with people of diverse cultures in particular, Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander groups.
9. Manual Driver’s licence.
Desirable
1. Experience working with Aboriginal people and remote area fieldwork including regional specialisation and language

speaking skills.
2. Knowledge of Northern Territory political context in which the NTSSA operates.
3. Remote first aid certificate or the ability to obtain.

Further information
The preferred or recommended applicant with be required to obtain a working with children’s card and may require a criminal history
check. A criminal history check will not exclude an applicant from this position unless it is relevant to the position. This position requires
remote travel via vehicle, boat or air for extended periods and at times on short notice. Please note as this is a fixed term agreement, any
NTPS applicants will need to consider Public Employment (Mobility) Act 1989, restrictions including non-portability of entitlements.
Approved: 29 September 2026 Andrew Harvey – Director Corporate Services

Page 1 of 2

Job description
Agency Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority Work unit Research

Job title Senior Anthropologist Designation Professional 3

Job type Full Time Duration Fixed for 4 years

Salary $117,625 - $131,735 Location Alice Springs / Darwin

Position number 32260014 RTF 359104 Closing 12/11/2026

Contact Shannon Tchia, Director Research on 0447 392 550 or [email protected]

About the agency http://www.aapant.org.au/

Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=359104

APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR TERTIARY
QUALIFICATIONS.
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with disability by
making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss this with the contact officer.
For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go to the OCPE website.

Primary objective
Undertake complex anthropological fieldwork research to meet the objectives of the Authority in accordance with the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred
Sites Act 1989 (Sacred Sites Act).
Context statement
The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority is an independent statutory Authority established under Sacred Sites Act designed to effect a practical balance
between the recognised need to preserve and enhance Aboriginal cultural tradition in relation to certain land in the Territory and the aspirations of Aboriginal
and all other peoples of the Territory for their economic, cultural and social advancement by providing advice for the protection of sacred sites in the context
of development.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Plan and undertake approved projects including complex anthropology fieldwork research and report writing within timeframes and within budget





with a clear understanding of strategic and political pressures.
2. Independently problem solve, mediate and negotiate to bring projects to a successful outcome without intervention from management
3. Document anthropological research in the form of written reports, genealogies, maps, images and audio/visual recordings in accordance with research

policy, procedure and methods.
4. Review, revise and supplement the Authority records relating to sacred sites, traditions and custodians in line with strategic priorities.
5. Undertake complex consultations to achieve a practical balance with landowners with regard to land access and landowner interests in the context of

the registration of sacred sites and other work.
6. Liaise with/between applicants, landowners and custodians regarding all facets of Authority Certificate and Sacred Site Registration applications along

with compliance investigations or other matters.
7. Provide strategic anthropological advice and regional insights to management in relation to specific projects or when required.
8. Provide ongoing training and mentorship for recent and more junior members of the research team.
9. Contribute to the professional development of other Authority staff by engaging in internal educational forums on the conduct anthropological

research into sacred sites.
10. Support the Manager Anthropology in the strategic prioritisation of workloads and by conducting peer reviews of anthropology reports by staff or

consultants and making recommendations and other special projects as directed by the Manager.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Honours Degree (equivalent or higher) in Anthropology or equivalent discipline.
2. Extensive experience in complex independent research, consultations and anthropology fieldwork in an Aboriginal context.
3. Demonstrated ability to prepare complex research reports and other documents demonstrating unbiased and confidential practices

and manage competing priorities to achieve timely outcomes.
4. Highly developed and accurate oral, written and interpersonal communication skills, including effective negotiation, problem solving

and mediations skills having achieved a successful outcome.
5. Highly developed computer skills, database use and use of report writing programs and mapping/GPS technologies.
6. Extensive experience and willingness to undertake remote fieldwork via vehicle or charters for extended periods of time.
7. Prior experience in the peer review of anthropology reports and/or mentoring junior anthropologists.
8. Capacity to work outside of normal work hours, including regional and remote travel.
9. Manual driver’s licence.
Desirable
1. Aboriginal (preferably NT) regional specialisation and language speaking / linguistic skills.
2. Knowledge and experience in the Northern Territory Aboriginal political and legal context in which the Sacred Sites Act operates, such as Aboriginal

cultural heritage, the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth) or the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).
3. Capacity to undertake fieldwork as required or the ability to obtain the skills required quickly.
Further information
The preferred or recommended applicant with be required to obtain a working with children’s card and may require a criminal history check. A criminal
history check will not exclude an applicant from this position unless it is relevant to the position. This position requires remote travel via vehicle, boat or air
for extended periods and at times on short notice. Please note as this is a fixed term agreement, any NTPS applicants will need to consider Public Employment
(Mobility) Act 1989 restrictions, including non-portability of certain entitlements.

📌 Anthropologist / Senior Anthropologist (Alice Springs)
🏢 Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority
📍 Alice Springs