Ranger Coordinator at Kokatha Aboriginal Corporation – Roxby Downs, South Australia

About Us

The Kokatha People are the Traditional Owners of a large area of land in the northern region of South Australia, estimated to extend over some 140,000 km2. Traditionally the Kokatha people have been associated with the land that is to the north of Port Augusta, stretching from Lake Torrens in the east to the Gawler Ranges in the West. This includes the land surrounding BHP’s Olympic Dam operation near Roxby Downs and Oz Mineral’s copper-gold project at Carrapateena.

The Kokatha People decided to form this Aboriginal Corporation to be the prescribed body corporate and to become the registered native title body corporate for the determined areas pursuant to section 57(2) of the NTA and to manage the native title rights and interests of the Common Law Holders.

Our Vision

Kokatha’s vision is to improve the lives of Kokatha people.

By building a strong economic base, the Kokatha group is providing long term independence for Kokatha people by providing employment, education and enterprises opportunities, career pathways and self-development for current and future generations.

About the role

This is an exciting new, hands-on role aimed at supporting Kokatha People’s aspiration to care for country, culture, and their community through the Kokatha Ranger Program. The role will oversee the day-to-day operations and long-term success of the Kokatha Ranger Program and is integral to aligning Indigenous-led land management activities with staff training and development, community expectations, and organisational values.

Working closely with the Station Manager and other on-ground staff, the role will be predominantly hands-on in coordinating and leading fieldwork, community engagement, and collaboration with partner organisations and government agencies.

A strong focus on staff development, cultural respect, safety, and building Kokatha capacity is central to this position.

What you'll do

• Support development of a strategic plan for the Kokatha Ranger Program (KRP) that balances traditional ranger program activities (e.g. fire management, threatened species monitoring) with pastoral program activities (e.g. fencing, stock and water point management and monitoring)
• Develop and implement operational and work plans aimed at achieving the vision and goals set out in the strategic plan.
• Provide practical, hands-on supervision, guidance and mentorship to the ranger team and arrange training opportunities to build their skills and capabilities.
• Establish and coordinate the Ranger Reference Group (RRG), including organizing and attending meetings, and reporting on KRP progress
• Develop budgets and manage expenditure with support form the Station Manager and other KAC staff
• Collect data and record field activities to inform progress reporting and adaptation of management actions where required
• Work closely with Station Manager, Elders and knowledge holders
• Liaise with local authorities, community groups and other stakeholders to collaborate on environmental initiatives.
• Assist in developing and managing the budgets.
• Participate in the planning and delivery of community engagement activities to promote awareness of the Kokatha Ranger Program and relevant KAC initiatives.
• Ensure adherence of staff to all KAC policies and procedures

To be successful in this role you will have:

• A genuine commitment to Indigenous-led ranger programs.
• Strong people skills and an ability to adapt to a cross-cultural environment.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating Indigenous ranger programs including development and implementation of work plans in a remote setting.
• Understanding of Aboriginal cultural and social contexts and challenges in Australia.
• Strong team management and logistical skills with excellent organisational skillset.
• Capable of working independently in remote settings with a positive, solutions-focused attitude.
• Physically fit and prepared for field-based work in challenging conditions.
• Competence in using Microsoft 365 applications and GIS/Mapping software and data collection tools.
• Willingness to travel and comfortable with being in a remote setting including camping in a swag for up to few days at a time.
• 4WD experience and/or emergency management knowledge.
• Current Australian Open driver's license.

What we offer
At KAC, we offer generous conditions and are committed to supporting the professional and personal growth of our employees.

You will have access to ongoing training and development opportunities, as well as a competitive salary and benefits package. We also offer flexible work arrangements and a collaborative, inclusive work environment that values work-life balance. This role includes 4 weeks annual leave.

The role comes with generous conditions including:

• Access to salary packaging (up to $18,500 per year)
• Ensuite accommodation at Roxby Station at no cost
• Meals provided at Roxby Station at no cost
• Mobile phone and internet supplied
• 4 weeks annual leave
• Work vehicle for work purposes

To apply or ask any questions, please email an expression of interest briefly outlining relevant experience and why you are applying as well as a current resume / CV to ranger.operations@kokatha.com.au

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged to apply.

KAC may interview and hire a suitable candidate before the closing date, so please apply promptly.

Let’s walk together to ensure the success of this important ranger program in a unique and diverse cultural landscape—keeping Country strong, culture alive, and community empowered.

To find out more about KAC, visit: kokatha.com.au