Ngururrpa Ranger Coordinator

Broome and Balgo, Western Australia

Full-time, Fixed Term Position (Three Years)

About Desert Support Services

Desert Support Services (DSS) has over a decade of experience supporting Traditional Owner groups across the Central Desert region of Western Australia to achieve strong environmental, economic, social and cultural outcomes on Country. DSS works alongside its clients to establish, develop and sustain Indigenous land management and ranger programs, while actively building governance and organisational capacity to enable Traditional Owner groups to run their own programs into the future.

About the Role

DSS is seeking an experienced and motivated Ngururrpa Ranger Coordinator to support the delivery of the Ngururrpa Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) and Aboriginal Ranger Program (ARP).

Based in Broome, the Ngururrpa Ranger Coordinator will undertake regular travel to Balgo and surrounding areas of the Ngururrpa IPA, including extended periods of remote fieldwork on Country.

This role works closely with the Ngururrpa IPA Coordinator, Traditional Owners, Parna Ngururrpa Aboriginal Corporation (PNAC), partner organisations and DSS staff to coordinate land management projects, strengthen ranger capacity, and support Ngururrpa Traditional Owners to achieve their aspirations for Country.

This is a unique opportunity to work alongside Traditional Owners in the south-eastern Kimberley, contributing to meaningful cultural and environmental outcomes while supporting the growth and leadership of the Ngururrpa Ranger Program.

Role Responsibilities

The Ngururrpa Ranger Coordinator will play a key role in coordinating and leading ranger activities, supporting program delivery, and building the capacity of Ngururrpa Traditional Owners to manage and lead their land management program into the future.

Responsibilities include:

• Coordinating and leading on-Country land management activities under the Ngururrpa Aboriginal Ranger Program
• Preparing work plans, schedules and project budgets Coordinating field trips, logistics, implementation and reporting requirements
• Working closely with Traditional Owners, the Ngururrpa IPA Management Team and PNAC to deliver strategic goals identified in the IPA Plan for Country and other management plans Supporting ranger training, professional development and skills development opportunities
• Mentoring and developing ranger leadership, effectiveness and workplace capability
• Assisting Traditional Owners to strengthen governance, decision-making and program management capacity
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with community members, service providers, contractors and partner organisations
• Participating in DSS planning, team meetings and organisational initiatives
• Spending extended periods in remote locations and undertaking field-based work across the Ngururrpa IPA
• Coordinating payments for Rangers and Cultural Advisers
• Supporting workplace health and safety across all ranger activities
• Managing vehicles, equipment and program assets

About You

We are interested in hearing from applicants who:

• Have demonstrated experience in planning and implementing remote community-focused field work
• Demonstrated experience with Indigenous land management and/or strong skills in environmental science, natural resource management, community development or related practical fields
• Have experience working collaboratively with Aboriginal people to achieve shared goals
• Are resilient, adaptable and enjoy working in remote environments
• Are innovative, solutions-focused and able to work effectively through collaboration
• Have strong organisational, project coordination and problem-solving skills
• Can work productively with limited supervision in complex and remote situations
• Have excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Are competent in Microsoft Office and general computer applications
• Hold a current manual driver’s licence and have experience operating 4WD vehicles in remote and off-road conditions
• Are willing and able to undertake extended fieldwork in remote areas of the south-eastern Kimberley
• Are able to obtain a current National Police Clearance and Working With Children Check.

Employment Conditions

The successful applicant will be offered a competitive salary package commensurate with skills and experience between the range of $99,866 to $110,174 per annum plus superannuation. DSS also offers a range of attractive benefits including:

• An additional payment of $6,000 per annum (paid as a fortnightly allowance) to support employees based in regional and remote areas of WA
• Salary packaging opportunities, allowing employees to increase their take-home pay through tax-effective salary sacrifice arrangements
• A total of 6 weeks leave each year (4 weeks annual leave plus 2 weeks Field Leave)
• Paid Christmas shutdown
• A Wellness Day each year
• 17.5% Leave loading
• Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) for approved additional hours worked
• Professional development opportunities

How to Apply

1. A cover letter demonstrating your suitability for the role and highlighting your relevant skills, experience and qualifications
2. Submit your cover letter with your resume via Seek or alternatively in PDF format to meggietownsend@centraldesert.org.au.

Applications close at 5pm on Wednesday, 5th August 2026.

Before an offer of employment can be made Desert Support Services requires a National Police Clearance, not older than 6 months, a current Working with Children Check and evidence of an unrestricted driver’s license.

Indigenous Australians are encouraged to apply.  We are seeking to increase the diversity of our workforce to better meet the needs of our clients and to improve equal opportunity outcomes for our employees.  This is authorised under Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.