Senior Anthropologist
Job No:
16700
Location:
Broome, WA
About the Organisation
The Kimberley Land Council Aboriginal Corporation (KLC) is an association of Aboriginal people in the Kimberley region. It is a peak regional community organisation.
The KLC was established in 1978 by Aboriginal people to work for the protection of traditional land and waters and is charged with the responsibility to protect, enhance and gain formal status (legal, social and political) for the customs, laws and traditions of Kimberley Traditional Owners.
As the Federal Government-recognised native title representative body for the Kimberley region, the KLC has statutory functions under the Native Title Act 1993. In accordance with these functions, it assists Aboriginal people to obtain recognition of, and fully enjoy, their native rights and interests. Operations of the KLC are funded primarily, but not exclusively, by the Department of Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA).
The KLC is conscious of the dynamic change taking place in contemporary Aboriginal society and emphasises the role of Kimberley Traditional Owners, our members and communities in managing that change. In this context, it is dedicated to the development of a modern, sophisticated and innovative service to our members and the community.
About the Kimberley Region
The Kimberley region is located in the northern part of Western Australia and covers about 421,000 square kilometres.
The Kimberley is serviced by six regional town centres (Broome, Derby, Kununurra, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing and Wyndham). The region supports a number of surrounding communities with the total population consisting of around 25,000 people.
Industries in the region have included pearling (a big industry in Broome for many years until the 1940s), mining (including the Argyle Diamond mine, which began operation in 1983 and is still producing about 1/3 of the world's diamonds), agriculture (centred on the Ord River Irrigation Area near Lake Argyle) and tourism. The geology of the area is varied and fascinating, as well as producing some spectacular scenery.
About the Opportunity
The Kimberley Land Council (KLC) is seeking an experienced and passionate Senior Anthropologist to undertake native title research and heritage protection work in the Kimberley region.
Working as part of the KLC native title representative body (NTRB) and based in Broome, this role will provide expert advice to KLC Board, Traditional Owners, management and staff on the research required for and the conduct of native title claims, including the future acts notified in relation to native title claims (heritage work).
More specifically, some of your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):
- Working with relevant KLC staff in devising project briefs and specific terms of reference for external anthropological consultant contracts, assisting in the management of these contracts and assessing the consultant's draft contract report prior to its finalisation;
- Monitoring and supervising consultants' contracts and work done under contracts;
- Working with relevant KLC staff to ensure the records gathered in the process of preparing connection and expert witness reports are appropriately catalogued, stored and updated;
- Supervising anthropological staff and liaising with other staff and consultants of the KLC in matters requiring a coordinated approach of anthropological and other resources; and
- Providing regular case management reports to the Principal Legal Officer including information for the development and monitoring of KLC Strategic Plan, Operational Plan and Annual Report.
To be successful in this role, you will have a Postgraduate Degree in Anthropology, with relevant and original field research experience.
The ideal candidate will have experience in anthropological fieldwork in Indigenous communities, preferably in northern Australia, the ability to research and write reports of a high standard, knowledge of the Native Title Act and the native title process in Western Australia, a knowledge of the relevant Heritage Protection Legislation and a demonstrated ability to work with Indigenous people.
Although not essential you will ideally have experience working as a Consultant Anthropologist or Staff Anthropologist for a Native Title Representative Body, in particular experience in preparing native title claim connection reports, experience conducting heritage clearance work on behalf of Indigenous organisations or government departments and an understanding of the cultural, social, economic and political issues that affect Indigenous people in the Kimberley.
In support of your qualifications and experience, you will possess strong communication skills, both oral and written and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team, with limited supervision.
Kimberley Land Council also requires the successful candidates to hold or be willing to obtain a current driver's licence and be computer literate.
The successful candidate will enjoy real day-to-day variety and the opportunity to work with the support of a friendly, cohesive team.
KLC provides a fantastic organisational culture, as well as a strong support network available to help you achieve your goals.
You will be rewarded with an attractive salary circa $69,266 to $82,528 (negotiable depending on qualifications and experience) plus salary sacrificing options to boost the value of your take-home income.
Additional benefits include:
- Five weeks annual leave
- Rental subsidy and air conditioning allowance
- Annual airfare
- Remote Area District allowance
- Assistance with removal costs may be negotiated with applicants from outside the Kimberley.
This is your chance to work in an immensely satisfying role and enjoy the multicultural experience of living and working among Australia's Indigenous people. APPLY NOW!