Lawyer (Native Title)
Job No:
24133
Location:
Geraldton, WA
- Legal role with one of Australia's leading Native Title Representative Bodies!
- Excellent remuneration circa $54,829 - $74,912 plus Superannuation plus Salary Sacrifice options!
- A host of benefits include Relocation Assistance, Remote Area Allowance, Housing Allowance and an annual Airfare for you and your family!
- Challenging and rewarding role within a progressive and innovative Aboriginal organisation!
About the Organisation
Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) is one of the leading and most successful Native Title Representative Bodies in Australia. It represents the Pilbara and Murchison Gascoyne regions of WA and has responsibilities under the Native Title Act to assist constituents with their native title claims.
The Corporation is run by an Aboriginal Board of Directors who are committed to protecting the Yamatji and Marlpa country by providing a range of professional services to their clients.
The Corporation's work includes:
- Legal representation and research to assist with native title claims
- Negotiating land use agreements
- Heritage protection services
- Community, economic and environmental projects
Representing more than 24 different claim groups, all with their own culture, language and traditions, YMAC covers over 1 million square kilometres, with offices in Geraldton, South Hedland, Karratha, Tom Price and Perth.
About Life in Geraldton, WA
The Geraldton region is the hub of the entire mid-West of Western Australia. Located about 450km north of Perth, the city is perched near beautiful coastline to the west and rolling hills and breakaway ranges to the east. This superb positioning, combined with the friendly feel of a country town, means people from all cornes of Australia have made the city their home.
Geraldton's incredible location lends itself to a host of outdoors activities, especially water sports. Windsurfing, kitesurfing, surfing, fishing, diving and swimming are popular choices for the energetic while those looking to relax love lazing on the white sandy beaches, strolling its shorelines or wading in the turquoise shallows.
Even better, Geraldton is currently enjoying a major transformation that is reshaping the very heart of the city. The central business district is undergoing a $25m facelift which is turning the city to face its magnificent shores. Soon walk trails and landscaped gardens will line the beachfront, while more alfresco dining establishments and shopping outlets will grace streets overlooking the shoreline. Add in the existing modern housing, business establishments, Fisherman's wharf and a marina housing a wide range of arts galleries and pleasure craft, and you know that Geraldton truly is the jewel in the crown of the Coral Coast.
About the Opportunity
Yamatji Marlpa Aboriginal Corporation (YMAC) is currently seeking a Lawyer to join the team in the Geraldton office.
You will be responsible for conducting assigned native title claims and associated legal matters effectively and efficiently.
Under the direction of the Deputy Principal Legal Officer, your core responsibilities will include:
- Ensuring that assigned claims are conducted in a professional and efficient manner;
- Ensuring that reports on the progress of claims to the DPLO occur in a timely and accurate manner;
- Establishing and maintaining effective relationships with the claim group, working group and other staff;
- Conducting assigned future act matters in an efficient and timely manner;
- Identifying all cost-recovery and strategic opportunities arising from the future act;
- Working closely with the CLO and Anthropologist and other team members as part of the 'claim team'; and
- Taking care of any physical resources during employment, including IT, vehicles, equipment and related items.
The ideal candidate will be positive, innovative and experienced, with a deep appreciation of the issues and trends impacting upon Indigenous Australians. Furthermore, you will have the knowledge necessary to advise on native title, Aboriginal heritage, mining and environmental laws, contractual negotiations, corporate compliance, litigation and alternative dispute resolution.
To achieve in this pivotal role, you will need to possess tertiary qualifications in Law, with preferably some proven experience in the provision of legal services. You will be able to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and external agencies at all levels. It is preferred you possess immediate eligibility for admission or admission to practice in WA, though candidates looking to complete articles or College of Law are also encouraged to apply.
In addition, experience working in regional or rural Australia with Indigenous people will be preferable as you gain the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people. Excellent project management, problem solving, negotiation and interpersonal skills are also required, as is a demonstrated ability to effectively manage, lead and inspire a high performance team.
A current driver's licence and the ability to travel extensively for work is essential.
To reward your hard work and dedication, you will receive an attractive salary $54,829 - $74,912 + super, negotiated to suit the experience and seniority you bring to the role.
YMAC also provides the following benefits:
- Salary Sacrifice options;
- Up to 23 RDOs per year;
- 12 days sick/carer leave per year;
- 5 day paid shutdown over Christmas - New Year period, excluded from annual leave;
- Leave loading on holiday pay; and
- Pro rata Long Service Leave available after 3.5 years.
In addition, YMAC will provide airfares for the right applicant and their immediate family, plus relocation costs up to $4,000!
This is a fantastic opportunity to join an innovative and supportive team in a senior management role that is dedicated to protecting the rights of Traditional Owners and their country.
Advance your career and further develop your skills with one of Australia's largest Aboriginal Corporations.