POSITION DESCRIPTION
Job Title : Water Officer
Location: Warrnambool, Victoria
Term: 1.0 FTE 2 years full time
Salary: $70 000 – $80 000
Reports to: Healthy Country Manager
THE ORGANISATION
Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) was determined by the Federal Court as a Registered
Native Title Body Corporate (RNTBC) under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) in 2011, holding native title
for an area of land shared with the Gunditjmara people in what is now known as South West Victoria.
In 2012, the Eastern Maar filed a native title claim over the remaining portion of their traditional land
and waters. EMAC has been accorded Registered Aboriginal Party (RAP) status (under Victorian
Aboriginal heritage legislation) for the shared native title area and the area covered by the 2012 native
title claim in February 2020.
The Corporation is governed by a Board of Directors, each representing a family group of the Eastern
Maar People. Its role is to protect and advance the aspirations of Eastern Maar citizens by managing
their native title and cultural heritage rights and interests and implementing aspects of the Eastern
Maar Settlement Agreements to be negotiated with the State of Victoria under the Traditional Owner
Settlement Act 2010. EMAC is also responsible for providing high quality policy advice, leadership in
developing key initiatives, and strengthening the capacity and independence of Eastern Maar citizens.
PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION
The EMAC Country Plan called Meerreengeeye Ngakeepoorryeeyt, which means ‘Our Country’ in our
Maar language articulates our plan for management of and caring for water and sea country within
our Ancestral Estate.
The position will be the key contact for EMAC on water related policy and planning matters ensuring
partnerships and strong working relationships are formed and nurtured. The Water Officer will
oversee liaison roles with Catchment Management Authorities and Water Corporations across the
Maar Nation.
The Water Officer will play a significant role in leading local projects and programs contributing to
environmental and economic outcomes for Eastern Maar citizens. The role supports implementation
of relevant actions from Water for Victoria including better incorporation of Aboriginal values,
traditional ecological knowledge and participation in water planning and management
KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Specifically the position duties will include;
– Being the main point of contact for EMAC on all water related policy and planning matters.
partnerships and strong working relationships are formed and nurtured.
– Increasing Traditional Owner Catchment Management Authorities (CMA), Water
Corporations and Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP)
understanding of Aboriginal water values, requirements and use.
– Promoting inclusion of Eastern Maar values in water planning and management and
supporting and hosting events to promote involvement from Traditional Owners on Country.
– Researching and contributing to relevant agencies key strategies, goals, and objectives to
maximise opportunity for EMAC specific to water.
– Providing advice on opportunities, challenges and issues related to the management of
waterways within the EMAC ancestral estate
– Developing, with community, board and staff input, agreed and prioritised water-based
priority focus areas for EMAC to pursue and include in EMAC’s Country Plan refresh
– Work closely with other members of the Biocultural Landscapes Division and consultants to
seek out and document information on the cultural significance of key waterways and the
associated environment from an EMAC perspective for inclusion in EMAC’s Biocultural
Landscape database and Strategy.
– Prepare relevant funding submissions and assisting with related projects and events
– Participating in the Aboriginal Water Officer Network facilitated by DELWP’s Aboriginal
Water Unit.
General
– Being aware and adhere to The Privacy Act, OH & S Legislation and other relevant legislations
– Being aware and adhere to EMAC Policy and Procedure manuals
– Being aware and participate in staff performance reviews
– Attending all mandatory training as required
– Performing other duties as may be directed or implied from time to time
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA
Essential
– Excellent written and oral communication skills including the ability to effectively engage
and maintain relationships with a range of stakeholders including management, government
bodies and community members.
– An ability to articulate the way in which EMAC values and assertions might be brought to
bear upon government policy and practice in relation to water
– A genuine commitment to capacity building and ‘water literacy’ amongst EMAC its Board
and community
– Proven ability to show initiative, supervise others, work collaboratively, prioritise work
requirements, consult appropriately and respond to direction.
– Good time management skills with the ability to manage multiple relationships and projects
simultaneously
Desirable
– Proven planning, problem solving and analytical skills with the ability to work through issues
with moderate complexity and guide and/or coach others in the resolution of problems.
– Demonstrated understanding of the regulatory framework in which EMAC operates.
– Knowledge of Eastern Maar people, Country, culture, values, aspirations and customs and
experience working with the Eastern Maar people, community and key organisations and
stakeholder groups
– Experience working with Aboriginal people, including a demonstrated ability to
communicate and engage sensitively and effectively with Traditional Owner led
communities and organisations
Other position requirements
– The incumbent requires the ability to travel regularly for work related purposes.
– A current Victorian driver’s licence is essential.
– Proficiency in the use of computer and telecommunications technology.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply please include in your application a CV/resume and cover letter that addresses why you are
the best candidate for this position and how your background, experience and skills align with the
Key Selection Criteria
Please ensure your full name is on all attachments and email your application bansri.dave@easternmaar.com.au
Closing date for applications: COB 12 August 2022
If you have any queries about the role, please email bansri.dave@easternmaar.com.au
Read full description of the position at this link.
Appointment of the successful applicant will be made subject to a satisfactory national police history
check.
Applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are encouraged, but this is not a
designated/identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander appointment
