Job opportunity

Join us in our mission to promote biodiversity, conserve our valuable ecosystems, and provide engaging attractions that connect people with nature.

THIS IS A PERMANENT, FULL-TIME POSITION

THIS POSITION IS BASED IN KENSINGTON

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT
MIDDAY ON FRIDAY, 19 JUNE 2026

We currently have an opportunity for a Manager, Aboriginal Partnerships to join our team.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Parks and Visitor Services, this position:

• Directs and manages the operation of the Aboriginal Partnerships Branch to deliver on State Government, Departmental and Divisional priorities and strategies relating to Aboriginal engagement, cultural heritage, joint management and native title.
  
  
• Provides leadership and guidance to Branch staff across Joint & Cooperative Management, Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, Aboriginal Ranger Program, and Native Title units, balancing direct engagement in complex community situations with establishing frameworks that enable coordinators to lead routine engagements.
  
  
• Maintains a broad working knowledge of issues relevant to Aboriginal engagement, cultural heritage, native title and joint management policy; chairs relevant working groups and forums; and provides advice and expertise to the Minister for the Environment, the Executive, and major stakeholders.
  
  
• Draws on deep Branch expertise to provide trusted advice to the Executive Director, Parks and Visitor Services, supporting whole-of-agency policy settings, strategic decision-making and divisional priorities across Parks and Visitor Services.

At the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA), we have adopted Leadership Expectations which provides a common understanding of the mindsets and expected behaviours required of all our employees and the public sector. In this role, you will be Leading Others to help drive positive change.

Selection Criteria

About You

We are looking for a values-driven, collaborative leader who is committed to respectful partnerships, strong public sector governance and delivering positive outcomes for Aboriginal communities, parks and visitors.

What You’ll Bring

1. Demonstrated leadership and people-management experience, with the ability to support and develop teams, navigate complexity, and contribute positively through periods of change.
   
   
2. Experience in Aboriginal engagement, including working authentically with traditional owner groups, Aboriginal corporations and community stakeholders, either within government or in partnership with government.
   
   
3. Experience contributing to public policy development or implementation, with the ability to help shape initiatives, provide sound advice, and support translation of strategic decisions into workable programs or frameworks.
   
   
4. Well-developed relationship-building skills, with the ability to work effectively with Aboriginal communities, colleagues across government, and stakeholders to achieve shared outcomes.

Communication and Problem-Solving

5. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to adapt messages for different audiences, including community stakeholders, senior leaders and ministers, and contribute to high-quality briefings and advice.
   
   
6. Good analytical and problem-solving ability, with confidence in working through complex or sensitive matters in a thoughtful, respectful and solution-focused way.
   
   
7. Experience managing programs or resources, including financial, physical or technological assets, and an understanding of accountability and value for money in the public sector.

Knowledge and Professional Practice

8. An understanding of legislative and policy frameworks relevant to Aboriginal engagement, cultural heritage, land or resource management, or a willingness to build this knowledge in the role (knowledge of the Native Title Act 1993 and Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 is desirable).
   
   
9. Experience or interest in joint or cooperative management approaches between government and Aboriginal organisations (Desirable).
   
   
10. An understanding of workplace safety, equity and diversity principles, and a commitment to inclusive and respectful workplaces.
    
    
11. A current motor vehicle driver’s licence.
    
    
12. A willingness to participate in fire management activities, such as bushfire suppression or prescribed burning, where required and consistent with capability, training and experience (Desirable).

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds

We welcome applicants who bring diverse lived experience, perspectives and capabilities. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply.

About Us

DBCA, one of Western Australia's largest state government agencies, providing exciting and challenging career opportunities in biodiversity conservation and park and natural resource management. We employ people with world-class scientific, policy, land and marine management, visitor services, research and educational skills.

For more information on what we do, our recruitment process, and why working at DBCA is an attractive proposition, please visit our website.

Benefits of working with us

In addition to the attractive salary and opportunities to contribute to biodiversity and environmental conservation initiatives, the department offers incentives including:

• Flexible working arrangements.
• 12% superannuation, full employer contribution and salary packaging options.
• 4 weeks annual leave with 17.5% loading paid as additional pay every December. 
• 3 days additional public sector holidays each year.
• Cultural leave for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.
• Access to study, bereavement, foster caring and parental leave.
• A confidential employee assistant program (EAP) for you and your family, including psychology and counselling services.
• An annual National Park Entry Pass.
• Well-established learning and development programs.
• Free staff parking.

How to apply: 

All applications are to be submitted online. Select 'Apply for job', located at either the top or the bottom of the screen, and follow the instructions; you will need to provide a:

• a covering letter.
• a statement addressing the above requested criteria (in no more than four (4) pages.
• current CV, including the details of two referees with one being a recent or current manager/supervisor.

For further job-related information: contact Luke Bentley on 0409 686 083 or for further information about the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, visit https://www.dbca.wa.gov.au/.

We have a detailed Job Application Kit to provide information about us, the value of the department and practical guidance on the process for you. Please ensure you have saved your documents in MS Word (.docx files only) or PDF format and have allowed plenty of time to submit your application, as late, emailed and proforma applications will not be accepted.

Prior to commencement, the successful applicant will need to possess or obtain:

• A current (issue date not older than 6 months) and satisfactory National Police Check.
• A current Western Australian motor vehicle drivers licence.

For the full role description, detailed responsibilities and a full list of selection criteria, please refer to the Job Description link below. The documents linked to this advertisement are available in alternative formats upon request.

Eligibility: To be eligible for permanent appointment, it is essential to have Australian citizenship, New Zealand citizenship or Australian permanent residency status. 

A search for additional applicants may be conducted for this position where necessary to provide a more diverse and/or competitive field.

Substantive Equality Statement

DBCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages Indigenous Australians, young people, people with disabilities, people from culturally diverse backgrounds and women to apply for positions within our agency. People with disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments in our recruitment processes and in the workplace. The Department also promotes flexible working arrangements.

Applicants with a disability who require adjustments in the recruitment process, including an alternative to applying online, can contact the Senior Recruitment Officer on (08) 9219 9879 or recruitment@dbca.wa.gov.au. Do not send job applications to this email; they will not be accepted.

If you are an Aboriginal person who would like assistance with your application, please contact Jobs and Skills WA on 13 64 64.

Similar appointments may be made from this process in locations throughout Western Australia within a 12-month period to positions that may be permanent or contract, including contract appointments with the possibility of subsequent permanency.