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 OR
ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS MAY BE CONSIDERED BY NEGOTIATION

APPLICATIONS FOR THIS POSITION CLOSE AT
MIDDAY ON THURSDAY, 18 JUNE 2026

Job Description

Reporting to the Manager Aboriginal Partnerships, this position will:

• Coordinate and lead the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions’ participation in native title matters, including leading negotiations and reviews of Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs), and representing the department in whole-of-government native title compensation processes, as required.
  
  
• Coordinate the development of policies, strategies and supporting frameworks relating to native title, in accordance with the Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 (CALM Act), the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act), the Native Title Act 1993 (NT Act), and associated regulations.
  
  
• Provide authoritative advice and lead complex strategic projects to resolve legal and policy issues affecting the department’s responsibilities for the conservation estate, including matters with whole-of-government implications.
  
  
• Initiate, develop and implement strategic initiatives consistent with the department’s strategic directions and State Government priorities relating to native title and land management.
  
  
• Lead and participate in internal and inter-departmental forums and negotiations on native title matters, representing DBCA interests on issues affecting the management, use and tenure of the conservation estate.
  
  
• Provide specialist advice and guidance to regional staff, business units and senior officers on native title, ILUAs, compensation frameworks and the application of relevant land management legislation.

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

Applicants should address the following five (5) criteria. These should be addressed in no more than three (3) pages in total.

1. Extensive experience in, and knowledge of, native title and land management processes and legislation, including the Native Title Act 1993 (NT Act), Conservation and Land Management Act 1984 (CALM Act), and the Biodiversity Conservation Act 2016 (BC Act).
   
   
2. Demonstrated experience in the interpretation and application of legislation and legal advice relating to conservation, land management and native title.
   
   
3. Extensive experience working with Government agencies and Aboriginal representative bodies and communities, demonstrating well-developed cross-cultural communication, negotiation and facilitation skills.
   
   
4. Extensive experience communicating, liaising and negotiating complex issues at a range of levels, including in inter-agency and whole-of-government forums, to facilitate outcomes.
   
   
5. Demonstrated experience in the development and implementation of policy, strategies and supporting frameworks, particularly in a native title or land management context.

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.

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 three (3) pages.
• current CV, including the details of two referees with one being a recent or current manager/supervisor.

For further job-related information: contact Ben Ansell on (08) 9219 9112 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.

As part of our strategy to increase the diversity of our workforce, Aboriginality is preferred for this position (refer Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984 (WA), as amended). Aboriginal applicants who meet the selection criteria may be prioritised for appointment.

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.