About the ALC

The Anindilyakwa Land Council (ALC) is a ‘future-forward’ Land Council, directed by the 14 clans of the Groote archipelago region, enabling the Anindilyakwa people to take full advantage of the opportunities and technology available in the 21st century, while simultaneously preserving land, language and culture.

Land and Sea Department

The Land & Sea Department works with Traditional Owners to manage and care for country. The ALC Rangers assist Traditional Owners to meet their cultural responsibilities and aspirations for managing traditional homelands, protecting, and passing on knowledge and law to future generations, and creating a sustainable and culturally appropriate economy across Aboriginal lands. The Rangers work in partnership with community organisations, both on Groote Eylandt and mainland Australia, industry and government departments and currently manage a range of projects with approximately 20 staff across the Groote Archipelago. Projects are diverse and include, but are not limited to threatened species management, biosecurity, asset maintenance, compliance, and enforcement with fisheries legislation and ALC’s recreation permit system relevant to the Aboriginal Lands Act, weed control, education and community awareness, ecological research, search and rescue activities and cultural resource management.

The Land and Sea Department works to protect the biodiversity, cultural and recreational values of the Groote Archipelago through the Jobs Land and Economy Program, Working on Country (WoC) and Indigenous Protected Area (IPA) funding streams provided by the State and Federal government.

The Groote Eylandt Biosecurity Program commenced in 2016 and is a collaboration between the ALC and South32 GEMCO. We are proud of our achievements and success for far and the program received national recognition in 2021, winning an Australian Biosecurity Award for the best environmental biosecurity program in the country.

About the Position

The Biosecurity Officer sits within the Land and Sea Rangers department and will perform a range of biosecurity activities to protect the unique values of the Groote Archipelago. Activities include, but are not limited to, management of introduced and invasive plant species, animals and diseases, with a focus on cane toad biosecurity. The position will be responsible for a cane toad detection dog used for cane toad surveillance at freight ports across Groote Eylandt. This position will assist in mentoring and training ALC Ranger staff when undertaking biosecurity activities. This position will work collaboratively with all staff in the ALC Rangers and other ALC staff and departments as required.

This position will be responsible for the care, maintenance and welfare of a cane toad detection dog and home kenneling of that dog at the residence provided by South32 Groote Eylandt Mining Company (GEMCO)

Key responsibilities

• Carry out activities for the Groote Eylandt Biosecurity Program with support from the Land and Sea Manager and South32 GEMCO.
• Undertake cane toad detection dog surveillance on barge freight arriving on Groote Eylandt, including barges arriving outside of normal working hours, on weekends and public holidays when required.
• Undertake cane toad biosecurity activities including response to sighting reports, spotlight surveillance, the installation and regular inspection of cane toad traps, e-DNA water monitoring other surveillance methods.
• Undertake thorough biosecurity inspections including (but not limited to) the inspections of freight such as plants, equipment, vehicles and heavy machinery to ensure they are clean and free of biosecurity risks.
• Undertake non-compliance action with any breaches of the Groote Eylandt and Biosecurity Program.
• Respond to significant biosecurity threats with support from Territory and Federal Government departments where required.
• Monitor and maintain detection dog proficiency by conducting regular maintenance and training exercises.
• Home kennel and ensure the fitness, health, welfare and care of the detection dog at the residence provided by South32 GEMCO.
• Maintain and ensure the health, welfare, record keeping and security of captive cane toads for use in training of detection dog.
• Assist in preparation and delivery of biosecurity awareness sessions and training with a variety of stakeholders both on and off Groote Eylandt to increase awareness.
• Assist in mentoring and training ALC Ranger staff towards developing Biosecurity Champions of the Groote Eylandt Biosecurity Program.
• Participate in provision of data for department reporting requirements.
• Undertake other activities within the ALC Land & Sea Department as required.

Selection Criteria

Essential

• Tertiary qualifications in a relevant Science or Land Management field or relevant demonstrated work experience.
• Experienced working independently with minimal supervision in a remote area and demonstrated capacity to remain focused, positive and organised in a challenging work environment.
• Sound interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and maintain strong relationships with co-workers and external stakeholders.
• Good written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to prepare accurate reports and complete administrative tasks on a timely basis
• Good computer skills including proficiency with Microsoft Office software to complete regular work tasks.
• Sound understanding of detection dog handling principles and the ability and willingness to learn and maintain the proficiency of a detection dog to a high operational standard.
• Must pass a GEMCO Health Screening which includes a physical and drug and alcohol testing.

Desirable

• Demonstrated experience and confidence in supervising and mentoring indigenous staff in a cross-cultural environment.
• Demonstrated understanding and knowledge of Aboriginal social and cultural challenges in Northern Australia and willingness to commit to community empowerment, training and development.
• Current C Class drivers’ licence and ability to operate 4wd vehicles safely in remote areas or willingness to acquire such skills.
• Working with Children’s Check (Ochre Card) or the ability to obtain one.

What's on offer?

• Salary starting from $75,000 - $85,000 per annum
• Relocation assistance
• Fully subsidised accommodation
• 4-day work week
• Salary sacrificing
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Paid 2-week shutdown over Christmas period
• Training opportunities

How to apply

Applications close Friday 1 March 2024. We shall review applications as they arrive and may progress to interview prior to closing date.

Please email your application to hr@alcnt.com.au. Application must include resume and cover letter addressing selection criteria.

Further information

Accommodation and relocation is provided for this role.

You are welcome to call 0455 628 858 or email hr@alcnt.com.au for any questions.

 

 

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