Indigenous land management

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Career pathways in Indigenous land and sea management

Land is central to the life and well being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders who have managed the lands and seas for thousands of years. For the Indigenous peoples land provides an economic base, underpins indigenous history, innovation and culture and is fundamental to their spiritual beliefs.

At present, Indigenous landholders and communities are responsible for the management of nearly 20 per cent of Australia’s landmass.

Employment in the sector is generally the preserve of Indigenous peoples who are keen to develop and maintain land and water resources for either economic return or cultural reasons. Work could include preservation or development of land, water and cultural features of the landscape.

Jobs and qualifications

Entry Level

This level is usually the beginning of a career in the Indigenous land and seas management sector. Work undertaken would usually involve working under direct supervision and could include operating basic equipment, assisting with routine maintenance and supporting conservation work.

Assistant

At this level the employee is likely to be involved in a wide range of tasks under limited supervision. This could include harvesting, extracting and storing seed, carrying out revegetation work, operating plant and equipment, maintaining cultural places and working as a guide.

Technician

A skilled worker working at this level would be responsible for a number of workers and indigenous land and sea management activities. This includes maintaining natural resource areas, providing information on cultural knowledge, working in an indigenous community or organisation and interpreting aspects of Indigenous culture.

Supervisor

A supervisor will have significant responsibilities in managing Indigenous land and sea management activities. This includes implementing land and seas management practices, promoting community programs, planning and developing interpretive services, protecting places of cultural significance and coordinating projects.

Manager/Consultant

At the Diploma level this person is likely to have significant responsibilities in managing Indigenous land and sea management activities. These would include developing and implementing community programs,developing conservation strategies for cultural resources, devising and conducting community consultation and implementing management plans.

Business Manager

A business manager would be responsible for ensuring that Indigenous land and sea management activities are successfully managed. Responsibilities may include promoting the business, mapping regional issues and stakeholders, monitoring projects, managing policy implementation and managing cultural processes in an Indigenous organisation.