Sea Country Officer - Quandamooka

Job Description

Employment Type: Part-time 3 working days per week (22.5hrs), Fixed Term Position for 12 Months with potential for extension, subject to funding

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Location: Quandamooka Country, with work across Minjerribah, Moorgumpin and surrounding Sea Country

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OzFish Unlimited is a national NGO dedicated to helping the millions of Aussie recreational fishers take action for the health of their waterways and shore up the future of the sport they love. OzFish partners with fishers, stakeholders and the broader community to invest resources into restoring habitats and waterways, counteracting decades of degradation.

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This position aims to guide OzFish in the establishment of genuine partnerships and activities with First Nations peoples in areas of mutual interest that supports the protection and restoration of Australia's waterways for future generations. OzFish recognises that greater habitat impact and value can be created, and new insights gained when OzFish projects are interwoven with the knowledge, perspectives, capacity, and capability of this country's original fishers, fish habitat scientists and environmental stewards.

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The Sea Country Officer will provide cultural knowledge, guidance and advice to OzFish Unlimited to support fish habitat restoration and related environmental programs within the Quandamooka region and surrounding areas as part of OzFish's Fish Dreaming Program.

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The role ensures that Quandamooka cultural values, Traditional Owner knowledge and community priorities are respectfully embedded into project planning, delivery and on Country activities. The Sea Country Officer will play a key role in maintaining strong working relationships with the Minjerribah Moorumpin (Elders in Council) Aboriginal Corporation (MMEIC) and the Quandamooka Yoolooburrabee Aboriginal Corporation (QYAC), and in supporting respectful engagement with neighbouring First Nations peoples, including Kabi Kabi to the north, Kombumerri to the south, and Turrbal and Jagera to the west, where project activities intersect.

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The position operates under the supervision of and working closely with the Program Manager – South East and Central Queensland and OzFish Unlimited regional South East Queensland staff. The position is also critical to OzFish's dedication to ensuring we work with local people on their own country.

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Responsibilities:

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Cultural Advice and Knowledge

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• Provide cultural context and advice relating to fish habitat restoration, waterways, Sea Country and associated cultural values within the Quandamooka region.
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• Contribute a cultural perspective to fish habitat restoration projects and related environmental activities including sharing Traditional Owner wishes, knowledge and activities to inform project design, implementation and monitoring.
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• Support OzFish project teams to understand culturally safe practices, including protocols, community expectations and heritage considerations when working on Country and Sea Country.
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• Assist with planning and delivery of on Country activities in a culturally safe manner, including on-ground fish habitat restoration work.
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Engagement and Representation

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• To bridge the gap in relationship building between the OzFish team and First Nations community and continually nurture that relationship.
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• Work closely with MMEIC, QYAC and Quandamooka First Nations People to support culturally appropriate collaboration and information sharing.
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• Maintain and support respectful working relationships with neighbouring First Nations peoples.
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• Participate in meetings, workshops and on Country activities with First Nations organisations as required.
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• Where appropriate, represent OzFish at community forums or project related meetings.
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Required skills and experience:

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• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent (with direct relationship to Quandamooka Country and Sea Country) and proof of Aboriginality or proof of membership to a Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC/RNTBC).
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• Strong existing relationships with QYAC and MMEIC.
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• Ability to liaise respectfully with neighbouring First Nations peoples, including Kabi Kabi, Yugambeh, Kombumerri, Turrbal and Jagera, where project activities intersect.
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• Some experience in local environmental and natural resource management issues, particularly fish habitat restoration, marine environments, waterways or land and sea management.
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• Demonstrated level of skills in Outlook, Teams, Excel and Word.
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• Willingness to travel in the local area and hold current driver's licence.
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It would be a bonus if you had;

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• Current first aid certificate.
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• Strong connections to the local fishing community.
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• Experience supporting on-country activities or restoration projects
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• Current boat licence, Working With Children Check.
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See the position description attached below for further information about this role.