Lagoon Keeper Project Officer
Join Murrumbidgee Landcare as a Lagoon Keeper Project Officer.
Location: Hybrid – Wagga Wagga Landcare office, field sites, and work from home
Hours: Part time – 17.5 hrs/week (to 30 June 2028, subject to funding and performance).
We’re seeking a motivated First Nations Project Officer to support lagoon restoration and mentoring activities that strengthen cultural connection, environmental health, and community engagement in the Wagga Wagga region. Make a difference on Country by helping restore and care for the Flowerdale and Wollundry Lagoons through First Nations Cultural practices and community collaboration.
About the Role
You’ll plan and deliver habitat restoration works such as tree planting, and habitat design. You’ll also mentor two First Nations trainees in Conservation and Land Management, while building partnerships with communities, contractors, and organisations to honour cultural practice and caring for Country.
About You
You are proactive, community-minded, and passionate about the environment and Cultural heritage. You bring:
- Be an identified First Nations person with interest in Landcare leadership .
- Understanding and experience in natural resource or cultural land management .
- Strong communication, mentoring, and project coordination skills .
- Confidence networking with diverse partners and community groups .
- Sound administration, reporting, and digital literacy .
- A current driver’s licence and comprehensively insured vehicle (travel reimbursed) .
Experience in broadscale restoration, cultural projects, or training delivery will be highly regarded.
Selection Criteria
Please address each of the following criteria in short, separate paragraphs in your application:
- Demonstrated well-developed written and oral communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work with and develop community groups, including facilitation, action planning, and mediation skills.
- Proven expertise in project planning, management, record keeping, and report writing.
- Demonstrated ability to work with minimal supervision, use initiative, and operate as part of a team or network.
- Proven ability to build partnerships with government agencies, non-government organisations, community groups, schools, and First Nations communities.
- Experience in caring for Country, cultural practice, mentoring, natural resource management, or sustainable agriculture.
- Ability and willingness to work outside standard hours to meet with community members and attend events.
- Current driver’s licence and reliable, insured vehicle.
About Murrumbidgee Landcare
Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc is a not-for-profit regional network supporting local Landcare groups and communities across the Murrumbidgee catchment. For 30 years, we’ve worked collaboratively with our partners to protect the environment, strengthen communities, and uphold the shared responsibility of caring for Country alongside First Nations People.
How to apply:
Send your application including:
- Cover letter (1 page) outlining why you seek this role.
- Current CV (maximum 4 pages).
- Responses to the selection criteria (maximum 4 pages).
- Contact details for two referees (including a current or recent supervisor).
Email applications to Ellen McDonald – eo@mli.org.au by 5pm, Friday 5 December 2025.
For enquiries, contact Ellen McDonald on 0409 630 276.
This position is funded by the Australian Government’s Natural Heritage Trust – under the Urban Rivers and Catchments Program, with the support of Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc and Wagga Wagga City Council.
