Lagoon Keeper Trainee Project Officer
Join Murrumbidgee Landcare as a Lagoon Keeper Trainee.
Start your career caring for Country and looking after the environment through hands-on learning and cultural practice.
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 two enthusiastic First Nations Trainees to join our team and learn Cultural, practical, and environmental skills while helping restore Flowerdale and Wollundry Lagoons. You’ll work alongside experienced mentors and community partners to protect and celebrate these culturally significant sites.
About the Role
As a Lagoon Keeper Trainee, you’ll gain practical experience in:
- On-ground restoration work, including revegetation, and habitat creation.
- Waterway and vegetation management with cultural guidance.
- Working safely with tools, machinery, and small teams.
- Participating in community events and cultural sharing.
- Learning record-keeping, reporting, and project support skills.
Trainees will receive mentoring from the Lagoon Keeper Project Officer and Indigenous Cultural supervisors and complete formal training in Conservation and Land Management (Certificate II or III) during employment.
About You
You are curious, reliable, and keen to work outdoors while learning new skills and deepening your cultural connection to Country. You will:
- Be an identified First Nations person with interest in Landcare.
- Enjoy practical work and working as part of a team.
- Have a willingness to learn and follow direction.
- Be comfortable working with the community and sharing cultural knowledge.
- Hold a driver’s licence (travel will be reimbursed).
No prior experience is required – just a positive attitude and commitment to learning.
About Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc
Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc is a not-for-profit regional network supporting Landcare groups and communities across the Murrumbidgee catchment. For 30 years, we’ve provided practical learning and employment pathways, working alongside First Nations People to uphold the shared responsibility of Caring for Country. mli.org.au.
Selection Criteria
Please address each criterion briefly in your application:
- Interest in environmental work, caring for Country, and cultural practices.
- Willingness to learn new skills and complete training in Conservation and Land Management.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a small team.
- Good communication skills and a respectful attitude toward others.
- Commitment to working safely and following supervision.
- Interest in contributing to projects that improve community and environmental wellbeing.
- Ability to attend occasional events or fieldwork outside standard work hours.
- Driver’s licence (or willingness to obtain) and access to a reliable vehicle.
How to apply:
Send your application including:
- A short cover letter explaining why you’re interested in this position (1 page) .
- Your CV (maximum 2 pages) .
- Brief responses to the selection criteria (2-3 pages total) .
- Contact details for two referees (including a past employer, teacher, or community leader) .
- 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.
