• Great opportunity for two individuals to participate in a key project investigating how Indigenous knowledge can inform land and water use planning in cities, so to make these more sustainable and liveable places.
• Two part-time positions currently available for eight months on a fixed term contract with an immediate start in early 2020 (with a possibility of extension up to 12 months depending on part-time arrangements).
• Salary range: Level 5, $69,067 p.a. - $76,671 p.a. or Level 6, $79,200 p.a. - $83,763 p.a., depending on qualifications and experience plus 9.5% superannuation.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples are strongly encouraged to apply.

About the team

You will participate in a project that is supported by the Clean Air and Urban Landscapes (CAUL) Hub, and that has been designed collaboratively by CAUL researchers and senior Noongar leaders through a series of meetings and dialogues held in 2018 and 2019.  

While liaising with and being supported by a Steering Committee consisting of several Noongar and non-Indigenous people, you will work closely with CAUL staff from the School of Biological Sciences. You will also interact with CAUL researchers from the School of Agriculture and Environment, and School of Population and Global Health.

About the opportunity

Working under the limited direction of a Research Fellow, you will compile available cultural information obtained from cultural heritage surveys and various studies, which will be sourced from multiple government and non-government agencies. You will liaise with Noongar advisors to build the necessary connections between the information collected and contemporary spaces adjacent to the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) or Dyarlgarro Beeliar (Canning River), and to understand how such cultural and environmental knowledge should inform land and water use planning. You will also contribute to the writing of two reports on this audit of Noongar knowledge and its relevance to land and water use planning.

You will work with a Steering Committee consisting of several Noongar and non-Indigenous people with expertise in cultural heritage, land-use planning, water management, governance and ecological matters. You will also engage and liaise with the Noongar community, stakeholder organisations and government personnel.

To be considered for this role, you will demonstrate:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications or demonstrated equivalent competency, preferably completion of a relevant degree (for example, environmental sciences, geography, planning, anthropology, cultural studies, Indigenous studies, or cognate fields) or completion of Certificate IV with extensive relevant experience.
• Experience working with Indigenous communities in Australia; specifically, experience working and/or liaising with the Whadjuk Noongar community will be highly advantageous.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to show initiative, work independently and productively as part of an interdisciplinary team.

About you

To succeed in this position you will possess highly developed written and verbal communication skills, and an excellent awareness and understanding of Indigenous Noongar culture and heritage. You will possess experience working with Indigenous people along with a comprehensive knowledge of Indigenous culture. Experience working and/or liaising with the Whadjuk Noongar community will be highly advantageous.

You will also possess project management experience with strong organisational skills and a demonstrated ability to set priorities and meet deadlines. Prior experience with Geographic Information System (GIS) would be advantageous.

A valid and current C class driver’s licence will be required for this position.

For information regarding the position or a confidential discussion, please contact:

Dr Cristina E. Ramalho, Research Fellow, NESP Clean Air and Urban Landscapes Hub, School of Biological Sciences, email: Cristina.Ramalho@uwa.edu.au

Full details of the position's responsibilities and the selection criteria are outlined in the position description.

Closing date: Wednesday 26 February 2020

This position is only open to applicants with relevant rights to work in Australia.

Application Details: Please apply online via the Apply Now button.

The University of Western Australia (UWA) is ranked amongst the top 100 universities in the world and a member of the prestigious Australian Group of Eight research-intensive universities. With an enviable research track record, vibrant campus and working environments, supported by the freedom to ‘innovate and inspire’ there is no better time to join Western Australia’s top University.

Our commitment to inclusion and diversity

UWA is committed to a diverse workforce. We celebrate inclusion and diversity and believe gender equity is fundamental to achieving our goal of being a top 50 university by 2050.

• We have child friendly areas on campus, including childcare facilities. Flexible work arrangements, part-time hours and job sharing will all be considered.
• UWA has been awarded Platinum Employer Status for being a Top Ten Employer for LGBTI Inclusion by the Australian Workplace Equity Index (AWEI -2019).