Aboriginal Water Officer

Are you passionate about protecting waterways, empowering community, and working on Country? Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) is seeking a dedicated Aboriginal Water Officer to support water related projects and decisions that centre Wadawurrung voices, rights, and values.

About the Role

Based in Ballarat with travel to our Bostock base, this important role sits within our Gobata Dja – Caring for Country program. The Aboriginal Water Officer will help lead and coordinate water projects across Wadawurrung Country, ensuring that cultural knowledge and Traditional Owner values shape the management of our rivers, wetlands, and waterways.

Working closely with the Water Coordinator and Water Officers, you’ll engage with government agencies, support the cultural guidance of our Paleert Yaluk group, and contribute to water policy, planning, and education that aligns with our Paleert Tjaara Dja – Let’s Make Country Good Together Country Plan.

Key Responsibilities

• Support Wadawurrung’s involvement in waterway assessments, environmental and cultural flows, and education projects
• Represent and advocate for Wadawurrung water rights, values, and interests in water planning forums and meetings
• Build partnerships with government, agencies, and stakeholders that enable long term cultural water outcomes
• Help coordinate the Paleert Yaluk group and cultural water governance
• Provide accessible and relevant water knowledge back to Wadawurrung community, Board, and Elders
• Participate in water release trials and support evidence-based decision making
• Support reporting, strategy development, and care for Country initiatives.
• Work towards, plan, and manage use of the future WTOAC water licences.
• Seek and identify funding opportunities to further WTOAC’s ability to influence water outcomes on Wadawurrung Country.

About You

• You’re a confident communicator who can build respectful, culturally safe relationships
• You believe in the power of cultural water knowledge and self-determination
• You’re motivated, organised, and work well both independently and in a team
• You’re comfortable being on Country, travelling regularly, and supporting hands on projects

You’ll bring:

• Experience or strong interest in waterways, cultural flows, or environmental care
• Understanding of Wadawurrung values in water and Country, or willingness to learn
• Good written and communication skills with the ability to share complex ideas clearly
• Basic understanding of Victorian Water Policy or a willingness to develop this
• Ability to engage with Aboriginal community and government partners
• Confidence using Microsoft Office and digital systems
• A manual driver’s licence and willingness to travel across Wadawurrung Country

Desirable:

• Experience working with Aboriginal communities or in Indigenous employment
• Familiarity with monitoring, evaluation, and reporting (e.g. MERIT system)
• Knowledge of relevant water legislation or government processes

What’s on Offer

• A purposeful role walking alongside community and Country
• 3 year full time fixed term contract with strong cultural support
• Salary packaging options and flexible working arrangements

How to Apply

If you’re ready to support Wadawurrung voices in water and land care, we’d love to hear from you.