Indigenous Business Administration Trainee – Toowoomba

IDENTIFIED POSITION — ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER PEOPLES

About Biodiversity Australia

At Biodiversity Australia, we’re dedicated to creating sustainable solutions that allow people and the environment to thrive together. As a 100% Indigenous-owned environmental management company, we specialise in protecting biodiversity and supporting sustainable development through innovative, science-based approaches.

Our work is as diverse as the environments we protect — from collaborating on renewable energy and Defence projects to restoring ecosystems with landholders and delivering biodiversity stewardship solutions across Australia. We’re proud to be leading some of the most significant environmental programs in the country.

At our core, we’re guided by our values of Integrity, Teamwork, Safety, Client Success, and Indigenous Pathways. The belief that Indigenous Australians should have real, meaningful, and lasting opportunities in the industries that manage the lands their ancestors have cared for since time immemorial is not a policy for us — it is our identity.

Our Indigenous Pathways Program

This role sits within Biodiversity Australia’s Indigenous Pathways Program — a structured training and employment framework designed to provide Indigenous Australians with genuine, supported pathways to long-term careers in environmental management and business operations.

The Indigenous Pathways Program is not a short-term placement. It is a formalised traineeship that combines paid employment with nationally recognised vocational training, mentorship, and a clear career development pathway within the company.

What the Program Includes

• Paid full-time employment from Day 1 — you are an employee, not a student.
• Completion of a Certificate III in Business (BSB30120) — a nationally recognised qualification delivered through a registered training organisation (RTO/TAFE), funded by Biodiversity Australia.
• Structured on-the-job training in all aspects of office administration and business support.
• A dedicated Mentor from within Biodiversity Australia for the full duration of the traineeship.
• A Buddy assigned from Day 1 — someone to show you the ropes and be your go-to person.
• Formal review check-ins at 30 days, 90 days, 6 months, and 12 months to make sure you are supported and progressing.
• A genuine career pathway — from Trainee to Office Administrator, and beyond.

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has opened for an Indigenous Business Administration Trainee to join our Gold Coast head office team. This is a front-of-house role unlike any other — you will be the first point of contact for Biodiversity Australia and a vital part of our day-to-day operations.

The traineeship runs for 12 months, and your training towards your Certificate III in Business will be fully supported throughout.

Key Responsibilities

As an Indigenous Business Administration Trainee, your day-to-day duties will include:

Reception and Communication

• Serve as the first point of contact for all clients, visitors and stakeholders — in person, by phone, and by email
• Receive and direct incoming calls and correspondence professionally and courteously
• Collect and distribute incoming mail (including date-stamping) and manage outgoing mail
• Ensure the reception and front-of-house area is always clean, welcoming, and well-presented
• Support the Info Desk function, ensuring efficient communication across the business

Administration and Office Support

• Perform general administrative duties including word processing, filing, and document management
• Maintain accurate office records and filing systems
• Manage and maintain inventory of office supplies and equipment
• Assist with planning and preparation for internal meetings and conferences, including minute-taking when required
• Any other duties as directed by the Senior Office Administrator or Director of Strategy and Leadership

About You

You don’t need to have done this before. What we’re looking for is the right person — someone with a genuine interest in administration, a willingness to learn, and a commitment to being part of a team.

You will bring:

• Self-identification as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
• A genuine interest in administration, business, and working in an office environment
• Professional and courteous communication skills — in person, over the phone, and in writing
• A positive, can-do attitude and a willingness to contribute to a team culture
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and punctuality
• Basic computer literacy — willingness to learn Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook)
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a collaborative team
• A current C Class Australian Driver’s Licence (or working towards one)
• Completed Year 12 studies, or equivalent

It would also be great if you have:

• Some prior experience in a customer-facing, reception, or administrative role — even informal experience counts
• An enthusiasm for being part of Australia’s leading Indigenous-owned environmental company

How to Apply

If this sounds like you — or someone you know — we’d love to hear from you. We understand that a formal job application can feel daunting, so please don’t hesitate to reach out informally first if you’d like to have a conversation about the role before applying.

To apply, please submit:

• A brief cover letter telling us a little about yourself and why this opportunity interests you (there’s no right or wrong way to write this — just be yourself)
• Your current resume (even if it’s short — what you’ve done in your community, family, or any prior work all counts)

The interview process will begin without delay. Only applicants shortlisted for interview will be contacted. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Biodiversity Australia is a proud 100% Indigenous-owned company and an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce and strongly encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to apply.

We are committed to a culturally safe recruitment process. If you require any support or adjustments during the application or interview process, please let us know.