- Lead the Aboriginal Heritage & Native Title team
- Support and develop a cohesive team of people to do their best work
- Help us to engage effectively with Aboriginal communities
This position is pursuant of Section 50(d) of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984, the occupant of this position must be of Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.
Working for Water Corporation means you'll be part of an essential workforce on a very important mission - to secure Western Australia’s most precious resource in the face of climate change. Water Corporation is the principal supplier of water, wastewater, drainage and bulk irrigation to homes, businesses, and farms. We manage a large and diverse $48 billion asset base that extends across Western Australia. Our long-standing commitment to sustainable water services makes WA a great place to live and invest.
A role at Water Corporation can unlock the door to ongoing long term career development opportunities; we also support training and development, flexible work arrangements, health and lifestyle programs and generous company benefits
About the role
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced leader to join our Aboriginal Heritage & Native Title team in Leederville. Reporting directly to the General Manager Assets Planning and Delivery, this role is pivotal in supporting Water Corporation's Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title obligations.
As a key member of the leadership team, you will provide strategic guidance to operational and asset teams, as well as the Executive, on matters related to Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title. Your role involves building relationships providing strategic advice and guidance with the community, Traditional Owners, and Aboriginal corporations. Additionally, you will advocate for the Corporation's interests and oversee risk management for delivery programs.
If you are a seasoned leader looking to make a meaningful impact and contribute to fulfilling important obligations, this role offers a unique opportunity to drive positive change and engagement within the community. Join us in shaping a sustainable future while upholding our commitment to Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title responsibilities.
Who are we?
When you join Water Corporation, you play an important role for the people of WA. Our services are essential for life - everyday, millions of Western Australians rely on us to deliver and manage water across our state.
If you’re driven to make a meaningful contribution, you’ve come to the right place.
Real benefits that matter
- Real flexibility with options to work from home, 9-day fortnight, flexible work hours
- Two well-being days each year to do whatever you need to do to feel good
- Access to long service leave pro rata after 3 years of service
- Generous co-contribution superannuation scheme, which offers up to 16%. This includes an 12% standard employer contribution, plus an additional 2% employer co-contribution that matches your own 2% contribution
- Purchase additional leave of up to 12 weeks or work 4 years at a reduced salary and take the fifth year off as paid leave
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural and ceremonial leave of up to 5 days so you can maintain your cultural connection and wellbeing
Discover more benefits we offer to support the unique and individual ways our employees live.
What the role will involve
- Develop strategies and policies to manage Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title matters in alignment with legal, cultural and ethical standards, and based on latest thinking and best practice
- Build and cultivate strong internal relationships with Aboriginal Communities Water Services (ACWS) and Aboriginal Strategy, Stakeholder and Reconciliation to collaborate on, and drive workstreams that support Aboriginal outcomes
- Lead negotiations on behalf of the Corporation, balancing competing interests while navigating a dynamic and often sensitive environment for matters relating to Aboriginal Heritage and Native Title
- Represent the Corporation in forums, working groups, and industry discussions related to Aboriginal Heritage, Native Title, and water rights
- Manage and coordinate all business unit activities including their funding and resourcing, to deliver financial and organisational performance outcomes against plans and required measures
- Lead, shape and manage strategic partnerships between the Corporation and Aboriginal corporations, communities, Traditional Owners, and other external parties that support outcomes that are liveable, sustainable and productive
- Create and maintain a climate of openness and trust where individuals feel valued, included and connected to Water Corporation
- Influence, champion and challenge the safety culture to improve safety outcomes
- Build a strong, high performing and cohesive team, engaging a diverse workforce
About you
This position relates to Section 50(d) of the West Australian Equal Opportunity Act 1984, where Aboriginality is considered a genuine occupational qualification for this position.
You’ll be Degree qualified in Indigenous Studies, Law, Anthropology, Environmental Science, Water Resource Management or related field, or have equivalent work experience in Aboriginal Heritage, Native Title or Aboriginal engagement.
You’ll have extensive experience in Aboriginal community engagement, stakeholder, and issue management in a dynamic and politically sensitive environment that is supportive of Aboriginal people’s cultural strengths and community leadership, and that builds collaborative ways of working.
Your substantial experience in a senior leadership role will see you manage, coach and mentor people to maximise their potential and their work contribution.
You’ll have a strong understanding of Aboriginal Heritage protection laws, Native Title legislation, and Indigenous water rights frameworks.
Ready to thrive as you shape WA’s water future? Apply today
If you are interested in the above opportunity, please submit a covering letter (minimum two pages, maximum of three pages) and resume that best demonstrates your skills and experience as well as your ability to meet the requirements of the role.
Applications close Thursday 17th July 2025
As part of the recruitment process you will be required to complete Pre-Employment screening which may include a medical, qualification check, police clearance and Australian working rights check.
We reserve the right to withdraw this ad prior to the closing date.
Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace:
Diversity and inclusion are more than words. They guide us on building a thriving workforce that reflects the diversity of our customers and our community.
We encourage applications from every background, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disability, women, youth, LGBTQIA+ folks and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
We are committed to ensuring an accessible and inclusive work environment to enable people with disability to participate fully in all aspects of employment.
Applicants with disability who require adjustments, or alternative methods of communication in the recruitment process, can contact a Recruitment Officer at [email protected] or 08 9420 2000.
To read our diversity and inclusion statement, please visit our website.
