Native Title, Heritage & Environment Operations Manager

About Us

Karlka Nyiyaparli Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC (KNAC) is the Registered Native Title Body Corporate for the Nyiyaparli People.

The Nyiyaparli People are the Traditional Owners of approximately 36,684 square kilometres of land and waters across the eastern Pilbara, including significant cultural landscapes, waterways, pastoral leases, Aboriginal communities and major mining operations.

At KNAC, our vision is the self-determination of Nyiyaparli people.

We exist for the benefit of Nyiyaparli people, now and into the future, and work to care for our people, our Country, and those on our Yurlu.

Guided by our values of Respect, Preservation, and Integrity, KNAC is committed to working for the benefit of Nyiyaparli people, protecting Country and Culture, and building respectful partnerships that deliver long-term benefits for our community.

You can learn more about KNAC at www.karlka.com.au

Location:

This role is based in South Hedland. A FIFO arrangement may be considered for an exceptional candidate during the initial recruitment process; however, preference will be given to local candidates or those willing to relocate.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and values-driven Native Title, Heritage & Environment (NTHE) Operations Manager to lead the delivery of KNAC's heritage, environmental and native title operational functions.

Reporting to our Native Title Lawyer, General Manager Native Title, Heritage & Environment (NTHE GM), this key role is responsible for coordinating and overseeing consultation, approvals, compliance, project delivery and stakeholder engagement activities across the KNAC Native Title, Heritage and Environment portfolio.

This role is responsible for ensuring KNAC's heritage, environmental and native title functions are delivered effectively and in accordance with KNAC's strategic objectives.

You will lead a multidisciplinary team and work closely with Nyiyaparli Traditional Owners, KNAC representatives, industry proponents, consultants, government agencies and other stakeholders to achieve meaningful outcomes for Nyiyaparli Country and Community.

Key Responsibilities

The key responsibilities of this role include:

1. Stakeholder Engagement & Operational Delivery
   Coordinate Native Title, Heritage and Environment engagement activities, ensuring consultation processes are well planned, culturally appropriate and support informed decision-making by Nyiyaparli representatives.

2. Heritage & Environmental Consultations
   Oversee the delivery of heritage and environmental consultations, including consultant management, reporting and compliance requirements whilst working closely with the KNAC Cultural Advisor.

3. Approvals & Agreement Negotiations
   Coordinate heritage and environmental approvals advice and documentation for the NTHE GM, provide strategic operational input into agreement reviews and negotiations.

4. Reporting & Compliance
   Lead the preparation of operational reports, engagement updates and communications that support transparency, accountability and informed governance.

5. Projects & Strategic Initiatives
   Develop and support priority projects relating to cultural heritage, environmental management in collaboration with other NTHE team members.

6. People Leadership & Operational Management
   Provide leadership and supervision to the Native Title, Heritage and Environment team, managing budgets, performance, systems and processes to achieve high-quality outcomes.

About You

You will be an experienced people leader with a strong background in heritage, environment, native title or a related field. You will be comfortable managing competing priorities, building stakeholder relationships and supporting culturally appropriate engagement with Traditional Owners.

Essential qualifications and experience include:

• Relevant tertiary qualifications in Environmental Science, Heritage Management, Archaeology; Anthropology, Native Title, Law, or a related field or equivalent experience.

• Demonstrated ability to work productively, collaboratively and respectfully with Traditional Owners.

• Extensive experience (5 years minimum) in stakeholder engagement, negotiations, and leadership within environmental and heritage contexts.

• Demonstrated ability to manage and oversee heritage and environmental consultations, compliance activities, and strategic projects.

• Highly developed interpersonal, communication, and negotiation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with staff, KNAC Representatives, stakeholders, and government agencies.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with experience in balancing competing priorities and meeting approval deadlines.

• Experience supervising and mentoring staff, fostering a positive and productive team culture.

• Ability to manage budgets, contracts, and consultant engagements effectively.

• Current National Police Certificate (or willingness to obtain).

• Current Driver’s Licence (C Class)

• First Aid accreditation (or willingness to obtain)

• 4WD accreditation (or willingness to obtain)

Desirable qualifications and experience:

• Experience in agreement native title negotiation and implementation.

• Working understanding of relevant legislation, including Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), Environmental Protection Act WA 1986 (WA) and Aboriginal Heritage Act 1972 (WA).

• Experience in managing compliance and reporting obligations under Native Title Agreements.

Nyiyaparli people and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to work in a role that contributes directly to the protection of Nyiyaparli Country and cultural heritage while supporting the aspirations of Nyiyaparli People. KNAC offers a supportive and culturally respectful workplace, opportunities for professional development and a range of attractive employment benefits.

We also offer a competitive remuneration package that includes:

• One additional week of annual leave above the National Employment Standards (NES) for remote workers (if located in South Hedland); and

• Subsidised housing and utilities provided in South Hedland (if located in South Hedland); and

• Provision of a KNAC Motor Vehicle for work purposes (if located in South Hedland); and

• Annual professional development, and well-being allowances; and

• Salary sacrifice.

Application Process

Applications should be submitted via SEEK and include:

• A current resume

• A maximum 1-page cover letter outlining how your skills and experience fit this position.

For further information and/or Position Description, please contact Ros Trotter at ro•@abundancehr.com.au

Applications close at 9:00 am on Thursday, 16 July 2026.