Senior Anthropologist Native Title

• Location: Darwin
• Status: Full-time ongoing
• Salary package: $137506 Inclusive of 15% superannuation
  
  
  

Step into a role where your anthropological expertise directly supports the recognition and protection of Aboriginal rights and interests in land and waters across the Top End. The Northern Land Council (NLC) is seeking a skilled Senior Native Title Anthropologist to contribute to high-impact native title work across pre-determination post-determination and future acts matters. This is an opportunity to apply your research analytical and advisory capability in a statutory environment where your work has lasting significance.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Manager Anthropology this position provides high-level anthropological advice across the NLCs native title practice. This position undertakes and coordinates anthropological research into the native title rights and interests of claimant groups within the NLCs jurisdiction working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders. The role also includes reviewing connection reports providing expert feedback and mentoring developing anthropologists within the Service Area.

This is a technically rigorous and professionally rewarding role suited to an anthropologist who values both academic integrity and practical application in a legal and cultural context.

What you will Bring:

You are an experienced anthropologist with strong research capability and a clear understanding of native title processes. You are confident working across complex matters producing high-quality anthropological material and engaging respectfully with Aboriginal people and communities. You bring sound judgement strong analytical thinking and the ability to contribute effectively within multidisciplinary teams while maintaining cultural integrity and professional standards.

In addition to this you will have:

• Minimum Honours degree in Anthropology or related discipline
• Minimum three (3) years relevant experience in native title or applied anthropological research
• Strong knowledge and understanding of Indigenous Australian culture customs and society
• Working knowledge of the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976 Native Title Act 1993 and Northern Territory Sacred Sites Act 1989 or the ability to quickly acquire

For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.

Whats in it for you

At the NLC youll be part of a team thats grounded in purpose and committed to Country. Youll lead work that matterssupporting Traditional Owners protecting cultural knowledge and enabling informed decision-making through the power of spatial return youll enjoy a supportive workplace opportunities for professional growth and the chance to make a lasting impact across the Northern Territory.

We offer:

• A base salary of $119571 per annum plus 15% superannuation paid on base and (DA)
• Salary sacrificing up to $15900 Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation benefit up to $2650 per year.
• Other benefits under our Enterprise Agreement include:
  
  • District allowance of up to $4884 (DA2) per annum for individuals with dependents and $2678 (DA1) without dependents.
  • Generous leave provisions5 weeks annual leave leaving loading 18 days personal leave;
  • Paid Christmas close down;
  • Upon completion of 12 months of service an Annual airfare with a net (in hand) value of $3177;
    

Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV along with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and what relevant skills and expertise you will bring to this role

For further enquiries please contact:Lucinda OConnor on

Applications Close: Monday 27th of July 2026

About the NLC:

The Northern Land Council (NLC) is an independent statutory authority of the Commonwealth. The NLC is established under the Aboriginal Land Rights Act (NT) 1976 and its purpose is to serve its constituents who are Traditional Owners (TOs) and other Aboriginal people living in their region. Cultural knowledge and lived experience are central to the work that we do here at NLC. We are committed to enhancing Aboriginal peoples social political and economic participation by supporting their aspirations and amplifying their voices on a range of issues impacting on their lands seas culture and communities.