Water Coordinator

Water Coordinator

Are you passionate about protecting Countrys waterways strengthening partnerships and empowering Traditional Owner voices in water management Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation (WTOAC) is seeking a skilled and culturally grounded Water Coordinator to lead our water program and support our vision for a healthy Country and thriving community.

About the Role

Based in Ballarat or Geelong this leadership role sits within our Gobata Dja Caring for Country program and oversees a small team delivering meaningful water projects across Wadawurrung Country. The Water Coordinator plays a vital role in leading and coordinating water-based initiatives from cultural flows and environmental planning to community education and policy engagement ensuring Wadawurrung values knowledge and rights are embedded in all water management closely with Traditional Owners the Paleert Yaluk cultural water group and government partners you will guide the teams work to strengthen Wadawurrungs influence across water planning governance and on-Country activities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the Water Officer Trainee Water Officer and IWM Officer to deliver projects that reflect Wadawurrung priorities.
• Coordinate Wadawurrung involvement in Integrated Water Management (IWM) flood studies cultural and environmental flows and waterway restoration.
• Facilitate the functioning of the Paleert Yaluk group to provide cultural guidance in water management.
• Build strong partnerships with government departments agencies and stakeholders to achieve long-term water outcomes for Country and community.
• Ensure clear information sharing and reporting to the Wadawurrung community Board and Elders.
• Seek and secure funding opportunities that expand WTOACs capacity to influence water outcomes.
• Coordinate the planning and management of WTOAC water licences and release trials.

About You

You are a confident communicator and natural collaborator who thrives on bringing people together to care for Country. You can balance strategic leadership with hands-on project delivery and are passionate about embedding cultural values in environmental work.

Youll bring:

• Experience in waterway management environmental projects and Aboriginal community capacity building.
• Strong knowledge of Victorian water policy or the ability to quickly develop this understanding.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and support a team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confidence in working across government community and cultural contexts.
• A valid drivers licence and willingness to travel regularly across Wadawurrung Country.

Desirable:

• Experience working with Aboriginal communities or in Indigenous employment.
• Familiarity with environmental monitoring evaluation and reporting systems (e.g. MERIT).

Whats on Offer

A purposeful leadership role supporting Wadawurrung water rights and self-determination.

3-year full-time fixed-term contract with flexible work arrangements and strong cultural support.

Salary packaging and opportunities for professional development.

How to Apply

If youre ready to lead a team that protects and restores Wadawurrung waterways wed love to hear from you. Please send your CV and cover letter to by Sunday 2/11/2025.

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