Are you passionate about supporting land justice and community leadership for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities? We’re looking for someone who can build trust, navigate complexity and help deliver real outcomes through respectful land consultation and agreement making. This is an exciting opportunity to make real impact through the transfer of land and implementation of Indigenous Land Use Agreements in a values-driven, flexible and supportive team.

Discover a purpose-driven career with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development. Unleash your potential and make a difference. Join Resources and #MakeADifference!

Job details

Are you ready to lead meaningful conversations and empower Traditional Owners with access to land? This is a unique opportunity for a highly motivated individual to join the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development as a Senior Engagement Officer in Cairns.

As part of the Native Title and Indigenous Land Services (NTILS) team, you'll help build fair and consistent land outcomes by supporting tenure resolution, land transfers, and Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) that reflect Traditional Owners' interests. This is a permanent full-time role based in Cairns with travel requirements to support the operations as needed.

You will play a key role in guiding land tenure research and delivering culturally appropriate engagement processes to support communities in reclaiming or accessing land. Your ability to build relationships, interpret legislation, and coordinate projects will be central to your success. Leading research, consultation and coordination of projects relating to Indigenous Land Use Agreements, land tenure and transfers under the Aboriginal Land Act 1991 and the Torres Strait Islander Land Act 1991. You'll be preparing detailed reports and briefings, evaluating land suitability, building respectful relationships with stakeholders, and ensuring meaningful consultation with Traditional Owners and community groups.

We're looking for someone who brings strong cultural knowledge, experience engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and the ability to interpret legislation and policy. You'll be confident communicating complex information in clear and respectful ways, and capable of building trusted relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. You'll thrive in a collaborative, community-focused environment, be willing to travel to regional and remote areas and hold a current C class driver's licence.

This is your chance to bring your skills, culture, and leadership to a department that recognises the importance of land to identity, connection, and healing. Those with deep community connections and an understanding of cultural identity are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why join us?
We are committed to being a workplace that focusses on people. This is about building resilience, encouraging innovation, and understanding that learning is a journey that never ends.
We promote a safe, inclusive and respectful place to work where all staff feel valued.
We are a mobile, flexible, and agile workforce. We live by our guiding principles - proactive, courageous, pragmatic, collaborate, resilient and respectful - underpinned by the Queensland public service values.

What we offer?
• Competitive superannuation and salary sacrificing options
• Flexible working options that encourage a healthy work-life balance
• A variety of fantastic leave provisions, supported across the broader Queensland public sector
• Rewarding professional career development and training opportunities
• Relocation assistance and provisions
• Have visible impact in your community, and directly contribute to making good jobs, better services and a great lifestyle for all Queenslanders

Work in an inclusive work culture while making an impactful difference for all Queenslanders. To know more about the benefits of working with the Department of Natural Resources and Mines, Manufacturing and Regional and Rural Development click here:

Applications to remain current for 12 months. 

Job Ad Reference: QLD/632111/25
Closing Date: Thursday, 1 May 2025

Further information

We are committed to building inclusive cultures in the Queensland public sector that respect and promote human rights and diversity.

Please ensure you download all attachments and follow the instructions on how to apply.

Documents

Before applying for this vacancy please ensure you read the documents below.

• Resources_HR How to apply_Update 08112024 (PDF, 172KB)
  
  
  working at the Department_Updated 20112024 (PDF, 1.42MB)
  
  
  632111 25 - Role Profile (Word, 2.12MB)