Interim Project Officer - First People's

• Immediate Start
• Varied and Interesting Role |3 Months with possible Extension
• Up to $62 per hour + Super + flexibility around Hours if required  

The Opportunity

Douglas Shire is home to over 12,000 residents, with almost 60% living in the two main population centres of Port Douglas and Mossman. Port Douglas is the tourist gateway to the region, while Mossman is the administrative, health, industrial and agricultural hub. Other principle urban centres include the beachside communities of Wonga Beach, Newell Beach and Cooya Beach. The remaining residents live in small, decentralised communities scattered along the 100km stretch of coast road; tucked into the rainforest or in small rural townships in the valleys of the Shire’s hinterland.

Few Councils in Australia have achieved the spectacular brand recognition and global marketing presence that the Douglas Shire enjoys. The economy of the Shire depends mainly on tourism, with 1.2 million visitors annually exploring the many natural wonders. The Council plays an important role in capitalising on economic opportunities across the Shire. Following the unprecedented rain event in late 2023, Council requires your support around a vision which is strongly focussed on community engagement and building a healthy, connected, inclusive and prosperous community again.

About the Role

Council’s Community Services team have an exciting opportunity for an Interim Project Officer to focus on Community Development for First Nation’s people within the Shire. Reporting to the Team Leader Community and Economic Development you will exercise a high degree of initiative to progress the formation and facilitation of Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan as a priority.

More broadly you will collaborate with Indigenous communities and organisations across the Douglas region and enhance their capacity to identify their aspirations with a focus on living a safe, equitable, inclusive, and sustainable lifestyle.

This is an exciting and challenging position that requires a motivated person who can work at both a strategic and tactical level and would ideally suit someone with previous experience working in community development/wellbeing roles where a high level of understanding of current issues and needs facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples has been required.

About You

No two days will be the same, you will work with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders to support, develop, and streamline community and indigenous development. With an appropriate degree and/or relevant experience in community and indigenous development and wellbeing you will also contribute to the team’s evolving and dynamic work to apply culturally sensitive communications, including conflict resolution and with support conduct high level negotiations, where identified. Given the main priority is completing the Reconciliation Action Plan similar planning experience will be essential.

You will need to live within driving distance of the Douglas Shire as no accommodation can be provided for this assignment. Council is however prepared to consider flexibility around the hours worked if this is an important consideration to your availability. Whilst not essential, a background of working with or in local Government is highly desirable.

How to Apply

You will be required to answer a few questions that relate to the criteria on the online application below.  You will also be asked to attach your current resume. Please note that you cannot submit your application without attaching your resume. A cover letter is not mandatory but may be added if so desired. When uploading your Resume or documents please ensure file names should only include 'A-z', '0-9', '.' and '-' characters.

PLEASE NOTE: Once you have commenced your application you cannot save and continue at a later stage. 

Applications will close on Monday 5th August at 10 pm or earlier if a suitable applicant is identified.  Please ensure you leave adequate time to complete your application before the closing date and time. 

For further information, please call Rona Horsfall at Peak Services on 0438 943854.