Job description
Agency Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority Work unit Research
Job title Anthropology Manager Designation Senior Professional Officer 1
Job type Full time Duration Ongoing
Salary $136,380 - $152,357 Location Alice Springs
Position number 17811 RTF 354250 Closing 14/09/2026
Contact officer Shannon Tchia, Director Research on 0414 983 578 or [email protected]
About the agency http://www.aapant.org.au/
Apply online https://jobs.nt.gov.au/Home/JobDetails?rtfId=354250
APPLICATIONS MUST INCLUDE A ONE-PAGE SUMMARY ABOUT YOU, A DETAILED RESUME AND COPIES OF YOUR TERTIARY
QUALIFICATIONS
Information for applicants – inclusion and diversity and Special Measures recruitment plans
The NTPS values diversity. The NTPS encourages people from all diversity groups to apply for vacancies and accommodates people with
disability by making reasonable workplace adjustments. If you require an adjustment for the recruitment process or job, please discuss
this with the contact officer. For more information about applying for this position and the merit process, go to the OCPE website.
Aboriginal applicants will be granted priority consideration for this vacancy. For more information on Special Measures plans, go to the
OCPE website.
Primary objective
Manage and coordinate the anthropology and related research work, special projects and operational outcomes of the anthropology
research team in accordance with the Northern Territory Aboriginal Sacred Sites Act (NTSSA) and ensure high level research quality control.
Context statement
The Aboriginal Areas Protection Authority is an independent statutory authority responsible for overseeing the protection of Aboriginal
sacred sites on land and sea across the Northern Territory. The protection of sacred sites is recognised by the Northern Territory
Government and the broader Territory community as an important element in the preservation of the Territory’s cultural heritage, for the
benefit of all Territorians. The Authority seeks to strike a balance between the protection of sacred sites and development in the Northern
Territory.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Manage the operational functions and strategic priorities of the Research unit, in conjunction with the Director of Research.
2. Directly supervise anthropology staff and or consultants, and support the professional development of staff.
3. Manage, coordinate and prioritise anthropology research for all approved projects in your region, including Authority Certificates, s19
Conferences, Sacred Site Registrations, compliance matters and other enquiries.
4. Manage the research performance and safe field operations of researchers with budgetary, timeframe and risk assessment oversight.
5. Oversee quality control of all research projects, reports and site data for compliance with the NTASSA and assist in the development
of standard research policy, procedure and methods.
6. Lead the timely management of highly complex and politically sensitive projects by direct client liaison, anthropology fieldwork or
coordination of meetings/Conferences with clients, stakeholders, landowners, custodians and Directors in accordance with the
NTASSA.
7. Conduct anthropology field research for special projects or high priority/high profile Authority Certificates, Registrations or Site
Damage matters as strategically identified.
8. Be responsible for the management of and reporting on critical incidents in your region.
9. Support the strategic priorities of the organisation including undertaking special projects at the direction of Director Research.
Selection criteria
Essential
1. Honours Degree (equivalent or higher) in Anthropology.
2. Demonstrated complex independent research skills and anthropology fieldwork experience in an Aboriginal context.
3. Prior experience working in an Aboriginal land based legal context – e.g. Cultural Heritage, Land Rights Legislation or Native Title Act
context.
4. Proven successful management experience at a standard that emulates the expectations of a senior professional, including
demonstrated independence, drive, initiative, innovation, strategic planning and workload prioritisation and quality outputs.
5. Demonstrated high level negotiation and problem solving skills and the ability to effectively manage or mediate conflict.
6. Highly developed oral and written communication skills, including an ability to communicate complex issues to a wide range of clients
and manage priorities for a large volume of projects including staff/consultant management.
7. Demonstrated ability to review complex anthropological research reports and other documents and provide targeted and consistent
feedback on priority themes in a legislative framework.
8. Highly developed computer skills, database use and use of report writing programs.
9. Demonstrated high level ability to provide professional leadership and mentoring, recruitment, retention and team building.
10. Capacity to work outside of normal work hours, including regional and remote travel, and holding a manual drivers licence.
Desirable
1. Knowledge of the Northern Territory political context in which the NTSSA operates.
2. NT regional anthropological specialisation and Aboriginal language speaking / relevant linguistic skills.
Further information
The preferred or recommended applicant with be required to obtain a working with children’s card and undergo a criminal history check.
A criminal history check will not exclude an applicant form this position unless it is relevant to the position. This position may be required
to undertake travel to remote NT communities and land areas at short notice.
