- Location: Darwin
-
Status: Full-time ongoing
Lead compliance operations that protect Aboriginal land, uphold permit and agreement conditions, and support the rights and interests of Traditional Owners across the NLC region.
About the Role:
This is an opportunity to lead the day-to-day work of the NLC’s Permits, Agreements & Compliance Team. You will coordinate compliance monitoring, complaints, investigations and operational reporting relating to Aboriginal land access permits, Section 19 Land Use Agreements and other land use matters.
Working in a complex legislative and cross-cultural environment, you will provide clear direction to Permit and Compliance Officers, strengthen systems and procedures, and work closely with Traditional Owners, Rangers and teams across Legal, Anthropology, Regional Development and GIS. You will also provide practical advice, prepare briefs and recommendations, and escalate complex or sensitive matters appropriately.
What you will Bring:
You will be an experienced operational leader with sound judgement, strong investigative and analytical skills, and the ability to turn compliance requirements into consistent, practical action. You will communicate respectfully across cultures, build trusted working relationships and lead staff through competing priorities while maintaining confidentiality, procedural fairness and accurate records.
In addition, you will have:
-
Relevant tertiary qualifications and/or practical experience in investigations, evidence gathering and information analysis.
-
Demonstrated experience leading investigations, compliance activities, complaints or enforcement programs in a regulatory environment.
-
Demonstrated ability to build respectful and productive relationships with Aboriginal people, Traditional Owners and a diverse range of stakeholders in a culturally sensitive environment.
- Proven people leadership experience, including performance management, workforce planning, coaching and team capability development.
-
A current NT Driver’s licence, or the ability to obtain one before commencement, together with the willingness to regularly travel to regional and remote areas and safely operate a manual 4WD vehicle.
-
An understanding of the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 and a Certificate IV in Government Investigations will be well regarded.
For a full copy of the Position Description, refer to the link provided below.
What’s in it for you?
At the NLC, your leadership will contribute directly to work that matters: protecting Aboriginal land, supporting lawful access and ensuring permit and agreement obligations are understood and upheld. You will have the opportunity to shape compliance systems, develop team capability and influence consistent operational practice across a large and culturally significant region
We offer:
- A base salary of $119,571 per annum plus 15% superannuation on base and District allowance.
-
Salary sacrificing up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation benefits up to $2,650 per year.
-
Other benefits under our Enterprise Agreement include:
-
District allowance of up to $4,884 (DA2) per annum for individuals with dependents and $2,678 (DA1) without dependents;
-
5 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 $3,177;
How to Apply:
Submit your CV and a cover letter explaining your interest in the position and the relevant skills and experience you would bring to the role.
If you have any further queries, please contact Summer Jeffrey on 0437244549
Applications Close: Monday, 21 September 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.
