Tjuntjuntjara is a small, remote Aboriginal community located on the Spinifex Lands in the Western Desert region of Western Australia. Within this area, Paupiyala Tjarutja Aboriginal Corporation (PTAC) is an Aboriginal corporation with responsibility for managing the essential and community services in the community. This includes, but is not limited to, the Community Store, Community
Resource Centre, a Women’s Centre, Indigenous Sport and Recreation program, an Environmental Health program, municipal services (airstrip, tip, road maintenance, water, power, sewerage) mechanics workshop, the Community Development Program and Spinifex Health Service’s (including Youth and Home and Community Care programs). Tjuntjuntjara is the main population Centre for the Spinifex Lands, over 55,000 sq. kms of Native Title area in the Great Victoria
Desert region of Western Australia.
Role
The Remote Essential Municipal Services Coordinator plays a pivotal role in the vibrant Tjuntjuntjara Community, located in the heart of the Great Victoria Desert. This challenging yet rewarding position encompasses a diverse range of responsibilities. This role provides oversight for municipal and essential services. You will be instrumental in ensuring the community’s
well-being and sustainability, while fostering a collaborative and respectful environment.
Duties
Coordination
- Oversee the delivery of municipal, essential municipal services (water, power, sewerage,
rubbish, airstrip, cemetery, fuel).
- Manage the REMS program, adhering to budgets and timeframes and reporting.
- Coordinate PTAC local council functions and manage corporation assets.
- Provide daily supervision and training to a team of local workers.
- Ensure smooth operation of services, complying with relevant regulations and best
practices.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders (governments, NGOs,
community members).
Operation
- Monitor water/RO and powerhouse services (3x weekly), maintaining accurate records.
- Conduct monthly power meter readings on community buildings.
- Check and test backup generators (clinic & aged care) fortnightly.
- Coordinate fuel orders and service-related items with the Community Services Manager.
- Maintain the tip (fencing, cleanliness).
- Ensure airstrip maintenance (weed control, annual grading, safety markers, lights).
- Prepare airport reports, clear visiting planes, and manage mail/freight.
- Support families with funeral arrangements (grave preparation, pastor liaison, service setup).
- Assist other key staff during emergencies according to the Emergency Management Plan.
- Coordinate other municipal services (vegetation management, greening, dust abatement, beautification,
rubbish collection). Oversee civil works programs (airstrip grading, fire breaks, tip maintenance).
- Manage the maintenance and cleaning of community visitor accommodation.
Human Resources
- Identify training and development needs through Appraisal System for yourself and any staff you
directly supervise and participate in corporate training.
- Ensure adherence to Corporation’s Code of Conduct, Equal Employment Opportunity, Privacy procedures and other policies and programs.
- Participate fully in the Staff Performance Management System, Recruitment and Induction processes.
- Mentor and develop the skill base of local aboriginal staff and provide sound and consistent mentoring support
Occupational Health & Safety/Risk Manager
- Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and for the health and safety of anyone else who may be affected by your acts or omissions at the workplace.
- Co-operate with the Corporation with respect to any action taken by the employer to comply with any requirement imposed by or under the Health & Safety Acts, Regulations and Codes of
Practice.
- Work within Work Health and Safety Acts, Regulations and Codes of Practice as far as practicable.
- Ensure the Corporation’s Risk Management Policy & Procedures are observed and complied with.
- Enforce the Corporation’s WHS and Risk procedures with contractors and consultants as far as practicable.
Capability and Mentoring
- Promote community understanding, knowledge and engagement with PTAC services.
- Foster capacity building within the corporation and community by mentoring local staff
and supporting professional development and training initiatives.
The ideal candidate will have:
- Demonstrated experience in managing and delivering municipal services in a remote setting.
- Strong leadership and supervisory skills, with the ability to motivate and develop a team of local workers.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, fostering positive relationships
with diverse stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage budgets, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines effectively.
- Understanding of relevant regulations and best practices in municipal services.
- Commitment to cultural competency and working respectfully within an Aboriginal
community context.
- An understanding and respect for Aboriginal customs and beliefs and a
demonstrated ability to work remotely.
The salary range offered is between $105,776 plus site loading – $110,340 plus site loading depending on skills and experience per annum plus superannuation. As a not-for-profit, PTAC offers salary packaging, which can boost your take-home pay by reducing taxable income.
For any job-related queries or to obtain a detailed Duty Statement please contact ptachr@dabs.net.
To Apply: Submit your cover letter along with your resume via Seek or alternatively in PDF format to ptachr@dabs.net.
Before an offer of employment can be made PTAC requires a National Police Clearance, not
older than 6 months.
You are encouraged to submit your application as soon as possible as PTAC reserves the right to shortlist and interview applications as received. While we would love to contact each applicant, this is not always possible, and we thank every applicant in advance for taking the time to apply.
Unsolicited resumes and contact from recruitment agencies will not be accepted.
Indigenous Australians are encouraged to apply. We are seeking to increase the diversity of
our workforce to better meet the needs of our clients and to improve equal
opportunity outcomes for our employees. This is authorised under Section 51 of the Equal Opportunity Act 1984.
