About this role
Who are we? At South East Water, we recognise the enduring connection First Peoples have to Country and waterways and the important role water plays in sustaining culture, community and life. We are committed to delivering essential services to 1.77 million people while caring for the environment and supporting healthy, thriving communities. By embracing innovation, learning from diverse perspectives and building meaningful relationships, we work towards a more sustainable future that benefits both people and Country. The role Join South East Water as our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Project Lead, First Peoples and play a pivotal role in advancing meaningful Reconciliation outcomes across our organisation. Reporting to the Senior Manager, First Peoples, you will lead South East Water to activate and deliver its Reconciliation commitments by providing cultural guidance, advice and a First Peoples perspective to help embed culturally safe practices, strengthen organisational capability and foster respectful relationships with First Peoples communities. Working across the business and with external First Peoples stakeholders, you will: Lead the delivery, coordination and reporting of South East Water's Reconciliation Action Plan. Provide expert advice on Reconciliation, cultural capability, First Peoples engagement and cultural safety. Build and maintain trusted relationships with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and other key stakeholders. Coordinate Reconciliation initiatives, events, workshops and cultural learning opportunities. Monitor progress against RAP commitments, manage governance requirements and prepare executive reporting. Identify opportunities to strengthen Reconciliation outcomes and influence organisational policies, programs and decision-making. Support leaders across the organisation to deliver meaningful and lasting First Peoples outcomes Who are you? You are a passionate and experienced professional who is committed to advancing Reconciliation and creating positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. You bring strong relationship-building skills, cultural knowledge and the ability to influence and collaborate across a diverse range of stakeholders. To be successful, you will have: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander heritage (this is an identified position). Experience delivering or supporting Reconciliation Action Plans, cultural inclusion initiatives or related programs. A strong understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories, self-determination principles and culturally safe engagement practices. Demonstrated experience providing advice and guidance on Reconciliation, cultural capability and inclusion. Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to build trusted partnerships with Traditional Owners, First Peoples organisations and community groups Strong project coordination, problem-solving and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and achieve outcomes. Excellent communication skills, including experience preparing reports, presentations and facilitating workshops and engagement activities. The ability to work autonomously while collaborating effectively across a complex organisation. Relevant qualifications in Community Development, Project Management or a related discipline, or equivalent experience. This is a unique opportunity to lead meaningful change, strengthen partnerships with First Peoples communities and help shape a more inclusive and culturally safe future at South East Water. What's in it for you? At South East Water, you'll help create healthy water futures while making a meaningful impact for community, Country and future generations. We're committed to a culturally safe, inclusive workplace where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees are empowered to bring their whole selves to work. As part of our Reconciliation journey, we continue to strengthen relationships with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and First Peoples communities, recognising the importance of Aboriginal employment, development and leadership pathways. With a collaborative, values-driven culture that champions learning, innovation and connection, you'll be supported to grow your career while making a genuine difference. As a South East Water employee, you'll have access to a range of benefits, including: Access to My Fitness Passport, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), annual flu vaccinations and health checks. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements that support work-life balance, family and community commitments. Additional leave provisions, including Cultural and Ceremonial Leave and Study Leave. Career development, mentoring and learning opportunities to support your personal and professional growth Modern office facilities with beachfront views, a parents' room, prayer and reflection spaces, and an onsite café. Free onsite and offsite car parking available, as well as pay-as-you-go parking options nearby. Opportunities to contribute to community initiatives and programs that strengthen outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the broader communities we serve. At South East Water, we believe diversity of experience and perspective makes us stronger. We are proud to be creating a workplace where mob can feel a genuine sense of belonging, build rewarding careers and help shape a sustainable future for people and Country. This role is remunerated at a Level 5, which is between $119,221 and $125,993 + super and offers are commensurate with the successful candidates' experience. We're for everyone Our people are as diverse as the communities we serve. It makes us better learners, thinkers and collaborators, helping create better outcomes for our customers. We are deeply committed to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging, and we encourage applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals, people with disability and jobseekers of all ages and cultures. We aim to provide an inclusive, accessible workplace where everyone is welcome, safe, and celebrated. If you need any help with the application process or would like to discuss your reasonable adjustments during interviews, please reach out to our Talent team at [email protected]. Keen to make an impact? Click here to check out the position description. We're accepting applications for this exciting opportunity until Sunday 27 September 2026! To be considered for this opportunity, you must hold unrestricted working rights for the period of employment at the time of application. Successful candidates will also be required to undergo a number of pre-employment checks, including a police records check South East Water operates a 24/7 service environment. Whilst this role does not involve after-hours rostered duty, all employees may be required to provide out of hours support from time to time as required. Visit southeastwater.com.au to learn more about us and how we serve our customers.