Senior Anthropologist

About Queensland South Native Title Services

Queensland South Native Title Services (QSNTS) is a Native Title Service Provider funded by the Australian Government to assist Traditional Owners in pursuing and exercising their native title rights and interests through the provision of statutory services under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth).

We are passionate about the work we do and the values by which we operate. We are committed to building trusted partnerships and walking alongside Traditional Owners, ensuring they have the information, time and support needed to make strong and informed decisions throughout the native title journey.

Our team of professionals is committed to the QSNTS Way: right people, right country, right path.

About the role

The Senior Anthropologist provides leadership and management of the Anthropology Team and ensures the effective delivery of high-quality anthropological services.

This role provides strategic oversight of anthropological research and practice across native title claims, compensation matters, legal strategy, research projects and Prescribed Body Corporate operations. It also supports culturally informed and integrated service delivery across QSNTS, with Free, Prior and Informed Consent at the centre of decision-making processes.

Based in Brisbane and reporting to the Chief Operations Officer, the Senior Anthropologist will work closely with legal, engagement, operational and client service teams to deliver coordinated and client-focused outcomes. Regular travel throughout Queensland, including remote travel and some weekend work, is required.

Key responsibilities

In this role, you will:

• Lead, supervise and develop the Anthropology Team, fostering accountability, professional capability, positive workplace behaviours and client-focused outcomes.
• Oversee anthropological research and advice supporting native title claims, compensation matters, research projects, legal strategy and Prescribed Body Corporate operations.
• Provide strategic input into claim progression, research projects and organisational planning.
• Manage external anthropological consultants, research projects and associated contracts.
• Oversee the quality, consistency and evidentiary strength of anthropological reports, research materials, advice and other professional outputs.
• Contribute to project strategy, budgeting, scheduling, funding applications, submissions and operational reporting.
• Working collaboratively with legal, engagement and research professionals to deliver coordinated, client-focused outcomes.
• Building strong and respectful relationships with Traditional Owner groups, Prescribed Bodies Corporate, government agencies and other stakeholders.

About you

To succeed in this role, you will have:

• A Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Science or equivalent qualification, with Honours in Anthropology or a related discipline.

• Demonstrated experience leading and managing professional staff.

• Significant experience undertaking anthropological research in native title environments.

• Experience preparing, reviewing or authoring expert reports, connection materials and related anthropological advice.

• Strong knowledge of the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), native title representative body functions and the role of anthropological evidence in native title matters.

• Strong analytical and research skills, including the ability to synthesise complex cultural, genealogical, archival and field-based information.

• Knowledge of contemporary anthropological practice, professional ethics and established standards across native title representative bodies and Registered Native Title Bodies Corporate.

• Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples, Traditional Owner groups and communities.

• Advanced project, program and contract management skills, including managing consultants, priorities, budgets, deliverables, risks and reporting timeframes.

• High-level written communication, analytical and research skills.

• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement capabilities.

• The ability to maintain confidentiality and appropriately manage sensitive cultural, personal and organisational information.

• The ability and willingness to undertake regular travel throughout Queensland, including remote travel.

• A current open driver’s licence.

Desirable

• Postgraduate qualifications in Anthropology or a related discipline.
• Experience as an expert witness or supporting expert evidence in native title or related proceedings, including contested hearings in the Federal Court.

What we offer

We offer a range of employee benefits and programs designed to promote work-life balance, career development, and personal growth. Some of the employee benefits that we offer include:

• Competitive salary packages
• Salary Sacrifice
• Flexible working arrangements
• Generous leave entitlements
• Professional development opportunities
• Employee assistance program
• Cultural awareness training
• Health and well-being initiatives
• Additional 7-Day paid shutdown during the Christmas / New Year period

Apply now

To apply, submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your suitability for the role. To request a copy of the Position Description, email [email protected].

We look forward to hearing from you.