Anthropologist - Genealogy and Research Support

• Location: Darwin
• Status: Full-time ongoing

Use your anthropological and genealogical expertise to support Traditional Owners and help ensure important cultural and family information is researched, recorded and applied with accuracy and care.

About the Role

The Northern Land Council is seeking an Anthropologist (Genealogy and Research Support) to provide professional genealogical research and practical research support across its Anthropology service area. Working alongside NLC anthropologists and consultants, you will generate and maintain genealogies for land claims, native title matters and other core anthropological functions.

This is a hands-on research role for someone who combines sound anthropological judgement with careful records management. You will conduct genealogy research specific to the NLC region, update electronic genealogy records, prepare briefing notes and maps, and contribute to investigations concerning traditional ownership, sacred sites and other significant areas. You will also respond appropriately to constituent requests for genealogy extracts in line with NLC processes.

What you will Bring

You will bring a strong grounding in anthropology, genealogy or a closely related field, together with an understanding of Aboriginal systems of land tenure, social organisation and genealogical frameworks. You will be a careful and respectful researcher who can work productively with Traditional Owners, Aboriginal communities, colleagues and external stakeholders while managing sensitive information with accuracy and sound judgement.

In addition to this, you will have: 

• Relevant tertiary qualification in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), cartography, surveying, geography, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience (minimum five years) in the use of GIS software, particularly ArcGIS Pro and geodatabase environments, including spatial data analysis and high-quality cartographic production.
• Demonstrated experience in supervising staff, managing workflows, and coordinating project delivery within a GIS or related technical environment.
• Working knowledge of the Aboriginal Land Rights (NT) Act 1976 and the Native Title Act 1993 or demonstrated capacity to quickly acquire this understanding in context.

For a full copy of the Position Description refer to the link provided below.

What’s in it for you?

you’ll enjoy a supportive workplace, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a lasting impact across the Northern Territory. At the NLC, you will contribute to work grounded in Country, culture and the rights and interests of Traditional Owners and Aboriginal people across the Top End. You will join an experienced multidisciplinary team and apply your professional skills to research that has enduring cultural and legal significance.

We offer:

• A base salary of $88,214 per annum plus 15% superannuation paid on Base and District Allowance
• salary sacrificing up to $15,900 + Meal Entertainment and Holiday Accommodation benefit 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.
  • Generous leave provisions 5 weeks annual leave, 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

Interested applicants should send a copy of their CV along with a cover letter outlining why you are interested in this position and what relevant skills and expertise you will bring to this role?

If you have any further queries, please contact Wendy Asche on 0483361624

Applications Close: Friday 2 October 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.