Careers

Employment

Queensland South Native Title Services (QSNTS) is the native title service provider for the southern half of Queensland. Our workforce is comprised of legal, research, community relations and corporate staff.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates are encouraged to apply for roles with QSNTS.

Current Vacancies

Lawyer - Native Title 

Position Location - Brisbane

Employment Type - Full-time, Fixed Term Contract – 24 Months

Salary - $104,370.36 to $126,482.20 (negotiable based on skills and experience)

Queensland South Native Title Services (QSNTS) is now seeking an experienced, talented and motivated Lawyer to join our diverse legal team in our Brisbane CBD office.

About Us

QSNTS is a Native Title Service Provider funded by the Federal Government to assist Traditional Owners in the pursuit of their native title aspirations by providing a comprehensive range of statutory services under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (Native Title Act).

About the Role

As a Lawyer you will work as part of an interdisciplinary team to deliver comprehensive legal services towards the progression and determination of native title claims under the Native Title Act. You will also provide legal advice and assistance to Prescribed Bodies Corporate (PBCs) to support the management and implementation of native title rights and interests. 

In this rewarding role, you will:

  • Assist in the preparation of claims for determination of native title in South West Queensland, as well as in negotiations and legal proceedings, including trials;
  • Assist with the representation of native title claimants in mediation;
  • Liaise with native title groups and facilitate settlement negotiations with relevant stakeholders, including the State of Queensland;
  • Take accurate statements from potential witnesses, to be used as evidence to support a native title claim;
  • Perform analysis and produce reports to inform the preparation of native title claims, Indigenous Land Use Agreements (ILUAs) and Future Acts agreements;
  • Represent PBCs in the negotiation of ILUAs, Future Acts agreements and Cultural Heritage Management Plans (CMPs), with various stakeholders including mining companies and local governments;
  • Provide advice and assistance to PBC directors on the implementation of ILUAs, Future Act agreements and CMPs;
  • Provide advice to PBC directors on compliance with and processes under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth), the Native Title Act and the Native Title (Prescribed Bodies Corporate) Regulations 1999 (Cth).

About you

The successful applicant will possess the following qualifications and professional experience:

  • Admission as a legal practitioner in Queensland and the Commonwealth;
  • 3-5 years PAE in litigation, preferably with experience in preparation and prosecution of native title claims;
  • Knowledge of, or ability to rapidly acquire knowledge of, the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth), the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (Cth) and the Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Act 2003 (Qld);
  • Ability to critically interpret the law;
  • Proven ability to strategise and plan prosecution of matters;
  • Exceptional written and oral communication skills of a high professional standard, including the ability to tailor your communication style to suit the needs of your audience;
  • A track record of working effectively both autonomously and in a team environment;
  • Ability to work in a high pressure environment while managing competing priorities;
  • Proficiency in the use of record management systems and Microsoft Office;
  • A current open driver’s licence;
  • The ability to undertake regular travel throughout Queensland; and
  • Demonstrated knowledge of the cultural, political, economic, environmental and social issues affecting First Nations.

QSNTS employees enjoy a host of generous employment conditions, including attractive salary sacrificing options. A detailed position description is available here, and applicants seeking further information are encouraged to contact QSNTS Human Resources Manager, Cath Gracey on (07) 3224 1200. 

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter no greater than two (2) pages outlining your suitability in reference to the characteristics listed in the ‘About you’ section above, together with your Curriculum Vitae, to humanresources@qsnts.com.au. Applications close 5:00 pm, Friday 24 September 2021. 

Paralegal

Position Location Brisbane

Employment Type Full-time, Fixed Term Contract – 12 Months

Salary – QSNTS 4 $58,563.68 - $63,257.23 (negotiable based on skills and experience) plus superannuation

Queensland South Native Title Services (QSNTS) is now seeking an experienced, talented and motivated Paralegal to join our team in our Brisbane CBD office.

About Us

QSNTS is a Native Title Service Provider funded by the Federal Government to assist Traditional Owners in the pursuit of their native title aspirations by providing a comprehensive range of statutory services under the Native Title Act 1993 (Cth) (Native Title Act).

About the Role

As a Paralegal with QSNTS, you will work in interdisciplinary teams, under the supervision of a qualified legal practitioner, to assist in the delivery of a comprehensive suite of services, including the performance of QSNTS’ functions under the Native Title Act, to support traditional owners to pursue and implement their native title rights and interests.

Key responsibilities of this role will include:

  • Providing legal administrative support within the legal cohort and to a Client Management Team (“CMT”)
  • Working as a member of a CMT to achieve outcomes for our clients
  • Conducting legal research
  • Drafting correspondence and court documents
  • Preparing briefs
  • Transcribing of interviews
  • Minute-taking
  • Managing legal records and correspondence in accordance with QSNTS information management standards
  • Travelling to rural and remote parts of Queensland.

About you

The ideal applicant will possess the following:

  • Demonstrated knowledge of the cultural, political, economic, environmental and social issues affecting First Nations
  • Minimum two (2) + years’ experience as a paralegal or legal secretary
  • Be client service oriented
  • Possess high level attention to detail
  • Be flexible and collaborative in your attitude towards your role and your colleagues
  • Excellent interpersonal, communication and organisation skills
  • Demonstrated experience in using Microsoft Office suites
  • Willing to travel to remote parts of Queensland
  • Experience using HPECM information management system (or similar records management software)
  • Hold a current C class driver’s licence
  • Experience in Native Title will be highly regarded.

QSNTS employees enjoy a host of generous employment conditions, including attractive salary sacrificing options.

How to apply

A detailed position description is available here, and applicants seeking further information are encouraged to contact QSNTS Human Resources Manager, Cath Gracey on (07) 3224 1200. 

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter no greater than two (2) pages outlining your suitability in reference to the skills and characteristics listed in the ‘About you’ section above, together with your Curriculum Vitae, to humanresources@qsnts.com.au. Applications close 5:00 pm, Friday 24 September 2021. 

How To Apply

Applications for advertised positions can be submitted electronically via humanresources@qsnts.com.au, as follows:

  1. Obtain the position description, which describes the key capabilities of the role;
  2. Write a letter of application no greater than two (2) pages, outlining how you meet the criteria of the position, together with with your curriculum vitae; and
  3. Submit via e-mail to humanresources@qsnts.com.au by 5:00pm on the application closing date.

Internship Program

QSNTS currently accepts interns through:

  • The Aurora Project’s internship program, which places legal and anthropological interns with native title representative bodies and service providers throughout the country. To learn more about the Aurora Internship Program, please visit their website
  • Practical Legal Training (PLT) students through a university-run program
  • Other applications considered on a case by case basis.