The Opportunity

The Director, Sustainable Water Strategy and Drought is a senior leadership position in the Catchment and Communities division of the Water and Catchments Group within the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA). The position is responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of priority Victorian water initiatives relating to water security and long-term public benefit outcomes in the context of climate change and dry conditions.

If this sounds like a program you want to be a part of, keep reading to find out some the things you will be responsible for delivering and some of the skills and experience you will bring with you. You can also refer to the Position Description for more information.

What you will deliver

• You will work collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders across DEECA, the water sector, industry and community to develop strategic, tactical plans
• You will lead the development of the Western Region Sustainable Water Strategy, including setting key strategic objectives for water management for region
• You will monitor and manage performance of program and project initiatives, ongoing performance and compliance monitoring
• You will act as a source of high quality, authoritative and strategic advice to Executive Director, Catchments and Communities as well as other divisions across the Water and Catchments Group.

What you will bring

• Proven leadership experience in natural resource management, law, engineering, environmental science or other relevant discipline with a strong track record of delivering complex strategic or project plans, preferably within the water sector
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, with demonstrated success building collaborative partnerships across government, industry, Traditional Owners and community groups
• Strong understanding of policy planning and regulatory frameworks, including the ability to provide authoritative advice and contribute to national and state-level forums
• Demonstrated ability to lead high-performing teams, drive service excellence, and influence cultural and organisational outcomes in a senior leadership environment

What we offer you

• Professional development opportunities
• Flexible working arrangements and ability to work in a hybrid work setting
• Mental health and wellbeing offerings through our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) which is extended to team members and their families for work and personal issues
  
  

This is a fixed term position available for a period up to 3 years. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

For further information, please refer to the attached position description or call Melinda Knapp on 0408 577 829 or email [email protected].

Applications close at midnight on Sunday 27th July 2025.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to:

• undertake pre-employment screening, including completion of a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check
• have their misconduct declarations validated, irrespective of whether misconduct has been declared or not
• provide at least two appropriate referees, including their current direct line manager or where relevant (i.e. because they are not employed) most recent direct line manager in accordance with the requirements set out in executive reference checks.
• provide evidence of their right to work in Australia

For more information about the pre-screening requirements for this position, please refer to the position description.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace
DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave.

For further information including the position description, key selection criteria and to apply visit www.careers.vic.gov.au