Local recruitment: Policy Officer - Integrated Water Policy

Position Details

Exciting and rare ongoing opportunity for a water policy/strategy specialist to drive and contribute to some of the most complex integrated water policy pieces in DEECA.

The Water Security, Policy and Planning branch is looking for a dedicated water policy/strategy specialist to join our team in a rare ongoing position. In this newly created role, you will contribute to and drive some of the most complex integrated water policy reform initiatives, shaping the future of water management in our region.

Our team’s remit is to deliver policy and regulatory reform that enables the transition from convention water sources such as river water to more manufactured water supplies like treated stormwater and recycled water. By diversifying the state’s water supplies we aim to ensure a resilient and affordable urban water security future, while avoiding or minimising the environmental impacts associated with urban development.

Skills

The ideal candidate will be experienced in policy / strategy development, have strong analytical skills, and the ability to engage effectively with stakeholders. We need a self-motivated individual who can work effectively independently and as a team. In this role you will:

• Use your skills to contribute to and drive the development and/or implementation of stormwater, recycled water and IWM policy reforms and regulation.
• Undertake or assist with research or develop of guidance and tools that supports the industry by unlocking meaningful steps forward on the transition to manufactured water supplies.
• Use your understanding of key drivers of change across the water and land use planning sectors to develop strategic influencing plans and processes.

You will join a flexible and supportive team where individuals are encouraged to bring their full selves to work

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Highly desirable: A tertiary qualification preferably in natural resource management, planning, science, engineering or similar.
• Desirable: Experience in developing and implementing government water policy.
• Desirable: A strong understanding of key drivers of change across the water and land use planning sectors.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria 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.

Applications close at midnight on Monday, 21 July 2025.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check. 

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.