AI & Data Lead

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangements

Flexible hours

Inclusive workplace culture

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC in Melbourne seeks an AI & Data Lead to shape the department's data and AI capability within the SADE branch. You will lead enterprise data, analytics and AI platforms with emphasis on governance, security and compliance.

The role requires hands-on experience with Copilot Studio, AI Foundry, Purview, Fabric and Power BI, plus strong IT governance and agile delivery skills. Hybrid work at 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne.

Qualifications

• Mandatory: strong AI and data governance principles, risk, compliance, standards and guidelines.
• Hands-on experience in AI/ML solution implementation with modern platforms.
• Proven ability to design and implement data solutions including data modelling.
• Experience with governance tools and enterprise data platforms.
• Experience with agile environments and ITIL processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead enterprise data, analytics and AI platforms across the department.
• Develop and operationalise AI and data initiatives including Generative AI.
• Ensure governance, security and compliance across data assets.
• Provide technical guidance and embed new capabilities into BAU operations.

Skills

Leadership

AI governance

Data strategy

Stakeholder engagement

Risk & compliance

Agile environment

Education

Formal IT degree

Tools

Copilot Studio

AI Foundry

Microsoft Purview

Power BI

Microsoft Fabric

Job description

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC - Melbourne VIC

The AI & Data Lead is a key role within the Strategy, Architecture and Digital Enablement (SADE) branch of the Information Services Division (ISD), responsible for shaping and delivering the department’s data and AI capability.

The role brings a strong technical and customer focused leadership across enterprise data, analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms. It contributes to the planning, development and operationalisation of AI and data initiatives, including Generative AI and agent based capabilities, enable trusted data services and support the analytical reporting platform with a strong emphasis on governance, security and compliance.

The role provides technical advice and expertise to support the effective use of data and AI, identifies opportunities to enhance business processes. It assists in embedding new capabilities into BAU operations and contributes to the technical development, delivery, support and ongoing improvements of AI & data technologies.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

Mandatory

• Strong understanding and practical application of AI & data governance principles, risk, compliance, development of frameworks, standards and guidelines.
• Demonstrated hand on experience in AI/ML solution implementation and strong technical proficiency with Copilot Studio, AI Foundry, Microsoft Purview and a strong ability to swiftly grasp and adopt new technologies.
• Proven experience with Microsoft Fabric, designing and implementing data solutions, data modelling, including conceptual, logical, and physical data models.
• Experience in management, administration and utilisation of the Power BI and a strong understanding of their role in supporting the departments data visualisation and reporting capabilities.
• Proven track record in contributing to development and execution of strategic data initiatives and supporting the implementation of data roadmap, ensuring alignment to departments objectives.
• Formal tertiary qualifications in Information Technology or related IT discipline
• Experience working in across functional agile environment
• Knowledge of ITIL processes

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

Applications close 11.59pm on Thursday, 22 October 2026.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History 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.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact ***************@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.