Deputy Chief Environmental Scientist, Science and Public Health Partnerships

Environment Protection Authority Victoria; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 180,000 - 280,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Protection Authority Victoria in Melbourne is seeking a Deputy Chief Environmental Scientist to lead the Science Strategy, Partnerships and Public Health branch, shaping the organisation's science direction, driving regulatory innovation and building collaborations with universities, government, industry and health agencies.

You bring a proven track record of senior scientific leadership in complex regulatory settings, with a doctorate or equivalent qualification and the ability to

Qualifications

• Doctoral-level expertise in environmental public health and regulatory science.
• Experience translating science into policy and practical delivery.
• Strong track record in leading cross-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to build and manage high-value partnerships with academia, government and industry.

Responsibilities

• Lead EPA's science strategy, partnerships and public health initiatives.
• Drive regulatory innovation and translate research into regulatory practice.
• Represent EPA externally and provide executive sponsorship for strategic centres.
• Influence stakeholders and communicate complex scientific issues to executives and partners.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Scientific leadership

Regulatory science

Partnership building

Education

Doctorate in environmental public health

Job description

Deputy Chief Environmental Scientist, Science and Public Health Partnerships

Environment Protection Authority Victoria - Macleod VIC

Whoever you are, whatever skills you bring, you have a critical role in protecting Victoria's lands and waters. Whether in the office or on the ground, you get to see the difference you make each day.

• Shape Victoria's environmental science and public health strategy
• Build high-value research, government and industry partnerships
• Translate leading science and research into regulatory innovation

About the organisation

Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is Victoria's environmental regulator, working to prevent and reduce the harmful effects of pollution and waste on Victorians and their environment. EPA is a values and purpose-driven organisation that works with community, government and industry to deliver for all Victorians. As an independent statutory authority, EPA uses its powers and tools to prevent risks to the environment and human health.

About the role

As Deputy Chief Environmental Scientist, Science and Public Health Strategy and Partnerships, you will lead EPA's Science Strategy, Partnerships and Public Health branch, driving sustainable operations and partnerships, technical leadership of science research and development strategy, regulatory innovation and environmental public health influence. Reporting to the Chief Environmental Scientist, you will provide senior executive support and strategic advice on complex science, public health and partnership matters, and represent EPA externally when required. You will provide executive sponsorship for EPA's Centre of Excellence for Regulatory Science and Innovation model, build high-value partnerships across universities, research institutes, government, industry and health agencies, and lead the development of EPA's science, digital innovation and environmental public health strategies. Taking a One Health lens, you will integrate science, engineering and research capabilities to strengthen environmental and public health outcomes.

About you

You are an established scientific and environmental public health leader with extensive experience integrating multidisciplinary health, environmental science and engineering disciplines to translate evidence into strategy and action. You have demonstrated senior executive leadership experience in a complex scientific, public health or regulatory environment and the capability to act as a trusted deputy to a chief scientist or equivalent executive. You bring experience developing strategy, establishing priorities, managing risk and translating strategic direction into practical delivery, together with experience in major research programs, centres of excellence or strategic partnership models. You can influence senior stakeholders, negotiate complex outcomes and clearly communicate scientific, environmental public health and strategic issues to executive, governing board, government, partners and public audiences. A doctorate or relevant postgraduate qualification in environmental public health or a related discipline is required.

Applications close Tuesday 17 November 2026 at 11:59pm.