Program Manager High Risk Permissions

Department-of-Energy,-Environment-and-Climate-Action; Victoria; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

The Conservation Regulator is seeking an experienced Program Manager to coordinate high-risk permissions matters, provide strategic advice, and prepare briefing materials that support defensible decision-making. This VPS5 fixed-term role offers hybrid work arrangements across Victoria.

You will collaborate with specialist, operational and executive teams to coordinate responses to environmental, legal and community impacts with flexible work options within the state.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing complex, sensitive or high-risk regulatory, operational or governance matters.
• Experience preparing executive, ministerial or other high-level briefing material.
• Demonstrated understanding of statutory permissions, licences, permits, authorisations or regulatory decision-making frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate responses to complex high‑risk permissions matters across teams.
• Provide strategic advice and prepare briefing materials to support defensible decision-making.
• Collaborate across specialist, operational and executive teams on environmental, legal and community impacts.

Job description

The Conservation Regulator is seeking an experienced Program Manager to lead the coordination of high-risk permissions matters, providing strategic advice and preparing briefing materials that support robust, defensible decision-making. Working across specialist, operational and executive teams, you'll coordinate responses to complex issues with environmental, legal, reputational and community impacts.

We're looking for someone with strong judgement, exceptional written communication skills and experience navigating complex regulatory, operational or governance environments. Experience preparing executive or ministerial briefings will be highly regarded.

This is a 12-month VPS5 opportunity with flexible work arrangements and location options across Victoria. Join a collaborative team committed to delivering trusted and effective regulatory outcomes for wildlife, public land and conservation.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience managing complex, sensitive or high-risk regulatory, operational or governance matters is highly desirable.
• Experience preparing executive, ministerial or other high-level briefing material is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated understanding of statutory permissions, licences, permits, authorisations or regulatory decision-making frameworks is desirable.
• Relevant qualifications in environmental science, natural resource management, law, public administration, policy, business or a related discipline will be highly regarded.

This is a fixed term position available for a period of 12 months. 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.

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

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 [e-mail] .

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 .

Applications close Wednesday 18 November 2026 at 11.59pm