Program Manager, Traditional Owner Agreements - Taungurung

Department-of-Energy,-Environment-and-Climate-Action; Victoria; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action in Victoria seeks a Program Manager to coordinate the Taungurung RSA and Traditional Owner agreements. The role provides high level support to the unit and director, and works with regional staff and TAO councils across DEECA divisions.

The role requires knowledge of Aboriginal culture and policy development, with flexibility for a Victoria-wide, hybrid work arrangement.

Qualifications

• Experience in policy, program and project delivery especially in land management or Traditional Owner policy.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Aboriginal culture and ability to communicate with Aboriginal people.
• Understanding of Traditional Owner Settlement Act (Vic) 2010, self-determination or NRM is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate implementation of DEECA commitments related to Taungurung RSA and Traditional Owner agreements.
• Provide high level support to unit and director; liaise with regional staff and TAO authorities.

Skills

Policy development

Aboriginal engagement

Public policy

Education

Postgraduate qualification in science/public policy

Tertiary qualification in environmental management

Job description

The Program Manager Traditional Owner Agreements is responsible for coordinating the implementation of DEECA commitments associated with Taungurung Recognition and Settlement Agreement (RSA). The position provides high level support to the unit and director for matters related to the Taungurung RSA and Traditional Owner agreements more broadly. The position works closely with the Hume regionally based and Bushfire and Forest Services staff. This role works directly with The Taungurung Land and Waters Council and across multiple DEECA Divisions.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Experience and knowledge in the development and delivery of policy, programs and projects; use of these skills in the context of land management and Traditional Owner policy development and/or implementation is advantageous.
• A demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Aboriginal culture and society and ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people.
• An understanding of the Traditional Owner Settlement Act (Vic) 2010, self-determination, and/or Natural Resource Management is advantageous.
• Tertiary qualification(s) including post-graduate qualification(s) in in science, law, public policy, natural resource or environmental management or similar is desirable.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available.

Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 08 November 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 [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 Sunday 8 November 2026 at 11.59pm