Senior Policy Officer

Environment Protection Authority; Melbourne; On-site; AUD 116,000 - 129,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Protection Authority Victoria is seeking a Senior Policy Officer to develop and deliver high-quality policy advice that supports Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, builds a circular economy, and advances environment protection. You will craft clear, evidence-based guidance for decision-makers, including the Minister and EPA executives.

This role leads complex policy work, shapes practical recommendations, and fosters productive relationships across government, other jurisdictions

Qualifications

• Interpret and apply legislation, policies, procedures and frameworks, contributing to policies and recommendations through research and evidence gathering.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including assessing complex information, identifying risks and evaluating options.
• Sound judgement in resolving issues, interpreting guidelines and consulting stakeholders for effective outcomes.
• Collaborate within and across teams, sharing knowledge and contributing to a cooperative environment.
• Well-developed stakeholder management skills and the ability to build productive relationships and respond constructively to issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing clear reports and briefings for varied audiences.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of expert, authoritative and timely policy advice for the Minister, EPA executives and other government departments.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with state government agencies, other jurisdictions and industry to support evidence-based policy analysis.
• Prepare and present accurate, concise and timely policy documents, briefings, correspondence, submissions and reports for a range of audiences.
• Lead Container Deposit Scheme project management activities, including project planning and risk management.

Skills

Policy analysis

Stakeholder management

Written communication

Project management

Policy briefing

Job description

Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs

Reference: 1850

Fixed-term, full-time role until 30 June 2028Salary: VPS 5.1 - $116,413 to $128,631 + 12% superannuationLocation: 664 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008

About the Organisation

EPA is currently transitioning to a new operating model, creating a range of opportunities across the organisation. We’re looking for talented people to join us and contribute to EPA’s important work protecting Victoria’s environment and community.

EPA works to prevent and reduce the harmful effect of pollution and waste on Victoria’s environment and people. We work with community, industry and businesses. As the needs of Victorians change, we must be equipped to adapt and respond to a range of factors.

We are a workplace committed to new ways of working. EPA celebrates diversity of people and lifestyles and offers practical options to support both work and personal life.

The EPA Experience

• See the impact in the communities we live in: at EPA you see your work first-hand
• Range of internal working groups, networks and volunteering opportunities
• On-the-job training for a wide range of environmental roles
• Flexible start and finish times, as well as compressed work week options

About the role

As Senior Policy Officer, you will develop and deliver high-quality, proactive policy advice that supports Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, builds Victoria’s circular economy and advances environment protection. You will create clear, evidence-based advice for decision-makers, including the Minister, EPA executives and other government departments.

This is an opportunity to lead complex policy work, shape practical recommendations and build productive relationships across government, other jurisdictions and industry.

In this role you will

• Lead the development of expert, authoritative and timely advice for the Minister, EPA executives and other government departments.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with state government agencies, other jurisdictions and industry to support evidence-based policy analysis.
• Prepare and present accurate, concise and timely policy documents, briefings, correspondence, submissions and reports for a range of audiences.
• Lead Container Deposit Scheme project management activities, including project planning and the identification and management of risks.

Skills and experience

• Demonstrated ability to interpret and apply legislation, policies, procedures and frameworks, and contribute to policies, business cases and recommendations through research, evidence gathering and critical analysis.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including assessing complex information, identifying risks and issues, evaluating options and providing practical recommendations.
• Sound judgement in resolving issues, interpreting guidelines, identifying information gaps and consulting stakeholders to achieve effective outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate within and across teams, share knowledge and contribute to a supportive and cooperative environment.
• Well-developed stakeholder management skills and the ability to build productive relationships, understand stakeholder needs and respond constructively to issues.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including preparing clear reports and briefings and communicating insights and recommendations to varied audiences.

Applicants Should Submit:

• Cover letter addressing your experience, the key selection criteria, motivations and suitability for the role.
• Resume including contact details of two referees.

For enquiries relating to this role, please contact [e-mail].

Need to know more?

All prospective employees will undergo a National Criminal Record Check prior to an offer of employment. You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including police checks, reference checks and role-related security clearances.

EPA Victoria recognises the value of the diversity, strength and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as we work with Traditional Owners to care for our environment. We provide a culturally safe and embracing work environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to merit, equity, diversity and inclusion. We believe our workforce should represent the diversity of the lands upon which we reside, and we actively embrace staff of different abilities, orientations, backgrounds, faiths and genders.

Applications close Tuesday 17 November 2026 at 11.59pm