Senior Policy Officer - Water Entitlement Reform

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 60,000 - 90,000; Part time

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action in Melbourne is seeking a Senior Policy Officer to join the Entitlement Framework Reform team and help deliver meaningful change.

You will shape Victoria’s water entitlement framework for future generations, translate complex policy and legal issues into practical solutions, and work with Traditional Owners, government and the water sector to improve access and influence over water resources.

Qualifications

• A strong understanding of water resource management and Victoria’s water entitlements and allocation framework is required.
• Demonstrated skills, experience and knowledge of Aboriginal culture and contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal Victorians today to deliver culturally informed government policies and services is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks and policy instruments, and the ability to interpret and apply these to inform legislative and regulatory reform is desirable.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in science, law or engineering is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Shape Victoria’s water entitlement framework for future generations.
• Turn complex policy, legal and technical issues into practical solutions.
• Improve Traditional Owner access to, ownership of and influence over water.
• Work alongside Traditional Owners, government and the water sector.

Skills

Water resource management

Policy analysis

Stakeholder engagement

Regulatory interpretation

Education

Science/Law/Engineering degree

Job description

Senior Policy Officer - Water Entitlement Reform

Want to help reshape how Victoria shares water?

We’re looking for a Senior Policy Officer to join DEECA’s Entitlement Framework Reform team and help deliver meaningful change.

This is an opportunity to:

• help shape Victoria’s water entitlement framework for future generations
• turn complex policy, legal and technical issues into practical solutions
• improve Traditional Owner access to, ownership of and influence over water
• work alongside Traditional Owners, government and the water sector

You’ll join a supportive, collaborative team and job-share with an experienced colleague—giving you flexibility while contributing to work that matters.

If you’re a thoughtful problem-solver who can communicate clearly, build strong relationships and navigate complex policy challenges,we’d love to hear from you.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A strong understanding of water resource management and Victoria’s water entitlements and allocation framework is required.
• Demonstrated skills, experience and knowledge of Aboriginal culture and contemporary issues affecting Aboriginal Victorians today to deliver culturally informed government policies and services is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of relevant legislation, regulatory frameworks and policy instruments, and the ability to interpret and apply these to inform legislative and regulatory reform is desirable.
• A relevant tertiary qualification in science, law or engineering is desirable .

This is a fixed term, part time position (0.6 FTE) available for a period of 12 months. The work location for this position is primarily at 8 Nicholson St, Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday, 25 October 2026.

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 .

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.