Strategic Forest Programs Lead – Contractor Delivery

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action; Melbourne; Hybrid; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action in Victoria seeks a Senior Program Officer to oversee the Forest Contractor Program, linking planning to delivery across the state. You will coordinate with regional teams, manage contractor capacity, and support the Joint Fuel Management and Operational Forest Management programs.

You will bring extensive program management experience, strong communication, and the ability to influence outcomes across multiple divisions, with flexible work

Qualifications

• Experience in program management with budgeting and reporting.
• Strong communication skills and ability to influence across multiple teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the connection between program planning and operational delivery across Victoria.
• Monitor performance and maximise contractor utilisation and investment.
• Provide strategic advice to executives and support governance arrangements.

Skills

Program management

Budget management

Communication skills

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Full time, Permanent

Hybrid

10d ago , from Victorian Department of Energy and Climate Action

Interested in managing statewide programs that maximise the delivery capacity of Victoria's forest management and bushfire risk reduction programs?This newly established role offers a unique opportunity to lead the connection between program planning and operational delivery across Victoria. As the Senior Program Officer, Forest Contractor Program, you'll work at the intersection of strategy, delivery and resource management, ensuring contractor capacity is effectively allocated to support the Joint Fuel Management Program and Operational Forest Management Program. Working closely with Forest and Fire Assets and Resources Division, regional delivery teams and statewide program coordinators, you will help shape annual delivery programs, monitor performance and identify opportunities to maximise contractor utilisation and government investment. You'll provide strategic advice to executives, contribute to governance arrangements and develop innovative approaches to improve statewide program delivery.

This role is suited to an experienced program professional who enjoys working across large and complex programs, building strong stakeholder relationships and turning data and operational insights into practical solutions. You'll bring strong program management experience, excellent communication skills and the ability to influence outcomes across multiple teams and business areas. The Forest and Fire Programs Branch provides strategic oversight of some of Victoria's most important forest and fire management activities, including fuel management, roads and recovery, recreation and tourism, forest health and resilience. You'll join a collaborative team committed to delivering meaningful outcomes for communities, public land and the environment. Flexible work arrangements are available, with locations across Victoria considered.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Previous experience in program management, including budget and program reporting is required.

This is an ongoing position. 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.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers.

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Applications close 11.59pm on Wednesday, 21 October 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

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 ***************@deeca.vic.gov.au.

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.

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