Engagement Officer Resilience and Recovery

The Engagement Officer – Resilience and Recovery plays a critical role in supporting Victorian agriculture by delivering tailored engagement and communication activities for flagship practice-change programs that strengthen farm business resilience and improve preparedness and recovery from natural disasters.

This position works collaboratively with internal teams, industry stakeholders, and communities to build trust, foster collaboration, and ensure timely and relevant services and information reaches diverse farmer and sector audiences. Flexibility and adaptability are essential, as the role operates in a dynamic environment where priorities can shift quickly due to emergencies, seasonal conditions, or emerging industry challenges.

The role combines strong stakeholder engagement with digital engagement capability and an innovation-focused approach, managing online platforms, creating accessible and compelling content and resources, and applying appropriate communication methods to meet varied needs.

The Engagement Officer also contributes to emergency response and recovery and promotes cultural safety, ensuring inclusive participation and environments where all stakeholders feel respected and valued.

 Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A tertiary degree in agricultural science, communications, community engagement or an equivalent qualification is desirable
• Experience in agriculture, climate change and emergency preparedness, response and recovery is desirable.
• Technical expertise in operating digital and technology tools relevant to stakeholder engagement and communications is desirable
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in community engagement and an understanding of rural communities to support delivery of priority program strategies and services.

This is a fixed term position available for a period until 30 March 2029. 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.

Click the ‘Apply’ button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on 17 March 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.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

DEECA welcomes applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds and we focus on the essential requirements of the job and being consistent and fair in our treatment of all applicants. We also understand that a balanced life is important to our employees. Talk to us about our flexible options such as working some days from home, starting early or late, working part time, job sharing or accessing paid or unpaid leave. For more information visit applying for a role with us.