Manager Basin Water Quality and Monitoring

Help shape Victoria's water future

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is seeking an experienced and motivated professional to lead water quality policy development, analysis and reporting on behalf of Victoria. As Manager, Basin Water Quality and Monitoring, you will play a key role in delivering Victoria's water quality obligations and influencing policy outcomes across the Murray-Darling Basin. Working within the Water Monitoring and Data team, you will provide leadership on water quality matters, coordinate policy development across jurisdictions, and contribute to critical reporting that informs government decision-making and long-term water resource planning.

About the role

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Water Monitoring & Data, you will:

• Lead water quality policy development and reporting associated with the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and Basin Plan Evaluation.
• Oversee the delivery of Victoria's five-yearly water quality analysis and contribute to major reports including the State of the Environment and Long-Term Water Resource Assessments.
• Represent Victoria on national and interjurisdictional forums, including the Murray-Darling Basin Water Quality Advisory Panel.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with government agencies, water sector organisations, researchers and other stakeholders.
• Provide strategic advice and thought leadership on water quality monitoring, policy and emerging issues.
• Work collaboratively within the Water Monitoring & Data leadership team to support team capability, resilience and effective program delivery.

About you

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Demonstrated experience in water quality, environmental management, natural resource management or a related field.
• Strong analytical and policy development skills, with the ability to translate complex information into practical advice and outcomes.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, communication and negotiation skills, with experience working across multiple organisations and jurisdictions.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects and deliver outcomes in dynamic environments.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative leadership style.
• An understanding of water quality monitoring and management frameworks would be advantageous.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Degree in science/ environmental management or similar is highly desirable
• In-depth understanding of water quality and monitoring would be advantageous.

This is a fixed term, job-share position (0.5 FTE) available for a period of 12 months. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria (preferably 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne). Hybrid work arrangements are 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 Monday, 03 August 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 aboriginal.employment@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.