Program Officer, Forest Management

The Program Officer, Forest Management, is responsible for coordinating the delivery of the statewide forest management program. As the successful candidate, you will work closely with Regional and District Teams to promote the effective and efficient delivery of the forest management program. To achieve this, you will ensure effective governance, monitoring and reporting requirements are in place and utilised in the delivery of forest management works.  

As the successful candidate, you will: 

• Provide statewide support of the forest management program using the DEECA project management framework, driving and facilitating successful, coordinated delivery across the state with consistency and discipline 

• Assist in establishing and maintaining effective governance within FFOD for the oversight and coordination of the forest management program. 

• Support Forest and Fire Programs to deliver an integrated forest and fire management program by collaborating across statewide, regional and district teams. 

• Maintain data sets, spatial products and tools to support strategic and operational planning and project management. 

• Support budget and resource management associated with program, service and project delivery, and collate necessary reports on program progress. 

• Manage the effective and efficient provision of advice and services, ensuring departmental and group requirements are met in accordance with legislative, policy and procedural requirements. 

• Provide guidance to Regional and District teams on implementation of the PAF, access to FCP contractors, and application of other forest management funding sources. 

• Practice cultural safety by creating environments, relationships and systems free from racism and discrimination so that people can feel safe, valued and able to participate 

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An appropriate qualification in science, natural resource management, project management or approved equivalent is desirable.
• Technical expertise in application of the PAF for Strategic Fuel Break construction or technical expertise in forest roading programs.

This is a fixed term position available until 30 June 2026. 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, 03 December 2025.

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.