Senior Policy Officer - Marine, Coasts and Land (Designated Aboriginal Position)

The Senior Policy Officer provides expert, authoritative and timely policy advice to the Minister, the Department’s executive and other government departments, undertakes consultation across government and with external stakeholders and manages work programs and deliverables for complex policy projects within tight timelines.​

This position requires someone who is keen to make a difference in marine, coastal and land management in Victoria, with strong communication and teamwork skills. The ability to build and maintain collaborative working relationships with Traditional Owner groups and internal and external stakeholders is essential.

Situated in the Marine, Coasts and Land Policy Team within the Land and Biodiversity Policy Division, the position will work to advance marine, coastal and land policy and projects in Victoria. Guided by a self-determination approach and the implementation of state-wide policy and strategy, the team partners with Traditional Owners to identity programs, such as sea and country plans, two-way capacity and capability building, and restoration of marine and coastal cultural knowledge and practice, that can be delivered by Traditional Owner groups.

​The Senior Policy Officer will play an important role in supporting delivery of this work, operating across the team to strengthen how we work in partnership with Traditional Owners, ensuring their rights and obligations are embedded in marine, coastal and land planning and management.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

Essential

• Experience undertaking engagement with rightsholders and stakeholders across government, industry and the community on complex policy issues is required.
• Experience in undertaking complex policy analysis and providing high level policy advice is required
• High level knowledge, skills and experience with policy analysis and advice in a relevant subject area

Desirable

• A well-developed understanding of Victorian Government policy processes is desirable.
• Knowledge of public land management is desirable
• Tertiary qualification(s) including post-graduate qualification(s) in social sciences, public policy, natural resources and environmental management, law or similar are well regarded.

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. 

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

Applications close 11.59pm on Thursday, 07 May 2026. 

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

Having trouble applying? Recent Microsoft updates may affect Outlook or Hotmail email accounts. If you encounter issues, try using another email address when creating your account or contact your account domain provider.

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.

A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace

This position is designated for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people under s.12 Special Measures of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010. Confirmation of Aboriginality will be required for appointment to this position. Only Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are eligible to apply

We recognise the significant responsibility to enable self-determination, be accountable to Traditional Owners and provide opportunities to strengthen First Peoples’ connection to Country. We are committed to creating a culturally safe environment, where individuals feel safe, valued, and able to celebrate their culture, and spiritual and belief systems.

For general information about Aboriginal Employment at DEECA, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au.

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.