Senior Policy Officer

How will Victoria's state forests be managed in the decades ahead?

As a Senior Policy Officer in the Forest Strategy team, you'll work on complex and consequential forest policy issues facing Victoria. You'll help solve challenging problems at the intersection of environment, community expectations, public land management and government policy, contributing to the future management and use of Victoria's state forests.

Working across government and with a diverse range of stakeholders, you'll lead policy projects, provide strategic advice, analyse emerging issues and help shape decisions that influence the future of forests across the state.

You'll join a collaborative team that values thoughtful analysis, practical problem solving and delivering outcomes that make a real difference for Victoria's forests, communities and future generations. 

If you don't tick every box in the position description, please don't rule yourself out. Research suggests that women and other people in underrepresented groups tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If this role resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An appropriate tertiary qualification(s) in public policy, law, natural resource or environmental management or similar is desirable.
• Experience in development of forest policy or similar is desirable.

This is a fixed term position available until 30 July 2027. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson St, East Melbourne 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.
If you don't tick every box in the position description, please don't rule yourself out. Research suggests that women and other people in underrepresented groups tend to only apply if they meet every requirement. If this role resonates with you, we encourage you to apply.

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, 14 September 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.