Senior Project Officer - Yarra River Protection

Shape the future of the Birrarung. Protect a living entity.

The Birrarung, Yarra is the lifeblood of Melbourne, flowing through Country, community, and culture. This role offers the rare opportunity to be part of a team that safeguards its future while working alongside Traditional Owners, communities, and partners to bring a 50-year Community Vision to life.

Why join us?

• Opportunity to make a difference – contribute directly to the protection and restoration of one of Victoria’s most iconic rivers.
• Dynamic and meaningful work – influence whole-of-government policy, strategy and governance at the interface of environment, culture and community.
• Collaborative and supportive culture – join a team passionate about waterways, Traditional Owner leadership and long-term environmental outcomes.
• Flexibility and growth – develop your expertise in environmental governance, Traditional Owner partnerships, and strategic policy reform in a flexible workplace.

About the role

As Senior Project Officer – Yarra River Protection, you will:

• Provide expert policy advice and oversee governance arrangements for the implementation of Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo (Yarra Strategic Plan).
• Lead priority projects and co-investment initiatives that deliver on the objectives of the Yarra River Protection (Willip-gin Birrarung murron) Act 2017.
• Work closely with the Birrarung’s formally recognised Traditional Owners, Melbourne Water, the Birrarung Council, and responsible public entities to ensure delivery of the 50-year Community Vision.
• Strengthen the Department’s partnerships with Traditional Owners and other key entities to embed cultural values and governance leadership in river protection.
• Coordinate government responses to State of the Yarra reporting and contribute to broader initiatives such as Water is Life, Rivers of the Barwon Action Plan Barre Warre Yulluk, and Waterways of the West Action Plan.

What we’re looking for

You are passionate about protecting waterways and committed to working respectfully with Traditional Owners to deliver long-term change. You thrive in collaborative environments, enjoy balancing policy and on-ground project delivery, and are motivated by the chance to influence lasting reform.

We are seeking someone who brings:

• Strong stakeholder and partnership skills – with the ability to build respectful, effective and enduring relationships across Traditional Owners, government and community.
• Strategic policy and project delivery expertise – with demonstrated capacity to deliver complex projects that influence reform and strengthen outcomes. 
• Passion for protecting and restoring Victoria’s valued urban waterways based on strong understanding of, and previous experience in, natural resource management policy (ideally with experience in waterway or urban waterway policy and/or programs), and land use planning.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• A strong understanding of, and previous experience in, natural resource management policy (ideally with experience in waterway or urban waterway policy and/or programs), land use planning and Traditional Owner partnership in land and water management is required.
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of Victorian Aboriginal cultures and societies and ability to communicate effectively with Aboriginal people, and an understanding of relevant government policy and obligations in relation to Traditional Owners.
• A demonstrated understanding of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, the Victorian Aboriginal Affairs Framework, DEECA’s Pupangarli Marnmarnepu and knowledge of Traditional Owner Corporations is required.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne, VIC 3002 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 Tuesday, 11 November 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