Solicitor - Designated Aboriginal Position

• Step into a dynamic, delivery-focused environment where you can undertake exciting and interesting work in a general government practice across environmental law, administrative law, natural resource management, fire and emergency management and dispute resolution.
• Join a positive, supportive workplace culture in a highly skilled team environment.
• Location: 2 Lonsdale St, Melbourne/Hybrid
• This role is a Designated Aboriginal Position. Refer to the Position Description for further details.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is looking for a lawyer with an interest and post admission experience in statutory interpretation, litigation and dispute resolution, environment law, energy law, agriculture and earth resources, Crown land use and development, natural resource management and fire and emergency management, who can work under broad direction to deliver excellent government legal services, in an ongoing role.

This role will suit someone who is passionate about being part of, and contributing to, an inclusive, collaborative and team-oriented workplace culture that promotes knowledge sharing, cross-skilling of work and strongly embodies the values of teamwork, service excellence, ownership and wellbeing and safety. We want you to feel proud of your contributions and empowered by being part of our high performing team.

If you have excellent research, legal analysis and writing skills and you want to contribute to an exciting and busy agenda that supports the Victorian environment and Victorians, we welcome your application.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An Australian lawyer holding or eligible to hold an Australian practising certificate under the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria).
• Demonstrated capability in providing legal advice and litigation management under broad direction in at least two of the following key practice areas: administrative law, statutory interpretation, natural resources management, litigation and dispute resolution.
• Experience in either broader general in-house government legal practice or some of the department’s areas of specialisation (energy, natural resources management, Crown land management, emergency management and agriculture) is desirable but not essential.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Melbourne CBD 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 Sunday, 04 January 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.

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 self.determination@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.