Engagement Officer - Vertebrate Pests

The Engagement Officer – Vertebrate Pests position supports the delivery of a multi focus vertebrate pest management program addressing the impacts of foxes, feral pigs, rabbits, and feral goats. The position is responsible for building partnerships with key stakeholders involved in vertebrate pest management to build community capacity, to provide best practice information and promote collaborative, cross tenure approaches to improve management programs on public and private land. 

The position is based in Victoria’s east and will have a focus on supporting communities in the development of community-led vertebrate pest management programs in the eastern parts of Victoria. 

You will have a key focus in facilitating coordinated, inter agency approaches to reduce the impacts of vertebrate pests and enhance engagement with traditional owners to protect culturally significant, economic and environmental assets. 

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate strong interpersonal and communication skills, experience with stakeholder engagement and have highly developed organisational skills. Technical expertise in the best practice management of vertebrate pests is also required. It is expected that this role will require considerable time travelling, conducting pubic presentations, delivering training and meeting with stakeholder groups. 

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in developing collaborative relationships with stakeholders and community groups with a focus on participatory practice in biosecurity, agricultural, environmental or related sectors. 
• Demonstrated knowledge of best practice vertebrate pest management in Victoria and their impacts. This includes feral pigs, foxes, rabbits, feral goats and wild dogs.
• Exceptional verbal communication skills with the ability to deliver training packages and presentations to internal and external audiences, aiding your ability to develop credibility and trust with community and stakeholder groups. 
• Experience in developing and delivering projects which engage a group of stakeholders working towards a common goal. Uses strengths and innovative thinking to enhance project outcomes. 

Desirable qualification

• Tertiary degree in Agricultural Science, Science or an equivalent science qualification is desirable, although not mandatory

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Flexible within Eastern 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, 10 June 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.

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.