Policy Officer

About this role

Rural Water Policy is a dynamic, high-achieving, and supportive team with a great workplace culture, and we are looking for someone to contribute their strong policy design, systems thinking, and project delivery skills.

Our team works across a variety of rural water management challenges and opportunities, including those related to socio-economic shifts in irrigated agricultural communities, sustainable water use practices and planning, water recovery under the Murray Darling Basin Plan, intersections with renewable energy investment, and other complex and unique policy issues.

The Project Officer will work within the Rural Water Policy team and engage with rural and regional stakeholders and communities to deliver projects and policies that support sustainable and productive water futures. The role will actively contribute to the management of projects and support the development of policy. The role is suited to a highly motivated individual who is able to maintain collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders, has excellent communication skills and strong strategic thinking and problem-solving ability.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An appropriate tertiary qualification in science, natural resource management, engineering, economics or other relevant disciplines is highly desirable.
• Experience working in the water sector and/or with regional and rural communities is highly desirable

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 8 Nicholson Street, 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.

For further information please refer to the attached position description.

Applications close at midnight on Monday, 14 July 2025.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police 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.