Fixed Term, Full Time opportunity until 31 December 2026

Location: Ernest Jones Drive, Macleod - Hybrid work arrangement (3 days in office required) 

Salary: Science D.1 $142,790 to $166,938 pa + 12% super

About the Organisation

EPA works to prevent and reduce the harmful effect of pollution and waste on Victoria’s environment and people. We work with community, industry and businesses. As the needs of Victorians change, we must be equipped to adapt and respond to a range of factors.

We are a workplace committed to new ways of working, EPA celebrates diversity of people and lifestyles. We offer a wide range of practical options to support both your work and personal life.

The EPA Experience

• See the impact in the communities we live in: at EPA you see your work first-hand
• Range of internal working groups, networks and volunteering opportunities
• On-the-job training for a wide range of environmental roles
• Flexible start and finish times, as well as compressed work week options

About the role:

You will lead and manage a team responsible for water and wastewater scientific monitoring, modelling, assessments and reporting across the state. You will develop and oversee the delivery of high-quality of scientific and applied engineering research, advice, and services to support regulatory decision making, aligned to EPA’s strategic priorities to prevent harm to Victorian communities and the environment from pollution and waste. This is a senior management role for an experienced scientist that wants to contribute to the success of the EPA as it enters a new era of environmental protection in Victoria. Working closely with the Deputy Chief Environmental Scientist, you will lead and manage a team through change, applying structured change management approaches to deliver sustained organisational outcomes to ensure a positive organisational culture and ensure the highest standards of performance and integrity are achieved; and foster genuine partnerships across all levels of government, industry, and community to deliver organisational outcomes. 

In this role you will:

• Lead and manage the Water Sciences Unit to achieve high standards of performance, accountability, collaboration, ethics, and integrity; manage the allocation of resources, budgets, business and project planning and reporting; and demonstrate a strong commitment to a positive culture and the development of staff including leading and embedding change initiatives across the unit. 
•  As an active member of the senior management team in the Environmental Sciences Branch, contribute to the overall operational strategy and direction of the organisation, including shaping and implementing organisational change priorities, ensuring a one-EPA approach to the delivery of priorities; build a high performing workforce that is safety and wellbeing focussed, outcome-orientated, collaborative, innovative, professional, and engaged.
• Ensure a robust, transparent, risk and evidence-based approach within the Water Sciences Unit, empowering and supporting staff, and devolving decision making with an appropriate accountability framework embedded within the unit. 
• Oversee, coordinate and deliver water monitoring programs and the provision of expert scientific and engineering advice to inform regulatory and strategic decisions by the EPA about freshwater and marine pollution, ensuing an understanding of potential environmental impacts of different options. 

Skills and experience:

•  Leadership experience in applied environmental science or engineering.
• A tertiary degree and/or post graduate qualifications in applied science and/or, environmental engineering or equivalent. 
• Demonstrated knowledge in water science and / or engineering.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, including building a shared sense of direction, clarifying priorities; identifies and responds proactively to strategic issues impacting the operating environment and leads organisational change in response to evolving regulatory and operating environments.

To see the full position description: Click Here

How to apply

Please apply via EPA Careers Page: https://careers.epa.vic.gov.au/job-invite/1614/ 

Applications close 11:59PM Thursday, 18 June 2026.

Applicants Should Submit:

• Cover letter; addressing your experience, the key selection criteria, motivations, and suitability to the role.
• Resume; including contact details of two referees.

For any enquiries relating to this role, please reach out to careers@epa.vic.gov.au

Need to know more?

All prospective employees will also undergo a National Criminal Record Check prior to an offer of employment. You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including, but not limited to, police checks, reference checks and role related security clearances.

EPA Victoria recognises the value of the diversity, strength, and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as we work with Traditional Owners to care for our environment. We provide a culturally safe and embracing work environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to merit, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We believe our workforce should represent the diversity of the lands upon which we reside; and we actively embrace staff of different abilities, orientations, backgrounds, faiths, and genders.