At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead biodiversity impact assessments and shape environmental reforms across Victoria.
- Company: Join DEECA, a key player in environmental action and climate change.
- Benefits: Flexible work arrangements, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to community engagement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in biodiversity while leading a talented statewide team.
- Qualifications: Expertise in ecological sciences and experience in environmental approvals required.
The predicted salary is between 133650 - 163350 $ per year.
Lead one of Victoria's most influential biodiversity portfolios and help shape how major projects, planning decisions and environmental reforms are delivered across the state.
As Director, Biodiversity Impact Assessment, you will provide strategic and senior technical leadership for DEECA's statewide biodiversity impact assessment portfolio, overseeing biodiversity assessment, environmental approvals, native vegetation regulation, and biodiversity compensation and offset systems. You will play a pivotal role in balancing biodiversity outcomes with key government priorities across housing, transport, renewable energy, major projects, land use planning and risk management.
This is a rare opportunity to lead a diverse, geographically dispersed branch spanning technical, program, regulatory and policy functions, delivering a truly statewide service. You'll work alongside engaged and talented specialists, fostering connection, capability and consistency across teams while supporting learning, development and growth in a new team undertaking critical and high-profile work.
Reporting as a key member of the executive leadership team, you will provide trusted advice on complex and high-risk assessment matters, influence government policy and reform agendas, and drive innovative approaches to biodiversity impact assessment, regulation and environmental decision-making. You will build strong partnerships across government, industry, community and stakeholder groups, bringing credibility, sound judgement and strategic leadership to competing priorities in a dynamic operating environment.
About you:
We're seeking an accomplished executive with expertise in ecological or environmental sciences, biodiversity assessment and environmental approvals, together with a strong understanding of Victorian and Commonwealth legislative, regulatory and planning frameworks and approval processes. You will have a proven track record leading complex technical functions, driving reform, navigating risk and ambiguity, and developing high-performing teams that deliver meaningful outcomes for Victoria.
If you're passionate about biodiversity, thrive on complex challenges and want to lead a talented statewide team delivering work that matters, we'd love to hear from you.
About the organisation:
We employ approximately 6,300 staff, including around 600 seasonal staff, across more than 86 locations throughout Victoria, across energy, environment, climate action, water, agriculture, and resources portfolios. Our challenge is to maintain Victoria's liveability, with a population expected to almost double by 2050, while responding to climate change and protecting our natural environment, infrastructure and heritage for future generations. We take a community-centered approach and involve communities and key stakeholders in decisions and policies that affect them and we collaborate across our portfolios to design and deliver services and programs.
This is a fixed term position available for a period of up to 5 years. While the work location for this position is flexible within Victoria with hybrid work arrangements available, a regular physical presence is required in the Loddon Mallee Region, as well as the ability to travel on a regular basis to work and meet with staff located across all 6 regions of Victoria (frequency is negotiable with the successful applicant).
Applications close at midnight on Wednesday, 4 November 2026.
Other relevant information:
- Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including completion of a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check.
- Have their misconduct declarations validated, irrespective of whether misconduct has been declared or not.
- Provide at least two appropriate referees, including their current direct line manager or where relevant (i.e. because they are not employed) most recent direct line manager in accordance with the requirements set out in executive reference checks.
- Provide evidence of their right to work in Australia.
To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants must be an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.
A Diverse, Inclusive and Flexible Workplace:
DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process. We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing.
Director, Biodiversity Impact Assessment in Mildura employer: Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and flexibility, making it an ideal workplace for those passionate about driving Victoria's energy transition. With a strong commitment to employee growth, DEECA offers opportunities for professional development while fostering a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued. Located in East Melbourne, the department supports hybrid work arrangements, ensuring a healthy work-life balance for its staff.
Contact Details:
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action VIC Recruitment Team
