Deputy Director Invasive Species Science
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action
The Deputy Director Invasive Species Science leads scientific and technical advice on invasive plants, terrestrial invertebrates, and marine pests with environmental impacts, supporting risk management and environmental biosecurity at state and national levels. It contributes to policy, strategy, and legislative development, and represents Victoria on national committees and intergovernmental processes. This includes managing input into the technical aspects and management of significant financial commitments to national eradication programs. This role will also provide technical and strategic leadership for investigations and responses for significant pests of environmental concern in Victoria.
Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications
* A tertiary qualification in a relevant scientific discipline.
* Demonstrated high-level expertise in the science and management of invasive plants, terrestrial invertebrates, and marine pests, including the ability to interpret and apply contemporary scientific knowledge to inform policy, strategy, and operational decision-making.
* Proven ability to lead and manage multidisciplinary teams, set strategic direction, and deliver complex programs in a dynamic policy and operational environment.
* Experience in contributing to the development of policy, legislation, and regulatory frameworks, and in managing significant financial commitments, including governance of national eradication programs.
* Strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills, with a track record of representing government in high-level forums and engaging effectively with Ministers, senior executives, industry, and community leaders.
* Demonstrated ability to work across government agencies and jurisdictions to align policy and program delivery, and to lead Victoria's input into national biosecurity processes and intergovernmental agreements.
This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is Attwood 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 Sunday, 18 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.
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.
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