About Mallee CMA
Mallee Catchment Management Authority (CMA) is a Victorian Government statutory authority. Our role it is to facilitate integrated and ecologically sustainable management of natural, cultural, and productive landscapes. The Mallee CMA region covers 3.9 million hectares – about one fifth of Victoria. It is the largest catchment area in the state and runs along the Murray River from Nyah to the South Australian border, and south through vast dryland cropping areas and public reserves.
About the opportunity
As the Operational Officer Salinity and Irrigation, you'll work at the forefront of sustainable irrigation and salinity management across one of Victoria's most significant catchment regions. In this dynamic, hands‑on role, you will:
* Support the delivery of the Annual Salinity Investment Program and the Victorian Mallee Irrigation Region Land and Water Management Plan.
* Coordinate groundwater and surface water monitoring activities, including salinity assessments.
* Maintain the Mallee Irrigation Development Guidelines and support compliance across new irrigation developments.
* Manage and interpret environmental datasets to support evidence‑based decision‑making.
* Contribute to salinity policy development and integrated project delivery.
* Work collaboratively with internal teams, government agencies, water corporations, advisory committees, and community stakeholders.
This is a permanent position up to 1.0 FTE, with a salary range of $79,000 to $85,000 plus superannuation, based on qualifications and experience.
About you
We are looking for someone who is curious, analytical, and committed to environmental outcomes. You enjoy a mix of fieldwork, data interpretation, stakeholder engagement, and program delivery, and you thrive in a role where you can make a visible difference to landscapes and communities.
To succeed in this role, you will bring:
Technical & Professional Expertise
* A degree in Science, Natural Resource Management, or a related discipline, with 3+ years' experience in a similar role.
* Experience coordinating or conducting monitoring and sampling related to water, groundwater, or environmental datasets.
* Knowledge of hydrogeology, irrigation science, environmental science, or similar fields, with the ability to apply data to real‑world projects.
* An understanding of project management, contract administration, procurement, and reporting.
* Strong written communication skills and the ability to apply attention to detail.
Personal Attributes
* Analytical mindset with strong problem‑solving capability.
* Self‑disciplined, organised, and able to manage competing priorities.
* Flexible and adaptable to changing conditions, tasks, and emerging opportunities.
* Ability to communicate respectfully and effectively with diverse stakeholders.
* A collaborative approach that helps build trust and productive partnerships.
Why join us
* A supportive and flexible working environment.
* Commitment to health, safety, diversity, inclusion, and wellbeing.
* Opportunities for professional development and growth.
* The chance to work across a region that covers 3.9 million hectares of diverse landscapes.
* A role where your work creates real, lasting environmental impact.
Get in touch
For more information regarding this role, download the position description from the right-side menu.
To learn more about Mallee CMA, visit us at:
Mallee CMA is an equal opportunity employer supporting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We encourage a wide-ranging gender balanced candidate pool inclusive of all, including Aboriginal, culturally and linguistically diverse applicants.
Apply now – click on the apply button to submit your application.
Applications close 5pm Thursday 19/02/2026