The Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions is firmly focused on driving a strong and resilient economy that benefits all Victorians – by creating more opportunities for people through jobs and skills; supporting businesses and industries to grow and prosper; and building vibrant communities and regions.

Established on 1 January 2023, our work spans numerous portfolios, supporting departmental ministers and operating across metropolitan, regional and international offices. We oversee various public entities, including public corporations, regulatory authorities and specialist boards.

The Department strongly encourages applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and offers reasonable adjustments for applicants with disabilities.

Our values are accountability, integrity and respect, and underpin everything we do.

Please note: Due to Machinery of Government changes under Section 30 of the Public Administration Act (PAA), effective 1 January 2023, your employment will be with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action. Corporate Services, including payroll, will be provided by the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions while a process for the formal transfer of staff in impacted areas is implemented.

Director, Rehabilitation and Innovation

• Influence key stakeholders across government, industry and community
• Provide strategic advice on key policy and regulatory matters
• Bring leadership expertise in earth resources, including rehabilitation and closure

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action employs more than 4,800 staff in 91 locations across the state and is a key manager of Victoria's public estate. DEECA directly manages $8 billion in assets, mostly comprising various categories of public land and a further $1.8 billion of other assets, including roads and tracks, office buildings, depots, recreational facilities, firefighting and road maintenance equipment, crossings, water bores and mobile plant. DEECA brings together Victoria's climate change, biodiversity protection, resources, water, energy, land management, agriculture, forest, and fire management functions. The Resources Branch develops policy, programs and regulation to enable investment and generate jobs through the sustainable development of the State's earth resources, including extractives, minerals and petroleum.

Reporting to the Acting Executive Director, Earth Resources Policy and Programs, as the Director, Rehabilitation and Innovation you will provide oversight and strategic leadership for programs related to Victoria's coal resources and regional rehabilitation planning for the Latrobe Valley coal mines. Working closely with the Executive Director, you will establish effective working relationships and networks across government, industry and community stakeholders to promote an understanding of the state's long-term coal resources plan and future development opportunities as Victoria transitions to a net zero emissions future. This will include strategically contributing to the review of the La Trobe Valley Coal Mine Rehabilitation Strategy through engagement with key working groups.

To be considered for this role, you will be an experienced leader with a proven track-record of leading multi-disciplinary teams across earth resources, mining or energy environments, ideally with regards to mine or coal rehabilitation. With technical expertise, you will have a sound understanding of the major drivers for earth resources and mining in Victoria (particularly coal), mining methods, including rehabilitation and closure, interactions between mining industry/stakeholders and other land uses and natural resources, and community expectations for mining. You are known for your effective engagement with a wide range of stakeholders across industry and government, with the ability to influence and provide strategic advice on complex policy matters and regulatory frameworks. Additionally, you are considered an engaging and resilient leader who can bring people along on a journey. Tertiary qualification in Engineering, Public Policy or another relevant field is required. Experience in earth resources or related policy reform will be highly regarded.

This is an incredible opportunity to play an integral role in shaping future environmental policy for Victoria and delivering continued benefits for the community.

For a copy of the Success Profile, please copy and paste this link into your browser; https://bit.ly/3F9hHI2.

How to Apply

To apply, please direct your application (cover letter and resume) to Davidson who are supporting the Department in this recruitment process, via their website.

For a confidential discussion, please contact Michelle Lyon on 0412 977 059 or Aleisha Cajaglis on 0439 910 866.

Applicants will be required to comply with the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (department's) COVID-19 Vaccination requirements, as outlined in the department's COVID-19 Vaccination requirements policy and in line with the department's obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004, directions, policies or procedures, including but not limited to any requirement to provide evidence of vaccination status.

Applications close midnight on Sunday, 2 April 2023.