The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) is looking for a senior criminal lawyer and experienced manager to take on the role of Managing Principal Solicitor, Prosecutions in the Legal and Legislation Division to 29 August 2025. 

The role is the Division's most senior criminal lawyer and manages a team of four to deliver an effective prosecutions and infringements management function to complement the department's regulatory functions.   

The successful applicant will be responsible for managing the prosecution of offenders and the provision of legal advice across a broad range of laws, including those relating to Victoria's parks, forests, natural resources and wildlife including providing support for priority investigations and partnering with the Conservation Regulator to build capability and embed continuous improvement in the Department's compliance and enforcement functions.   

The ideal candidate is a senior practitioner in criminal law with strong people and stakeholder management skills together with a passion for continuous improvement. An ideal candidate will:

• bring legal expertise to lead the strategic management of legal, legal policy or legislative issues relating to the department's prosecutions, including highly complex and/or sensitive matters and those requiring consideration by the Secretary, Ministers or Cabinet.
• bring nous and judgement to making risk-based decisions to manage the team's resources according to departmental priorities, and take pride in your ability to lead, manage and support a passionate and hard-working team.
• embed a partnership approach with the Conservation Regulator, with clear roles and responsibilities while providing guidance and sound advice on how best to approach prosecution matters within the confines of the law and departmental policies. 
• seek opportunities for continuous improvement in the delivery of LLDs prosecutions and infringements management function and will foster a team environment where innovation and creativity are fostered and rewarded.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Jeremy Semkiw, Director Forestry and Compliance on 0438 392 183. 

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

• An Australian lawyer within the meaning of the Legal Profession Uniform Law (Victoria), holding or eligible to hold an Australian practising certificate.
• Demonstrated ability to deliver and supervise the delivery of legal advice and case management on complex issues with minimal supervision in the following key practice areas: criminal law and procedure, evidence law and statutory interpretation, including demonstrated experience managing and providing strategic legal advice in complex cases.
• Demonstrated experience appearing as an advocate in criminal proceedings in Victorian Courts.

This is a fixed term position until 29 August 2025. The work location for this position is 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne with 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.

For further information please refer to the attached position description.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 19 January 2025.

Other relevant information:

For this particular vacancy, priority consideration applies to Victorian Public Service (VPS) and select employees of the Victorian Public Sector who apply through the Jobs and Skills Exchange (JSE) jobs board platform.

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police 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.