Australia nationals: Local Engagement Officer

Government of Australia

New South Wales, Australia 🇦🇺

Canberra ACT, Australia 🇦🇺

  • Spend your time working with a variety of community and stakeholder groups to protect and restore river, wetland and floodplain health in the northern Murray-Darling Basin.
  • Represent the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder.
  • Work in a regional area, supported by a highly motivated and professional, centrally-based team.

Identified position 
This position is an ‘Identified’ position which signifies that the role has a strong involvement in issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The successful applicant must have an understanding of the issues affecting Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people and an ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander People.

Who we are 
The Commonwealth Environmental Water Office (the Office) supports the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, who is responsible for managing Commonwealth environmental water to protect and improve the health of rivers, floodplains and wetlands within the Murray-Darling Basin. The Office works with the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder to achieve environmental outcomes under the framework of the Water Act 2007 and the Basin Plan 2012. The Office works closely with other government agencies, non-government organisations, First Nations, community and industry groups, local landholders and scientists to plan and manage the delivery of environmental water. The Office includes a range of roles ranging from water planning, portfolio management, monitoring and evaluation, policy development, statutory reporting and communications. The Office also supports the Australian Government in its international engagement on the Convention of Wetlands of International Importance (Ramsar Convention).

The Northern Basin Section is responsible for the planning, coordination and delivery of water for the environment in the Northern Murray-Darling Basin, which spans from the Border Rivers (top of the Basin, southern Queensland) to the Menindee Lakes (in Western NSW).

The Job
Local Engagement Officers are part of a team that plans and administers the delivery of Commonwealth environmental water to rivers and wetlands in the Murray-Darling Basin. 
In this role you will be required to: 

  • engage and build partnerships with regional communities, organisations and groups including First Nations communities, local water managers, land management organisations, local governments, landholders, environmental groups and irrigators to help facilitate understanding and management of Commonwealth water for the environment 
  • represent and communicate the CEWO’s interests within the community and actively advise the CEWH on community views, knowledge and issues to assist decision making on the use and management of Commonwealth water for the environment 
  • initiate, collaborate in, participate in, or support local community or engagement events or experiences to help promote and increase understanding of Commonwealth water for the environment management and outcomes 
  • assist in preparing communication materials of CEWO activities in the region, and effectively distribute content through local networks, media and other channels 
  • work collaboratively with others, including within the CEWO, other agencies, organisations and community at local, regional and basin scales to build and share knowledge, relationships and networks 
  • contribute to the identification, planning and management of water for the environment, including assessment of potential risks at a local scale 
  • travel extensively and often in regional and rural areas on sealed and unsealed roads.

Please note, the successful applicant must:

  • hold and maintain a valid Australian motor vehicle drivers licence
  • note that the physical requirements of the role(s) involve a combination of outdoor and office-based work
  • note that you may be required to perform occasional out-of-hours and weekend work
  • note that you will be required to complete specific training (including refresher training) related to the role including remote area training, defensive driving, first aid and CPR courses
  • the ability to obtain and maintain a working with children and vulnerable people check.

What we are looking for
Knowledge and experience

  • Demonstrated experience in building productive relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, particularly in regional areas.
  • An awareness of issues affecting First Nations people in regional and remote locations as well as experience developing and supporting relationships based on mutual trust, respect and consideration of values and culture. 
  • Practical experience working remotely as part of a team to achieve agreed outcomes including sharing information and participating in planning, problem solving and decision-making. 
  • Knowledge of, or commitment to learn about the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder, its legislative responsibilities, goals and underlying operational principles, and capacity to represent these with community members. 
  • Experience and ability to travel and work safely in remote areas and conditions, to identify risks and to follow safe work practices and Departmental guidelines. 
  • Experience in driving 4WD vehicles on regional and remote roads, and under off road conditions. 
  • Interest, experience and knowledge of the Murray-Darling Basin and broad understanding of water policy.

Skills and capabilities

  • High-level written and oral communication skills including ability to:
    • listen and adapt to various audiences 
    • understand and appreciate different styles and ideas 
    • convey complex ideas and concepts in a simple, understandable manner. 
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work cooperatively with team members. 
  • Strong listening skills with the ability to explore and consider a range of differing viewpoints, while being tolerant, respectful and professional at all times. 
  • Ability to exercise sound judgement and have the initiative and personal motivation to complete tasks and use government processes with limited guidance. 
  • Ability and willingness to work flexibly when needed, including at times working outside of normal business hours and at weekends at times as needed. 
  • Ability to adapt to different working environments and settings, with a wide range of people and varying access to resources.

Desirable qualifications
Qualifications in community engagement, natural resource management or communication and media.

Eligibility and other requirements
Citizenship – To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance – This position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level. 

For additional information, please read the Job Description below.

Candidate Information Pack (PDF)

Candidate Information Pack (Docx)

Job Description

How to apply:


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