Who we are

In Melbourne, water is essential to our way of life.

As caretakers for Melbourne’s water cycle, we care for water, life and land throughout Melbourne: both its people and its biodiversity.

Each time you drink from the tap, flush a toilet, run through a backyard sprinkler, or kayak down the Yarra—we’re there. Primed and ready, quietly delivering some of the world’s cleanest water for over five million residents and wildlife that call Melbourne home —just as we have for over 130 years.

If you value making it count, diving in with curiosity, and doing what’s right, you're in the right place.

About the Role

In this 22 month fixed term contract as the Manager Yarra Strategic Plan Implementation you will be accountable to Head of Aboriginal Engagement and Community Connections and responsible for leading the implementation of the Yarra Strategic Plan, Waterways of the West program. This will be achieved through:

• Lead and oversee the implementation of the Yarra Strategic Plan (Burndap Birrarung burndap umarkoo)
• Provide leadership oversight on implementation of the Yarra Strategic Plan to maintain effective working relationships with the external authorising environment for the Plan – State Government, DEECA, Birrarung Council, Yarra Collaboration Committee and Responsible Public Entities.
• Facilitate the implementation of Melbourne Water actions within the Yarra Strategic Plan through effective influence and by providing clarity and support for responsible portfolios to deliver their actions.
• Ensure both the Yarra Strategic Plan and Waterways of the West program deliver on Aboriginal self-determination by recognising rivers as living entities & Traditional Owners as their voice
• Ensure project financials are managed effectively and reporting on State Government funding sources delivered within required timeframes

About you:

• Extensive experience leading programs and teams delivering collaborative environmental management programs
• Demonstrated high level relationship management experience with Traditional Owners in complex operating contexts
• Advanced community engagement skills, with demonstrated background in risk and reputation management
• Tertiary qualification in Water and Environmental Management and/or Aboriginal Cultural Management
• Experience in waterway and natural resource management, ideally with experience in working with and improving Traditional Owner capacity for land and water management highly desirable.

For more information, please see the attached  Role Mandate

Why join us:

At Melbourne Water, we care about water and all life that springs from it.

Our people are fuelled by passion, and with safety at the forefront, we have an unwavering sense of purpose, and are on a mission to protect every Melburnian’s way of life, one drop at a time.

We walk the talk when it comes to flexible working – but that’s not all. Our culture of purpose, safety, results, and learning permeates everything we do. We're dedicated to doing what's right, and this commitment extends to the meaningful work we do in a supportive and inclusive culture that encourages you to make the most of your talents.

Our long-standing commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging means that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, LGBTIQ+ individuals, people living with disability, mature age and young jobseekers from all cultures can apply with confidence knowing they are safe, affirmed, and celebrated.

If you’re curious, action-orientated, outcomes-focused, and care deeply for public resources, community, and the environment, we'd love to receive an application and learn if you could be a great fit.

How to Apply

Click the 'Apply Now' button below and complete our online application form.

Closing date: Sunday 29^th September at 11:55pm AEST