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

Reporting to the Greenfield Strategic Planning Manager this is a pivotal role within the DSS Catchment Planning & Engineering Team. In this 12 month parental leave cover contract as the Environmental Specialist, you will be responsible for leading environmental, geomorphological, ecological and cultural heritage studies with a collaborative approach to investigate, review and advise to achieve Melbourne Water’s objectives for water quality, waterway health and amenity within the Development Services Scheme (DSS) portfolio

• Responsible for the oversight, checking and quality control for complex environmental related decisions within DSSes.
• Provide technical advice on complex environmental issues (e.g., contamination, setting waterway corridor widths, cultural heritage values, environmental referrals)
• Provide leadership in ensuring DSS concept designs achieve the DSS Principles to protect environmental and other waterway values.
• Provide strategic environmental internal support including clear recommendations as well as technical input into the DSS.
• Provide input and leadership in DSS customer experience and community consultation including collaboration and customer relationship management with the Victorian Planning Authority and other relevant stakeholders.
• Provide timely review and quality control to ensure environmental requirements and parameters can be met through drainage planning and finding resolution pathways when these are challenged.

For more information, please refer to the attached Role Mandate

About you:

• Extensive and demonstrated experience in relevant technical area of environmental planning and project management.
• Knowledge of policy, legislation, and regulatory authorities with expertise in environmental investigations and reporting
• Significant experience in advocating environmental outcomes in industry forums / contributing to industry forums to promote industry understanding of environmental objectives, risks, and opportunities.
• Extensive experience supporting teams in environmental matters/issues across the master-planning process, from design, Precinct Structure Planning and Planning Scheme Amendment approval pathways and referrals relating to detailed design, implementation, and planning permit applications.

A relevant tertiary qualification in civil/environmental engineering, science or natural resource management alongside a Victorian Driers licence is required for this role 

Why join us:

At Melbourne Water, we care deeply about water and the life it sustains. 

Our team is inspired by passion and purpose, with an unwavering commitment to safety. We are on a mission to protect every Melburnian’s way of life, one drop at a time.

We don’t just talk about flexible working - we live it. Our culture of purpose, safety, results, and learning flows through 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 passionate about public resources, community, and the environment, we'd love to receive your 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: Monday 1st September 2025 at 11:55pm AEST