Overview
Work Type: Ongoing - Full-time
Salary: $188,297 - $256,088
Grade: VPS 7
Occupation: Emergency management
Location: Melbourne - CBD and Inner Metro suburbs
Reference: 7876
About us
We create thriving places and connected communities. We bring together transport, planning, land use, precinct and policy functions in a single department to deliver the best outcomes for Victorians.
Together with our portfolio agencies, we are responsible for planning, building, operating and maintaining Victoria’s transport, planning and land services for use by all.
We foster a safe, inclusive and constructive place to work.
Transport Services delivers safe, reliable and accessible transport infrastructure and services to keep Victoria moving, connecting people to what matters most in their lives.
About the role
The Associate Director Marine Pollution is responsible for ensuring that Victoria is adequately prepared to respond to maritime emergency incidents (non-search and rescue) in State waters and for implementing and supporting effective responses when incidents occur.
The role is also required to participate in other transport-related emergency response activities from time to time.
Key Selection Criteria
The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong leadership in critical thinking and problem solving, considering broad and complex issues beyond their immediate area and collaborating across government and senior levels to deliver sustainable solutions. They will lead by example through ethical decision-making and by fostering a high-performance culture that supports people to excel and deliver organisational outcomes. With proven expertise in influence and persuasion, they will design and implement long-term, multi-phase strategies to build buy-in and effectively negotiate with key internal and external stakeholders.
The candidate will be skilled in partnering and co-creation, building trust and commitment through collaboration, timely delivery, and navigating diverse viewpoints to reach shared decisions. They will have a strong track record in translating strategies into effective programs and projects, underpinned by clear governance to manage risk and ensure success. Additionally, they will bring advanced technical capability in operational and incident management, influencing strategic and political decision-making, leading multi-agency responses, and applying expert knowledge to resolve complex incidents efficiently within structured, real-time operational environments.
To access the Position Description, please click here.
Position accountabilities
- Strategically lead and continually enhance Victoria’s maritime emergency (non-search and rescue) response arrangements including the development and implementation of state-wide policies and procedures across the EM and maritime sectors and implementation of state-level governance arrangements.
- Maintain Victoria’s preparedness to effect a proportionate and adequate response to major maritime-sourced pollution emergencies in State waters through multi-agency capability building and exercising.
- Using Victoria's emergency management structures and centres, coordinate and support effective response to maritime-sourced pollution incidents and undertake controller or advisory roles when required.
- Develop and administer contracts, service level agreements, standard operating procedures and memorandums of understanding with government agencies, private industry and third parties to deliver aspects of the marine pollution program.
- Provide authoritative and specialist technical advice to Incident and State Controllers and DTP Leadership on the response options to a potential or actual maritime-sourced pollution incident.
- Represent the Department at regional, state and national marine pollution committees, working groups or activities. Effectively lobby these groups to achieve positive outcomes for the State.
- Provide effective leadership, people management and support to the team. Staff are engaged with high levels of cohesion and commitment and are delivering on the services required.
- Undertake the role of State Controller for DTP emergency response as required, including facilitating emergency management coordination across DTP, agencies and operators.
- Promote and support safe, inclusive and flexible team operations.
- In line with Section 31A of the Public Administration Act 2004 (Vic) other duties may be assigned consistent with employment classification, skills, and capabilities.
Qualifications and experience
Mandatory
- Tertiary qualification/s in a relevant discipline including emergency management or a related marine field would be well regarded. (desirable)
- Technical knowledge and experience of arrangements and mechanisms for effecting responses to marine pollution incidents. (desirable)
Role Specfic Requirements
- Driver’s License.
- Ordinary Hours of Work – This position will be required to undertake shift work which will include as part of a regular pattern or roster cycle Saturday, Sunday, Public Holiday, and/or afternoon/night shifts.
- May involve evening, public holiday or weekend work including occasional overnight travel.
Culture Value
We welcome applicants from a diverse range of backgrounds representing the community that we serve, including veterans, parents, carers, First Peoples, people with disability, multicultural, multifaith and LGBTIQA+ individuals.
As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Through shared actions and behaviours aligned with our strategy and direction, we empower our people to thrive and meaningfully contribute to the department’s goals.
What we offer
Working at the Department of Transport and Planning provides people with the opportunity to contribute to creating thriving places and connected communities for all Victorians.
For further details please refer to Careers at the Department of Transport and Planning.
Pre-employment checks and employment conditions
All new appointments to the department will be subject to a National Criminal Records Check, Misconduct Screening, and a Qualification Check where there is a requirement for a mandatory qualification. Information provided to the Department of Transport and Planning will be treated in the strictest confidence consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014.
Applicants must be an Australian Citizen, Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa necessary for the nature of the position.
Recipients of Victorian Public Service (VPS) voluntary departure packages should note that re-employment restrictions apply.
Non-VPS applicants will be subject to a probation period of six months.
How to apply
Click the ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our recruitment platform, where you may need to create an account to submit your application.
If you encounter any issues, refer to our Quick Reference Guide for step-by-step instructions.
Applications close at 11.59pm on Tuesday, 12th August 2025.
Please include both your resume and a cover letter. All applications must be submitted via the online portal, we’re unable to accept email or manual submissions.
For further information about the role, please contact Rebecca Trott - Executive Director Resilience and Emergency Coordination at [email protected]
Applications close Tuesday 12 August 2025 at 11.59pm
Posted
1 August 2025
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