Principal Advisor

Ongoing, full time role 

Salary - VPS 6.1: $138,631 to $162,076 + 12% superannuation

Location - 664 Collins Street, Docklands VIC 3008

About the Organisation

EPA works to prevent and reduce the harmful effect of pollution and waste on Victoria’s environment and people. We work with community, industry and businesses. As the needs of Victorians change, we must be equipped to adapt and respond to a range of factors.

We are a workplace committed to new ways of working, EPA celebrates diversity of people and lifestyles. We offer a wide range of practical options to support both your work and personal life.

The EPA Experience

• See the impact in the communities we live in: at EPA you see your work first-hand
• Range of internal working groups, networks and volunteering opportunities
• On-the-job training for a wide range of environmental roles
• Flexible start and finish times, as well as compressed work week options

About the role:

Reporting to the Director, Office of the Chief Executive Officer, the Principal Advisor leads and manages a team responsible for high quality briefings and correspondence and high quality and timely advice support to the Chief Executive Officer of the EPA. 

In this role you will: 

• Lead the development and review of an effective stakeholder engagement approach and lead the Office of the CEO in building, maintaining, and leveraging strategic relationships and partnerships.
• Lead the development of innovative strategies and methods which assist the EPA to deliver on key policies and initiatives and effectively represent the EPA in the local community and at external forums.  
• Lead the provision of high quality and timely strategic advice to the CEO including developing, reviewing, and quality assuring briefs, meeting materials, correspondence; deliver ad-hoc projects on the CEO’s behalf.
• Lead the effective identification, triage, management and acquittal of Office of the CEO work and critical issues across the EPA.
• Ensure a robust, transparent, risk and evidence-based approach within the Office of the CEO, empowering and supporting staff.

Skills and experience:

• Demonstrated experience as a senior level advisor to a Chief Executive Officer / Agency Head or Secretary / Deputy Secretary in government.
• Demonstrated experience leading organisational change projects.
• Proven ability to apply relevant government legislation, regulations, reporting directives and procedures, to achieve optimal organisational outcomes. 
• High level communications and organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise across multiple competing demands.
• Proven ability to work as an effective member of a cohesive senior management team in an organisation, with a demonstrated commitment to the successful delivery of the highest organisational priorities
• Ability to think outside the square, a willingness to try new things and a genuine desire to learn, share knowledge and make a difference.

To see the full position description: Click Here

How to apply

Click the ”Apply” button to submit your application. Applications close on Tuesday 9 December 2025 at 11:59PM.

Applicants Should Submit:

• Cover letter; addressing your experience, the key selection criteria, motivations, and suitability to the role.
• Resume; including contact details of two referees.

For any enquiries relating to this role, please reach out to careers@epa.vic.gov.au

Need to know more?

All prospective employees will also undergo a National Criminal Record Check prior to an offer of employment. You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including, but not limited to, police checks, reference checks and role related security clearances.

EPA Victoria recognises the value of the diversity, strength, and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as we work with Traditional Owners to care for our environment. We provide a culturally safe and embracing work environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to merit, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We believe our workforce should represent the diversity of the lands upon which we reside; and we actively embrace staff of different abilities, orientations, backgrounds, faiths, and genders.