Principal Legal Policy Officer

Full Time, Fixed Term role until 30 October 2027

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

Location: 664 Collins Street, Docklands - Hybrid work arrangement (3 days in office)

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:

You’ll lead a targeted legal policy review to strengthen deterrence of illegal waste dumping across Victoria. As part of EPA’s Illegal Waste Dumping Taskforce, you’ll design and deliver reforms focused on penalties, fines and cost recovery, providing expert legal policy advice to senior leaders and government stakeholders.

In this role you will: 

• Lead and deliver a statewide legal policy review to strengthen deterrence of illegal waste dumping, including penalties, sanctions and cost recovery mechanisms.
• Provide expert legal policy and strategic advice on complex, sensitive and high‑impact regulatory issues, often where there is limited precedent.
• Design and deliver high‑quality legislative, regulatory and policy initiatives aligned to EPA and Victorian Government priorities.
• Work collaboratively across EPA and with government, councils and other stakeholders to ensure a one‑EPA, whole‑of‑government approach.
• Apply strong project management practices to deliver outcomes on time, manage risks, and optimise benefits for Victorian communities.

Skills and experience:

• A relevant tertiary qualification in law (essential), with experience applying legal expertise in an environmental, regulatory or public policy context.
• Advanced expertise in the development of legislation, regulatory policy and statutory instruments within the Victorian Government framework.
• Demonstrated ability to provide authoritative, evidence‑based advice on complex policy and regulatory issues with significant operational or government impact.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience influencing outcomes across government and industry.
• Proven leadership capability, including setting direction, managing priorities, and responding proactively to strategic risks and opportunities.

To see the full position description: Click Here 

How to apply 

Click the ”Apply” button to submit your application. Applications close 12th March 2026 @ 23:59

Applicants Should Submit: 

• Cover letter; addressing your experience, the key selection criteria, motivations, and suitability to the role. 
• Completion of Application Questions
• 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.