Planning Graduate (Forest, Fire and Regions) (Jan 2025)

About the Position

The Loddon Mallee region is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic graduate with a degree in environmental science, land management or planning, to complete three rotations within the Regional Directorate based in Bendigo. 

Rotation 1 will see you working within the Planning and Approvals unit. You will have the opportunity to review land use planning applications, assist in Environmental Effects Matters and provide strategic planning advice to local government stakeholders. During this rotation you will also be contributing to an existing project, reviewing incorrectly zoned land within the Loddon Mallee region. 

Rotation 2 is with the Land and Built Environment team, with a focus on Crown land management and administration. You will learn the fundamentals of public land administration, interpreting and applying legislation, and community and stakeholder engagement. You will also apply your knowledge of land management on a landscape scale by assisting the team with physical land management including contractor and budget management (e.g. weed control and public safety matters). This rotation is predominantly officed based.

The Natural Environment Programs unit is where you will complete your final rotation. During this rotation you will utilise your Environmental Science (or similar) background, providing statutory environmental approvals advice to proponents on impacts to environmental values. You will also gain experience researching and applying biodiversity values for Forest Fire Management.

This position is well suited to someone who enjoys critical thinking and problem solving and using your interpersonal skills in stakeholder engagement and stakeholder management.

About us:

DEECA brings together Victoria’s energy, environment, water, agriculture, forestry, resources, climate action, and emergency management functions into a single department to maximise connections between the environment, community, industry and economy.

Our challenge is to improve Victoria’s liveability with a population that is expected to almost double by 2050, while responsibly tackling climate change and protecting our natural environment, infrastructure and heritage for future generations.

The opportunity for you:

The DEECA Science Graduate Program is a two-year learning and development initiative open to recent graduates of science, natural resource management including ecology, conservation, sustainability, geoscience and geology, agriculture, urban and regional planning, computer science, engineering or related fields.

As a graduate, you'll:

• have diverse roles across the Department.
• work across metro and regional Victoria
• enjoy flexible work principles, including start times (7am-7pm) and hybrid work teams (mix of on-site and remote work).
• commence as an ongoing employee - with guaranteed job at the end of the program
• upon successful completion of the program, be reclassified to a VPS 3 salary of $74580.
• be supported with mentors and buddies
• participate in extensive learning and development - program guided and self-directed!

We recognise the significant responsibility our Department has as land and natural resource manager to support self-determination and create opportunities for Traditional Owners to care for the Country and provide opportunities to enhance First Peoples' connection to the Country. We are committed to creating a culturally safe environment, where individuals feel safe, valued and able to enable their culture, spiritual and belief systems.

Next steps:

Applications for the 2025 program open in June 2024 and close in July 2024.