Policy Officer (Energy) (Jan 2025)

About the Position

Distributed Energy Resources refers to small renewable energy resources that are in the distribution network – typically solar systems and batteries. As the Distributed Energy Resources (DER) Graduate, you will develop a strong understanding of the role of DEECA and the inter-relationships between energy policy development and program delivery through three related placements. You begin in Energy Strategy where you will work on unlocking the value of Victoria’s DER, supporting people to transition together, and modernising the grid, then onto Solar Victoria where you will support the development and implementation of high-profile, time-sensitive policy advice that will contribute to the future design and continuous improvement of Solar Victoria programs. The final rotation involves moving to the Grampians Region Natural Environment Programs team to contribute to the assessment of proposed projects with a focus on renewable energy generation, storage and transmission developments to support government priorities and Victoria’s energy transition. 

You will gain experience in developing energy policy and/or regulatory reform, hands-on work in a regional office and program delivery. Stakeholder engagement will be a strong focus of all three placements. 

This role is well suited to someone who enjoys working in a collaborative team environment and who has strong analytical and communication skills.

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 on 9 June 2024 and close 5pm 10 July 2024.