Department for Environment and Water
Job reference: 843593
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Long Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

About the Role:

A rare opportunity for a high performing, logical, organised and process driven leader ready to oversee the assessment and compliance of native vegetation clearance across South Australia.  In this role you will be responsible for delivering high-quality regulatory outcomes under the Native Vegetation Act 1991, while driving innovation, strengthening compliance frameworks, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing team culture.

As Team Leader, you will lead the coordination, management and assessment of native vegetation clearance applications, ensuring robust, consistent and evidence-based decision-making. You will also oversee the statewide compliance program, addressing non-compliance through a balanced approach of education, investigation and enforcement.

This role is integral to the leadership of the Native Vegetation Unit—providing strategic advice, managing risk, and supporting continuous improvement in the administration of legislation and policy.  You will lead a multidisciplinary team, build capability, and work closely with internal and external stakeholders to deliver outcomes that support South Australia’s environmental sustainability objectives. To ensure that you achieve in this challenging role, you will be strongly supported by the Director Native Vegetation and Pastoral Management, the Manager Native Vegetation, a dedicated Native Vegetation compliance team, a strong assessments team and the Department’s Investigations and Compliance Unit.

Our Culture:

At DEW, we are committed to integrity, collaboration and professionalism. We value diversity, inclusion and ethical conduct, and we actively promote a safe and respectful workplace aligned with public sector values.

We are looking for a leader who exemplifies resilience, strategic thinking, and a genuine commitment to delivering positive environmental outcomes for South Australia.

What you will do:

• Lead a team responsible for assessing clearance applications, including complex and major projects, ensuring legislative requirements are met.
• Provide expert advice to support decision-making by the Native Vegetation Council and Native Vegetation Assessment Panel.
• Oversee the statewide compliance program, ensuring integrity and consistency from initial report through to resolution or prosecution.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with stakeholders across government, industry and the community.
• Drive innovation, continuous improvement and business process excellence within the team.
• Identify stakeholder capability needs and support consistent interpretation and application of policy and legislation.
• Provide high-level strategic, technical and regulatory advice to senior leadership. 

What you will bring:

You will be an experienced leader with a strong background in regulatory environments and a passion for environmental stewardship. You will bring:

• Demonstrated experience interpreting and applying legislation and regulation in complex environments.
• Strong analytical capability, with the ability to interpret information and make sound, defensible decisions.
• Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to convey complex or sensitive information with clarity and diplomacy.
• Proven ability to build relationships, influence stakeholders and negotiate successful outcomes.
• A track record of leading and developing teams, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Strategic thinking, adaptability, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Why Choose Us:

• A meaningful leadership role contributing to the protection and sustainable management of South Australia’s native vegetation.
• The opportunity to shape regulatory practice and influence environmental outcomes at a statewide level.
• A collaborative and values-driven workplace making strong investments in people and culture.
• Ongoing professional development and leadership opportunities.

What can we offer you!

• Working in an organisation that is contributing to significant environmental outcomes in the great state of South Australia!
• Be part of a fun, collaborative and supportive team.
• Hybrid working model with flexible working options including work from home available to promote work life balance.
• Free entry into DEW managed Parks in South Australia.
• Salary Sacrifice Benefits.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Access to our Fitness Passport Program.
• Meaningful and rewarding career.

Contract: 
2 year Contract

Desirable Qualifications:
A qualification in ecology, environmental science, biological science, urban planning, environmental law or a related field.

Special Conditions:

• May be required to participate in responses to state emergencies or associated duties.
• You must be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or provide evidence that you hold a valid working visa that allows you to work in Australia without restrictions.
• Prior to being employed, the successful applicant will be required to obtain a National Police Check.
• A current class “C” driver’s licence is essential.
• A current First Aid Certificate is essential.
• May be required to undertake intra or interstate travel, occasional overnight absences, and work outside of the normal hours of work.

A successful applicant who is not currently employed by the Department for Environment and Water will be required to have an original photo identification document sighted and provide a valid Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check (NCCHC) issued within the last 12 months.

Remuneration: 
ASO7, $112,163 min - $121,246 max p.a.

Enquiries to:
Shoana McManus, Principal HR Consultant 
recruitment@artofstaff.com.au
0411 804 455

Application Instructions:
Applications are to be submitted online through I WORK FOR SA.

Applicants are to submit a pre-employment declaration, current CV and letter of application (max. 3 pages) addressing the Essential and Desirable Criteria (including qualifications) as outlined in the Role Description.

The Department for Environment and Water is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds including all ages and gender identities, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse and LGBTIQA+.

Applications close: 20/05/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- RD ASO7 - TL Assessments & Compliance, P39590 FINAL 20250410.pdf

Flexibility Statement
The South Australian public sector promotes diversity and flexible ways of working including part-time. Applicants are encouraged to discuss the flexible working arrangements for this role.