Department for Environment and Water
Job reference: 841322
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Ongoing
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

About the Role:

Help shape the future of South Australia’s natural landscapes. This is a rare opportunity to drive an innovation culture by leading a team at the centre of native vegetation policy, reform and on-ground delivery.

You will lead the provision of advice under the Native Vegetation Act 1991 (SA), support the Native Vegetation Council, and drive initiatives that promote environmental protection and sustainable land use. Working across policy, science and stakeholder engagement, you will play a key role in decisions with long-term impact.

What you will lead

• A team delivering regulatory advice, strategic projects and program outcomes
• Strategic and legislative reform aligned with government priorities
• Partnerships across government, industry, landholders and community
• Governance support to the Native Vegetation Council.

What you will bring

• Experience leading teams, developing culture, and delivering through others
• Knowledge of native vegetation conservation and biodiversity
• Experience interpreting and applying complex legislation and policy
• A track record of improving processes and delivering reform
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
• Sound judgement and a practical, outcomes-focused approach
• Experience managing budgets, resources and competing priorities

A senior role with real influence—combining leadership, strategy, policy and delivery to support the long-term management of South Australia’s native vegetation.

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.
• Access to the Fitness Passport Program.

Contract: 
Ongoing

Desirable Qualifications:
An appropriate degree in environment, biological science, natural resource management or urban planning or other relevant field is desirable.

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.
• Prior to being employed, the successful applicant will be required to obtain a National Police Check.
• A current class “C” driver’s licence and willingness to drive 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: 
SM1, $139,538 p.a.

Enquiries to:
Shoana McManus, 
recruitment@artofstaff.com.au

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

Applicants are to submit a pre-employment declaration, CV and letter of application (max. 3 pages) addressing the Essential 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: 04/05/2026 11:45 PM

Attachments:
- Pre-Employment-Declaration_240522.pdf
- RD SM1 Manager, Native Vegetation.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.