Team Leader Coastal Policy and Governance

About the Role:

DEW have an exciting new direction and renewed focus on strategic and science-based coastal management. This is a unique opportunity to help shape the future of our coastline and be part of something meaningful and impactful for South Australia.

We're seeking an agile and enthusiastic problem solver to lead the team supporting South Australia's Coast Protection Board, the statutory authority established under the Coast Protection Act 1972.

In this pivotal leadership role, you'll provide expert advice on coastal governance and lead the review, development, delivery and ongoing evaluation of coast protection frameworks, Coast Protection Board strategic priorities, and the continuous improvement of policies and programs to strengthen coastal resilience across the State.

The role operates with a high level of professional independence and exercises significant judgement in managing a specialist team of policy officers.

Key role outcomes will include:

South Australia's coastal governance frameworks are initiated, developed, documented, implemented and promoted to achieve legislative and Coast  Protection Board objectives.

Coastal governance is informed by comprehensive stakeholder engagement, technical research, data and information.

The Coast Protection Board is provided with expert advice and Secretariat services.

Effective working relationships and networks are developed and maintained with key stakeholders, including across DEW and with relevant agencies within the Commonwealth, State and Local Government, industry and community stakeholders.

Lead and manage a high-performing team, including workload allocation, performance development, and capability building.

Apply now to lead impactful work that shapes the future of South Australia's coastline.

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: Ongoing  

Essential Criteria (including qualifications):

Extensive experience applying current environmental policy issues.

Experience in leading, managing, coaching and guiding a team of professional staff to achieve outcomes.

Extensive experience leading the initiation, development, implementation and evaluation of environmental policy projects to meet organisational objectives.

Extensive experience in managing community consultation, with demonstrated success influencing a broad range of stakeholders from diverse backgrounds with differing viewpoints to reach a common position.

Experience in developing and utilising tailored change management strategies and plans to achieve change.

Demonstrated ability to identify, and take into consideration, government, community, commercial and political implications that may influence or impact on policy, strategy and program direction.

Ability to assimilate and interpret large amounts of complex information from a number of sources, draw out themes and identify gaps, challenge and test underlying concepts and ideas and evaluate information to reach useful conclusions.

Demonstrated ability to write with influence and convey very complex and/or sensitive information accurately whilst also being attentive to the political/social environment.

Proven track record in effectively supervising a team, and the ability to foster a collaborative environment to achieve organisational goals. 

Special Conditions:

May be required to participate in emergency preparedness, response and recovery activities required by government agencies.

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.

This role requires candidates to provide a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check which must be renewed every three years before expiry. DEW will cover the cost of renewal.

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. This information must be supplied by all applicants who are shortlisted for interview.

Applications are to be submitted online through I WORK FOR SA. 855418

Applications close: 06/09/2026 11:00 PM