Department for Environment and Water
Job reference: 864307
Location: 5000 - ADELAIDE
Job status: Short Term Contract
Eligibility: Open to Everyone

Senior Policy Officer - Coast and Marine Policy

Help shape the future of South Australia's coast and marine environments.

Are you an experienced policy professional with a passion for environmental stewardship and strategic influence? Do you thrive in complex policy environments where your work can deliver lasting benefits for communities, ecosystems and future generations?

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Policy Officer to play a pivotal role in the development and implementation of coastal and marine policy across South Australia.

About the Role

As Senior Policy Officer, you will provide expert policy, legislative and strategic advice on coastal protection, blue carbon, and coast and marine management issues. Working closely with government agencies, local government, Landscape Boards, the Coast Protection Board and other key stakeholders, you will help shape the policies, strategies and initiatives that guide the sustainable management, rehabilitation and protection of South Australia's unique coastal and marine environments.

This is an exciting opportunity to influence decision-making at state and national levels while contributing to meaningful environmental outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

You will:

- Lead the development, review and implementation of coast and marine policies, strategies and action plans.
- Provide high-quality policy, legislative and management advice to government, executives and stakeholders.
- Manage complex policy projects and contribute to strategic direction setting for coastal and marine management.
- Coordinate research, analysis and stakeholder consultation to inform evidence-based policy development.
- Build and maintain effective partnerships across government, local councils, Landscape Boards and industry stakeholders.




- Oversee the Coast Protection Board's grants program and provide advice on budget allocation to support priority initiatives.
- Support communication and engagement activities to promote coast and marine policy directions and implementation.
- Contribute to legislative and regulatory reform projects that strengthen coastal and marine management outcomes.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

- Strong policy development and strategic planning experience.
- Excellent analytical, research and problem-solving skills.
- Experience managing complex projects and competing priorities.
- Outstanding stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities.
- The ability to provide authoritative advice and influence policy outcomes.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the preparation of briefings, reports and policy papers.
- A commitment to delivering positive environmental and community outcomes.

Why Join Us?

This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the long-term protection and sustainability of South Australia's coastline and marine environments. You'll work with passionate professionals and influential stakeholders while helping shape policies that have lasting environmental, social and economic impact.

Join us and make a meaningful contribution to the future of South Australia's coast and marine environments.

Apply now and be part of a team driving strategic environmental outcomes for our state.

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 adaptable 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:
12 Month Contract

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.
- May be required to undertake intra or interstate travel, occasional overnight absences, and work outside of the normal hours of work.
- A current class “C” driver’s licence and willingness to drive is desirable.

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.

Remuneration:
ASO6, $105,747 min - $111,854 max p.a.

Enquiries to:
Nicole Pelton, Manager Coasts
[email protected]

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: 26/11/2026 11:45 PM

📌 Senior Policy Officer (Adelaide)
🏢 Government Of South Australia
📍 Adelaide