Who we are

The Environmental Water and Aquatic Ecosystems Division includes the Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH), who is responsible for managing Commonwealth environmental water to protect and restore the health of rivers, wetlands and floodplains within the Murray–Darling Basin. We work to achieve environmental outcomes under the Water Act (2007) and the Basin Plan (2012), working closely with other government agencies, First Nations peoples, communities, non-government organisations, industry groups, local landholders and scientists. We undertake a range of roles ranging from water planning, water accounting, financial management, science, policy development, reporting and communications.

The Engagement and Partnerships Section is within the Engagement, Policy and Wetlands Branch.

The Engagement and Partnerships team coordinates and supports the CEWH’s communication and media activities and provides Senior Executive engagement and issues management support. This includes:

• Developing and implementing the external communication and engagement strategy for the CEWH to raise awareness and understanding of water for the environment and CEWH plans, activities and outcomes.
• Providing professional strategic advice and support on communication and engagement objectives.
• Developing communication products and distribution pathways, to improve the broader community’s understanding of CEWH’s priorities.
• Representation and management for key priority events and meetings.
• Developing and implementing CEWH’s visual identity.
• Leading the redevelopment and management of the CEWH’s web presence.
• Managing issues, media enquiries, proactive media and social media.
• Developing and implementing the division’s internal communication plan to support a high performing division.
• Collaborating with state and Commonwealth water agencies to coordinate communications, media and engagement activities.

There may be opportunities for travel to engage with staff and stakeholders in the Murray–Darling Basin and see first-hand how the work of the CEWH is making a tangible difference to the health of rivers and wetlands.

The Job

As a Communications Officer, you will be a confident communicator and team player who:

• Supports the implementation of CEWH’s communications approach by developing communication products including presentations, information/promotional materials, newsletters, videos and interactive online products for use through different channels.
• Is responsible for developing visual design solutions and production management, including application of visual identity, development of data visualisation and infographics, and image and graphic asset library management.
• Works closely with internal and external stakeholders to communicate key messages about the CEWH’s plans, activities and outcomes across a range of platforms.
• Sources and writes content for media releases, talking points, online articles, and other materials in consultation with others.
• Analyses and reports on effectiveness of communication and media strategies and activities and makes recommendations for improvement.
• Undertakes administrative tasks and processes for the team.

Locations: Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney.

What we are looking for

Knowledge and experience

• Supports strategic direction – experience identifying and assisting with the development of appropriate and evidence-based creative communication solutions to meet end user needs.
• Achieves results – strong technical proficiency in visual communications, data visualisation and digital and print communication.
• Supports productive working relationships – experience in collaborating with teams, stakeholders and subject matter experts to deliver agreed communication and engagement outcomes

Skills and capabilities

• Communication – effective communication skills both verbal and written. Has the ability to draft targeted communication products (including PowerPoint presentations, social media posts, e-newsletter articles, emails, standard operating procedures) for internal and external audiences.
• Creative – ability to use applications such as Canva, InDesign (desirable), Content Workflow, PowerPoint, Word, Excel, photo/image editors, video editors to develop products, or brief designers and other production staff to do so.
• Problem solving – ability to identify issues, develop practical solutions and initiate change when required.
• Initiative – good judgement and takes initiative to progress tasks under limited supervision and follow up as necessary.
• Some knowledge of water policy and programs is highly regarded.

Desirable qualifications

Qualifications and/or experience in graphic design, marketing, communications, stakeholder engagement, journalism or a related field would be an advantage.

Please note that this recruitment process will initially be filled on a non-ongoing basis. If an offer of non-ongoing employment is made, the successful applicant would be employed for a period of up to 18 months. Should the non-ongoing position become ongoing, the merit pool established through this selection process, which is valid for a period of 18 months from the date the vacancy was advertised in the Public Service Gazette, may be used to fill the vacancy on an ongoing basis. The merit pool may also be used to fill future ongoing and non-ongoing vacancies in the Division where the duties are of a similar nature.

Eligibility and other requirements

Citizenship - To be eligible for employment with the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water you must be an Australian citizen.

Security Clearance - This position requires a Baseline Vetting security clearance. You will be required to obtain and maintain a clearance at this level.

Pre-employment Check - Your suitability for employment will be assessed through a pre-employment screening process. This process includes a requirement to undergo and satisfy a National Police Check, referee checks, character clearance and where required a pre-employment medical assessment, specified mandatory qualification(s) validation and a probation period of 6 months.