Join us to shape the future of one of Australia’s greatest natural assets and protect it for future generations.

• Canberra, Goondiwindi, Griffith, Mildura or Wodonga

The 2026 Murray-Darling Basin (Basin) Plan Review is a once in a decade review of legislated plan for managing the rivers of the Murray-Darling Basin. The Basin’s water resources continue to be of national and international importance. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to work with constructively with Basin governments and community stakeholders to ensure that the MDBA’s preparations for the review build genuine collective ownership around the future direction of the Basin.

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority (MDBA) is an independent government agency which, in partnership with Basin governments, manages the Murray–Darling Basin’s water resources in the national interest. With the enactment of the Water Act 2007, the MDBA was established as an independent expertise-based statutory agency.

The MDBA aims to achieve a healthy working Basin for the benefit of all Australians. The Murray–Darling Basin contains a rich diversity of natural environments that are unique in Australia and the world. The Basin is also crucial to Australia’s economy and home to 2.3 million Australians, including people from over 40 First Nations. How we manage the Basin as a whole, connected system, manage our water carefully, and protect it for future generations is set out in the Murray-Darling Basin Plan.

We are looking for courageous, calm individuals who are keen to test and implement new perspectives, new thinking and new ways of working to deliver the Basin Plan Review. If you like creative and critical thinking, writing with precision and have a strong desire to deliver high profile outcomes in an evidence-based, team environment, then we want to hear from you. There will be some travel opportunities in the Basin, to be in community and discuss our work with stakeholders.

You’ll be a collaborative and experienced policy officer with an understanding of, and demonstrated experience in, water policy, preferably in Murray–Darling Basin policy settings.

We are looking for experience and skills in the following areas:

• Australian or State/Territory Government policy development, analysis, implementation, evaluation and review.
• Australian or State/Territory Government regulatory analysis, implementation and reform environments.
• Knowledge and application of the regulatory frameworks for water management, particularly in the Murray–Darling Basin.
• Critical and strategic thinking, conceptual and analytical skills.
• Application of social, cultural, economic and/or environmental sciences to the analysis and development of policy.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific, policy and regulatory information in a simple and precise manner for different audiences
• Experience developing and writing ministerial briefs, new policy proposals and reports for government ministers and broader audiences.
• Ability to manage and foster key relationships across Commonwealth and State agencies in a political sensitive environment.
• Familiarity with contemporary natural resource management and/or, water management issues and approaches, particularly at the national and/or state government level.

What we offer you

• You will have the opportunity to work on projects where you contribute to shaping the future of one of Australia’s greatest natural assets and protect it for future generations.
• At the MDBA you will undertake a variety of interesting and challenging work. You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge and expertise, and work with the Australian community to support a critical resource management initiative.
• Competitive remuneration packages, including up to 15.4% superannuation, and recognition of prior APS government service.
• Generous leave provisions (four weeks annual leave) and additional Non-attendance days between Christmas and New Year provided.
• Being part of a smaller agency with a strong focus on its connection with people.
• Being part of a professional, committed, and friendly team of people.
• Being part of an organisation that recognises and values First Nations people, and their contribution to our work. We have an innovative Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) aimed at improving relationships, showing respect, and increasing opportunities to deliver outcome for First Nations peoples as part of our business-as-usual activities.
• Competitive Flexible Working Arrangements which allow greater flexibility and balance between work and personal needs with a baseline attendance in the office to be 40% of your time.
• A range of healthy lifestyle provisions, including access to a health and wellbeing program.
• Opportunities for professional development, and career progression across a variety of roles and work locations