Climate and Natural Capital Lead

• Up to Full Time Fixed Term until 30 June 2028.
• Leadership Position.
• Enjoy a great work life balance with a hybrid working model based in either Traralgon, Maffra or Leongatha.

About the role:

This position is responsible for developing and coordinating regional climate adaptation programs and integrating nature market opportunities. This includes advising landholders and Traditional Owners on market mechanisms (carbon, biodiversity, natural capital), assessing risks and opportunities, supporting project design, and translating complex scientific and policy information into clear, practical guidance.  This role will provide strategic direction for the West Gippsland Catchment Management on its role and priority actions. 

What will your typical day look like?

• Lead development and implementation of regional climate adaptation programs, ensuring alignment with CMA strategies, Victorian Government policy and community priorities.
• Develop relationships with key stakeholders to deliver key regional initiatives and programs.
• Manage project delivery and ensure timelines, quality and budget are met.
• Report on progress and provide advice on climate adaptation and natures to the Manager Catchments and Community.

Let’s talk about you:

We are looking for someone who will:

• Demonstrate experience in the natural resource management planning, including climate adaptation frameworks, climate risk analysis and resilience planning.   
• Bring strategic thinking and planning, including the ability identify long‑term opportunities and risks, and translate insights into actionable, organisation‑wide strategies. 
• Show highly developed communication skills, specifically in stakeholder engagement and strategic planning.   
• Demonstrate an understanding of natural capital accounting and emerging environmental markets. 
• Show highly developed analytical skills, specifically in refining the outcomes of stakeholder and community workshops into meaningful planning documents.   

Why West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority?

We focus our energy on interesting and meaningful work

With a culture of continuous improvement, we are always striving to make a positive difference to our communities and create a healthier environment. We put our people at the heart of what we do and are dedicated to helping them grow their careers and reach their professional goals. 

We value flexibility

Work in a way that suits you best, flex time, job share arrangements or work from home. We know our people get their best work done when they’re in control of where and how they work, designing their work week around their team and personal commitments.

We support you to thrive

To support your professional life, we offer a range of wellbeing initiatives, including regular events and programs, Employee Assistance Program, leave options, flexible working options, parental leave and return to work support packages. 

Next Steps:

If you are interested in learning more about what we do, we would love to hear from you.

To apply please send your application to recruitment@wgcma.vic.gov.au by 9am Friday 27 February 2026.

So, we can learn more about you, we encourage you to address the Key Selection Criteria outlined in the Position Description under Item “F”.

If you have any questions or wish to have a confidential conversation about this role, please contact Deb Archer, Manager Catchments and Community via email, deba@wgcma.vic.gov.au.

At WGCMA, we share a commitment to value and embrace diversity in all forms; so that our work environment is a safe space we can all belong. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their background, identity, orientation, ability or thinking style. 

If you need assistance during the application process for accessibility reasons, please contact Madelyn Brand, Organisational Development and Human Resources Lead on 5175 7839 or email madelynb@wgcma.vic.gov.au.

We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Traditional Owners of the region, the Gunaikurnai, the Bunurong, the Boonwurrung and the Wurundjeri Peoples and pay respects to Elders, past, present and emerging.