As a statutory authority, the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) has the responsibility of managing Victoria's fisheries resources in a coordinated and strategic way to ensure their ongoing sustainability, while supporting the value they deliver to the commercial, recreational, aquaculture and Indigenous fishing sectors. We work with government and stakeholders to optimise the social, cultural and economic benefits of Victoria’s fisheries and aquaculture industries, while promoting sustainable and responsible practices.
The VFA supports the development of sustainable recreational and commercial fishing and aquaculture activities in Victoria and delivers recreational fishing and boating infrastructure projects and programs.
Project Manager, Better Boating Victoria
- Salary: $113,022 - $136,747 (Plus superannuation)
- Fixed-Term position for 24 months
- Usual hours of work: Full-time/Flexible
- Usual work location: 1 Spring Street, Melbourne VIC 3000
The Role
As a Project Manager, you will lead the planning, coordinating, management and implementation of boating infrastructure projects in partnership with asset managers. The Project Manager conducts regular site inspections, reviews construction plans and specifications, oversees project budgets, creates detailed schedules, identifies potential risks, and implements proactive measures to mitigate them and verifies that all the work is performed to the highest quality standards.
The Project Manager will also be providing general advice and guidance in the development of key boating initiatives and policies including preparing funding agreements, briefings, advice, and reports.
The position will work closely with colleagues across the VFA, external stakeholders operating within the boating industry, recreational boaters/fishers and relevant Victorian Government departments, agencies, Local Government, and other Committees of Management to plan and progress various boating initiatives. A knowledge of the marine environment and coastal processes is highly desirable for this role, as it will underpin consideration of options for planning projects along the Victorian coast. Inland boating projects will also be developed, so an understanding of inland rivers and water storages is also highly desirable.
Key accountabilities include:
- Lead the delivery of relevant consultation processes with a range of stakeholders, including facility users/members of the public, other state government departments/agencies, local government, commonwealth agencies and the private sector to support boating initiatives.
- Develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, resource allocations and procurement strategies, ensuring compliance with safety regulations and legal requirements.
- Prepare relevant project management/procurement documentation and Funding/Management Agreements, with relevant asset managers and implement associated governance arrangements.
- Evaluate and select contractors and subcontractors based on qualifications, experience and cost-effectiveness.
- Manage construction project documentation, including contracts, permits, drawings and change orders.
- Work with complex, at times contentious and sensitive information, and prepare and present authoritative technical, policy and program advice to VFA executives and the Minister through technical reports, presentations, ministerial briefings and executive submissions.
- Identify opportunities to improve boating facilities across Victoria and facilitate the necessary investigations, assessments, and approval tasks to support decision making.
- Provide leadership and guidance to the project team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
The Team
The position of Project Manager will work within Better Boating Victoria division, which sits within the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) group.
About You
To be successful in this role you will have the following skills and experience:
- Written and Verbal Communication: Prepares complex briefs, letters, emails and reports using clear, concise and grammatically correct language; Edits written communications to ensure they contain the information necessary to achieve their purpose and meet audience needs; Ensures appropriate style and formats are used. Proficient in reading and interpreting technical documents, including project blueprints and c
onstruction schematics.
- Project Management: Consults, liaises with and influences key stakeholders; Produces detailed project plans where objectives are clearly defined and action steps for achieving them are clearly specified; Monitors performance against objectives and manages project risks and issues; Ensures project objectives are met.
- Initiative and accountability: Proactive and self-starting; Seizes opportunities and acts upon them; Takes responsibility for own actions.
- Relationship building: Establishes and maintains relationships with people at all levels; Promotes harmony and consensus through diplomatic handling of disagreements; Forges useful partnerships with people across business areas, functions and organisations; Builds trust through consistent actions, values and communication; Minimises surprises.
- Influence and negotiation: Demonstrate that you can influence and negotiate successful outcomes, be results driven, and be able to plan and prioritise multiple tasks while delivering on time and within budget.
- Continuous Improvement: Assist and guide others to addressing emerging challenges and strategies and risks and generate support for change initiatives and a continuous improvement environment.
Further Information
For a confidential discussion, please contact Anthony Walkley, Manager Boating Project Delivery, Better Boating Victoria on 0459 966 209.
The department is committed to creating and maintaining a child safe organisation. We have zero tolerance of child abuse and are committed to taking the necessary steps to protect children from harm by adopting a preventative, proactive and participatory approach to child safety in accordance with the Child Safe Standards.
Successful candidates will be required to undergo a National Police Records Check prior to commencing employment with the Department. For further information on the position, please refer to the attached position description.
How to Apply
Please click the ‘Apply Now' button. As part of the application process, you will need to provide a copy of your resume and cover letter.
Position Specific requirements:
- This position has some out of hours work that will be required that will involve evening or weekend work including occasional overnight travel.
- This position has a requirement to travel.
- This position has a requirement to work directly with children and young people under 18 years old.
- This position requires a current driver's licence with no restrictions.
Applications close at 23:59pm on Monday, 20th October 2025.