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.
The VFA has around 190 employees located in the Melbourne CBD, metropolitan Melbourne and across regional Victoria.
Senior Project Manager
- Salary: $113,022 - $136,747 (Plus superannuation)
- Ongoing position
- Usual hours of work: Full-time
- Usual work location: Negotiable (within Victoria)
- This position will require a Current Driver Licence
- This position will involve some evening or weekend work
- This position has a requirement to travel
The Role
As a Senior Project Manager, you will work with the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) within the Fisheries Management and Boating Division which is responsible for the development of management policies and arrangements to facilitate the sustainable use of Victoria's fisheries resources.
The role is responsible for delivering senior project management on high profile VFA Freshwater Fisheries projects such as a major native fish captive breeding and recovery project and a $2.5 million Habitat Improvement Fund election commitment. The Senior Project Manager will also assist the VFA Recreational Fisheries Management Team to implement plans, projects and advice, especially in relation to stakeholder engagement, communication products, practices, and standards that enable sustainable fisheries management.
The successful candidate will work constructively with multiple project partners (inter-state, interagency and inter-disciplinary), stakeholder groups, VFA management, science, policy, licensing, boating, engagement and enforcement staff on the range of policy and management issues to support the division and assist in the day-to-day management of Victoria's fisheries.
Key accountabilities include:
- Lead a major native fish captive breeding and recovery project including project governance (multiple collaborative partners across government, Universities, community), contracts, steering group meetings, engagement, reporting and communications for the project.
- Lead the $2.5 million Habitat Improvement Fund election commitment including establishment of a grants program, development of a project reference group, program guidelines, stakeholder engagement / communication and delivery and acquittal of the grants program.
- Lead complex and high-profile projects for the Victorian Fisheries Authority that effectively contribute to achieving strategic plan outcomes, delivering election commitments and facilitating the sustainable use of Victoria's fisheries resources
- Prepare high-quality written reports, correspondence and verbal advice for Senior Managers, Director Fisheries Management and Boating, and the VFA executive management team on the management and the sustainable development of Victoria's fisheries resources
- Develop and maintain relationships with project partners, community stakeholders, other government agencies to maintain constructive working relationships.
- Manage consultation processes including engagement with key stakeholders and provide high-quality consultation with external stakeholder groups regarding policy and planning decisions using formal and informal communication channels to achieve goals. Contribute to a team of fishery managers responsible for developing and implementing projects, plans and guidelines for improving the management of Victoria's fisheries resources.
- Adopt and apply OH&S policies and procedures to ensure a safe work environment.
The Team
The position of Senior Project Manager will work within Fisheries Management branch, 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:
- Excellent organisational skills and demonstrated abi
lity to manage and deliver high-quality, and multiple competing demands in a timely and professional manner.
- Strong networking, relationship building and management skills to form and lead a cohesive, productive and motivated team to deliver key outcomes.
- Excellent communication skills (interpersonal, written and verbal), including the ability to liaise with project partners, key stakeholders, University researchers, Commonwealth and state government agencies, recreational fishers and community groups. Experience in tailoring communication to suit audience.
- Strong motivation to deliver high-quality outcomes and achieve goals.
- Experience in leading fisheries management, science and research projects including dealing with stakeholders including government agencies and community groups and delivering outcomes. Considers broader context to inform project direction and ensures key project objectives are met.
- Knowledge of freshwater fisheries management issues relating to Victorian fisheries, including recovering native fish species, improving fish habitat, working with Traditional Owners and other priorities as outlined in Victoria's Freshwater Fisheries Management Plan.
Further Information
For a confidential discussion, please contact Taylor Hunt, Senior Manager, Recreational Fisheries on 0418 478 028.
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.
Applications close at 23:59pm on Thursday, 9th October 2025.