Director Applied Science EPA Victoria. Applied Sciences and Environmental Scientist Directorate

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1 Position Description Director Applied Science EPA Victoria Unit: Applied Sciences and Environmental Scientist Directorate Location: Centre for Applied Sciences: Ernest Jones Drive Macleod 3085 Classification and Salary range: Employment type: Reports to: EO3 $178,500 - $231,439 Total Remuneration Package Fixed Term, Full time 3 5 years 1.0 FTE Chief Environmental Scientist EPA About the EPA Caring for our environment is a shared responsibility. Protecting Victorians, our environment, and our future from the harmful effects of pollution and waste is EPA Victoria s responsibility. EPA Victoria works on behalf of all Victorians to protect the health and wellbeing of our communities and our environment, preserving our state s future liveability and prosperity. EPA Victoria does this by effectively regulating our environment, applying a philosophy of prevention and improvement to drive positive future environmental change, providing community, industry, and government with a trusted voice on environmental protection. About the Directorate The EPA must be recognised as a science-based regulator that identifies, understands and responds to increasingly complex risks to public health and the environment posed by pollution and waste. The Applied Sciences Directorate s purpose is to place science at the centre of EPA s work and support the Chief Environmental Scientist (CES) to set and lead the direction of EPA s science. The Applied Sciences Directorate has the following key roles: generating, assessing and delivering evidence based and responsive applied science relating to pollution and waste presence and impacts. delivery of effective and efficient incident and program environmental monitoring and developing and implementing environmental health monitoring. implementing advisory and intelligence services, predicting, modelling, forecasting and scanning the horizon for emerging environmental, industrial, technological, social and economic issues, data capture and analysis to inform EPA s strategic and operational plans. using evidence about harm and risk, to inform operational decisions and regulatory design and review. providing a proactive and reactive conduit for EPA applied sciences/expert requests (all scientific and engineering needs). building capability and resourcing the business with applied scientific advice and services to support regulatory decisions. responding to, informing, educating and influencing target directorates about environmental quality and impacts to meet statutory deadlines.

2 preventing or reducing the impacts from pollution via smart, proactive and best practice engineering design and industry advice to meet statutory deadlines. developing and maintaining excellent technical operations and asset management in the applied sciences. building, maintaining and coordinating the necessary quality assurance processes, tools and procedures for the directorate. About the role The Director Applied Science is a forward thinking, people focused role responsible for the day to day management and leadership of scientists, technicians, communications staff and engineers to develop a cohesive responsive and well respected team. Reporting to and working closely with the Chief Environmental Scientist, this role will be responsible for developing, galvanizing, aligning and communicating the Directorate s vision, strategic priorities, Applied Science strategy and plan, and performance expectations to the units. This role leads and manages the staff, projects of the directorate and contributes to the delivery of the EPA s Annual Plan, by leading the Applied Sciences units to inform the strategic direction and operational activities of EPA. This role may be required for after hours, emergency and/or other response activities. Key accountabilities include: Work with the CES to establish and maintain the EPA as a science based regulator that identifies, understands and responds to increasingly complex risks to public health and the environment posed by pollution and waste by: Strengthening scientific capacity and capabilities internally and externally to inform operational decisions and regulatory design and review. Leading the Applied Sciences Directorate to provide strategic direction and effectively and authoritatively communicating applied science issues. Expanding the Directorates capabilities relating to predicting and avoiding pollution, modelling and forecasting business needs and horizon scanning. Improving the Directorate s capabilities in data gathering and analytics. Supporting and responding to requests from the CES, including strategic advice, media queries, technical content and the enhancement of cross-division and cross-office collaboration. Acting as the CES s conduit with the Applied Sciences Directorate by ensuring effective communication and collaboration between the EPA s scientific experts and the Office of the CES. Manage the Applied Sciences Directorate and leading the implementation of relevant aspects of the Organisational Strategy, Reform Recommendations arising from the EPA Inquiry and service delivery within their unit by: Delivering the Applied Science Directorate plan and contributing to the delivery of EPA s organisational strategy and performance plan. Implementing the applied science strategy and influential authority reform programs directly related to the Government s recommendations arising from the Ministerial Inquiry into EPA Inquiry Report, in collaboration with the CES. Developing, aligning and communicating the Directorate s vision and strategic priorities, while proactively, identifying, assessing and managing high level risks to achievement of outcomes. Collaborating with other units across EPA to ensure common understanding of roles, responsibilities and approaches. Leading the development and delivery of new and continuing applied programs based on sound evidence and innovative approaches and providing high level progress and outcome reports including strategic commentary and translation of complex applied sciences concepts. Providing oversight of Directorate budget reporting, strategic budget planning and financial risk management, including identifying budget pressures and risks and work with business units to develop and implement options for managing these. Liaising with key internal stakeholders in relation to finance and budget management. Managing and maintaining financial capital expenditure. Leading the coordination and quality assurance of corporate and external reporting. 2

3 Lead and contribute to the development of a constructive culture within the directorate and participate in the development of the broader EPA s constructive culture by: Creating and contributing to a collaborative, positive environment to inspire higher levels of innovative thinking, performance and outcomes. Coaching and mentoring people from across the team, including enabling them to deal with ambiguity Seeking and being open to receiving feedback in order to be a more effective leader. Demonstrating EPA s guiding behaviours. Identifying and addressing barriers and enablers to higher levels of performance, making and acting on tough decisions when required. Leading change to optimise engagement of employees and achievement of organisational outcomes. Developing and strengthening partnerships with government, community and other stakeholders. Effectively manage and develop the Applied Sciences Directorate by: Ensuring that all staff within the Directorate deliver according to Directorate, Unit and individual performance plans. Leading the team through reform programs related to the EPA Inquiry Report, driving the development and implementation of change management initiatives. Leading, developing and empowering unit managers and team leaders to continuously improve the capability of the directorate through enabling others to succeed. Ensuring succession plans are in place and leveraging talent across the directorate and the organisation. Creating opportunities for individuals and teams within the Directorate to motivate and stretch themselves to achieve. Ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of all people within your work area, as far as is practicable; implementing EPAs occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) within the Directorate and ensuring compliance with OH&S standards in both office and field environments. Ensure authoritative scientific advice that is targeted to meeting EPA s strategic and operational requirements by: Developing the Applied Science advisory services model as an efficient means of managing and delivering internal and external advice and information. Initiating and managing high level negotiations with colleagues and external stakeholders to gain commitment to applied science projects, and delivery of outcomes to meet deadlines. Confidently representing the organisation from a broad corporate and strategic perspective in own area of expertise with external peers and negotiating within parameters agreed with immediate manager. Routinely providing authoritative expert advice on complex issues and solutions. Initiating and maintaining extensive networks at an executive level. Ensure EPA s role as an influential authority and in Shaping the Future by: Initiating high level discussions with key internal and external stakeholders on emerging risks and opportunities, including influencing stakeholders holding competing priorities and views. Sharing knowledge and expertise with other agencies, external organisations and stakeholders and coordinating these relationships when directly impacting Applied Science delivery. Using informal and formal channels to influence program management to achieve goals. Leading environmental solutions input that drives the content of EPA s Annual Strategic Plan. Effective external communication of often complex topics using a variety of mediums, including social media. Key selection criteria Knowledge, expertise & qualifications: Qualifications Tertiary qualifications and/or significant experience in 3

4 technical or scientific services management. Preferably possess Masters/PhD qualifications in applied science, engineering or environment and/or possess a significant track record of accomplishments in the science, engineering, public health or environmental field. Technical / Specialist Expertise Demonstrated experience in managing and delivering scientific and technical information, publication and programs. Demonstrated experience in managing teams of scientists, engineers or technical staff who develop and provide data, knowledge, information and research for consumption by internal and external stakeholders. Demonstrated experience in service delivery of applied sciences or technical issues, issue resolution, risk management and negotiation, particularly in dealing with complex environmental or regulatory outcomes at all levels. A valid Victorian driver s license is required. Knowledge & Proficiency Demonstrated ability to plan and manage staff and teams, operational delivery models, systems, processes, budgets and resources to achieve business targets and desired outcomes. Capabilities Strong working knowledge of applied sciences and insight on environmental impacts and their causes. Strong understanding of different levels of government and how they interact with each other and EPA. Strong understanding of regulatory practice and techniques for achieving operational delivery and compliance using regulatory and non-regulatory approaches. Working knowledge of OHS frameworks, accountabilities, systems and processes Working knowledge of field equipment, laboratories, safety systems and processes. Leadership Teamwork Proven ability to coach, mentor, motivate empower and influence team and peers to high performance and continual improvement. Ability to clearly define role expectations, monitor performance, provide timely and constructive feedback, facilitates employee development (including coaching and training opportunities), and manage conflict effectively. Demonstrated experience managing, developing, and building high performing teams. Demonstrated experience in leading, managing, coaching, developing motivating and empowering a team to deliver major evidence-based outcomes and outputs scientific advice, high service standards and continual improvement. in diverse settings across a range of operational functions. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and purposefully to drive breakthrough performance. 4

5 Policy & Projects Strategic Thinking Organisation & Planning Problem-solving Relationship building / stakeholder management Communication Proven skill in ensuring project objectives are met through producing and following detailed project plans, monitoring performance against objectives and managing project risks and highly complex issues. Demonstrates a contribution to EPA s strategy, collaborate to translate vision and strategy into actionable goals and deliverable outcomes opening up new ways of seeing strategic issues and of identifying opportunities for reform. Sound experience in big picture thinking with the capacity to consider wide-ranging possibilities in developing a vision for the future. Demonstrated experience in translating strategic direction into day-to-day activities, setting clearly defined objectives and priorities, identifying processes, tasks and resources and establishing systems to guide and track progress. Demonstrates consideration of potential ramifications of issues and long-term impact of work being done, including anticipating and managing risks. High level conceptual, analytical and judgement skills to lead innovative solutions and operational service delivery aligned to the strategic direction and in regard for a sustainable environment. Initiates and sustains high performing relationships internally and externally over extended periods of time. Expertise in developing relationships with stakeholders and gaining credibility across diverse stakeholder groups, with an ability to influence at all levels. Lead and negotiate solutions, including resolving stakeholder disputes and alternative points of view while maintaining constructive relationships. Superior verbal and written communication, organisational, interpersonal and negotiation skills including the ability to present complex topics clearly and concisely and to represent EPA. Displays a willingness to learn from feedback and experiences, seeks and values performance feedback and modifies behaviour/position as a result of feedback. Desirable Criteria: Workforce management Understanding of environmental public health management and programs. Understanding of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic) and Public Administration Act 2004 (Vic). Post-graduate qualifications, especially in management, will be highly regarded. Experience in leading a multi-disciplined and multi-location workforce is highly desirable. Knowledge of VPS or the public sector highly regarded. Values, Behaviors and Expectations Our workplace reflects our culture and at EPA we have collectively agreed on our preferred ways of working and interacting. You will be required to support EPA to be an ethical and effective organisation, and a great place to work by: 5

6 collaborating with your colleagues and taking responsibility for your actions; aligning your behaviour with EPA s culture statement, guiding behaviours and values, and the VPS values; complying with all approved EPA policies and procedures; taking reasonable care for your own health, safety and wellbeing, and the safety of all people at our worksites; supporting the implementation of our occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) within your work area; and acting in an environmentally responsible manner. Further information Further information about EPA can be found on our website: EPA provides a broad range of flexible working arrangements. EPA is committed to being a preferred employer by fostering and valuing diversity, ensuring equitable and fair treatment for all and respecting and upholding human rights. If you wish to obtain information about this role in an alternative format, please recruitment@epa.vic.gov.au. EPA is committed to increasing the participation rate of Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people through best-practice recruitment methods and producing positive training and employment outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people within the wider communities with whom we partner. EPA champions inclusiveness and is committed to attracting, recruiting, employing, developing and retaining people with disability, as part of a workforce reflecting the diversity of the broader community. EPA supports the Public Sector Veteran Employment Strategy. EPA values its people and subscribes to the principle that all roles are flexible. All EPA roles can be appointed on a part-time, job share and multi-location basis to match the needs of EPA and the prospective employee. The successful applicant will be employed pursuant to the Victorian Public Service Enterprise Agreement 2016, Public Administration Act 2004, Environment Protection Act 1970, the Code of Conduct for Victorian Public Sector employees and EPA s policies and procedures. Privacy notification: The collection and handling of information will be consistent with the requirements of the Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 (Vic) and the Public Records Act Acknowledgement of Position Description by Occupant I understand and acknowledge the requirements and conditions outlines in this position description. Signed: Date: 6