Our Department Values

Our values set the direction for what it means to work in our department. They inform the standard and expectations of behaviours, skills and capabilities and the attributes we currently have, will continually work to achieve and develop, and that we use to acknowledge and attract, retain and recruit into our department.

The department supports workplace diversity and values the contribution of people from diverse backgrounds. We encourage applications from Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, people with cultural and linguistic diversity, and LGBTQIA+ people. The department is committed to achieving gender equality and, in particular, supporting women’s progression into senior leadership.

A little bit about us


The Surface Transport Emissions and Policy (STEP) Division contributes to the wellbeing of all Australians by developing and implementing national reforms in surface transport policy and regulation (maritime, shipping, rail and road transport) to achieve efficient, productive, safe, and sustainable outcomes, which enhance Australia’s international competitiveness. All Branches work closely with external stakeholders, including other Commonwealth departments and agencies, state and territory governments, industry and community representatives.


The Reducing Surface Transport Emissions (RSTE) branch in STEP is the preeminent adviser to Government on decarbonising cars, trucks, trains and ships. RSTE is looking for a new director, to head up the Maritime Emissions and Environment section.


The opportunity we have available


Are you concerned about climate change on the world’s oceans and shipping industry? Would you like to lead the team charged by the Government to decarbonise the shipping industry?


Shipping is the backbone of international trade and vital to Australia’s economy. While shipping is the most energy efficient freight transport mode, it is a significant and growing source of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In 2018, total shipping produced 2.9 per cent of global GHG emissions. International shipping produced 740 million tonnes ‒ more than all of Australia’s emissions of 538 million tonnes in 2018. If international shipping were a country, it would be the 6th largest emitter…


The Government has put in place a team of experts to deliver on its maritime decarbonisation agenda, and we are looking for a leader to take this team forward.


What will you do?


In this role you will:

• Provide advice on maritime decarbonisation initiatives.
• Complete the development and implementation of our domestic maritime decarbonisation program, including by progressing legislative reform.
• Work with state and territories, and industry to deliver green shipping initiatives.
• Negotiate green shipping corridors with other countries.
• Represent Australia at International Maritime Organization meetings.

Some international travel is a requirement of the role.


Who are we looking for?


To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate your ability to:


Achieve results and quality outcomes by showing initiative and leadership, working in a small team delivering multiple activities at any given time, often within tight timeframes. Working with treaties and legislation would be an advantage.


Communicate effectively both written and verbal, delivering information in a variety of formats for a range of audiences.


Collaborate across diverse teams, using your exceptional interpersonal and engagement skills to engage with senior leaders and a wide variety of stakeholders, valuing different perspectives, contributions and backgrounds. The successful candidate will have an excellent ability to lead and nurture their team, many of which work remotely outside of Canberra.


Have a growth mindset with a willingness to continue to learn, develop, and foster an environment for team members to do the same.


Think strategically, evaluating complex information from a variety of sources to make connections and sound decisions while exercising good judgement.

We encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences to apply.

What else can we offer?

Eligibility requirements


Employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts is subject to conditions prescribed within the Public Service Act 1999 including:

• Citizenship: To be eligible for employment with the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts applicants must be an Australian citizen at the time of submitting your application.
• Health Assessment: the preferred candidate may be required to undergo a medical examination conducted by the department’s preferred medical provider.
• Security Clearance: the successful candidate must be able to obtain and/or maintain a security clearance at Negative Vetting Level 1. You must be willing to disclose all relevant and required information. More information on the security clearance vetting process is available on the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) website.

How to apply


Applications for this opportunity close at 11.59pm AEST, Friday 4 October 2024.


In applying for this position, you are not required to address individual selection criteria. Rather, you should provide a statement of no more than one page outlining your background, capabilities and experiences, and how these align with the advertised role. You should also provide a CV, no more than three pages. The capabilities and behaviours required to be successful for this role are identified in the ‘Who are we looking for’ section.

Your application will be assessed against the requirements of the job. Once the entire applicant pool has been assessed, the panel will create a shortlist of applicants.

Your application should be received through the department’s online recruitment system. Applications via Indeed will not be accepted.

If you experience any issues with the system please contact the recruitment team on 02 6136 8989 or via email at recruitment@infrastructure.gov.au to discuss an alternative way to submit your application.

Please advise the contact officer if you require reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. The department is committed to the accessibility of our systems. If you identify as someone with disability and you require accessibility assistance or more information, please email Diversityand Inclusion@infrastructure.gov.au

Work with us. Apply now!