AI & Data Lead

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action

The AI & Data Lead is a key role within the Strategy, Architecture and Digital Enablement (SADE) branch of the Information Services Division (ISD), responsible for shaping and delivering the department's data and AI capability.

The role brings a strong technical and customer focused leadership across enterprise data, analytics and Artificial Intelligence (AI) platforms. It contributes to the planning, development and operationalisation of AI and data initiatives, including Generative AI and agent based capabilities, enable trusted data services and support the analytical reporting platform with a strong emphasis on governance, security and compliance.

The role provides technical advice and expertise to support the effective use of data and AI, identifies opportunities to enhance business processes. It assists in embedding new capabilities into BAU operations and contributes to the technical development, delivery, support and ongoing improvements of AI & data technologies.

Specialist/Technical Expertise/Qualifications

Mandatory

• Strong understanding and practical application of AI & data governance principles, risk, compliance, development of frameworks, standards and guidelines.
• Demonstrated hand on experience in AI/ML solution implementation and strong technical proficiency with Copilot Studio, AI Foundry, Microsoft Purview and a strong ability to swiftly grasp and adopt new technologies.
• Proven experience with Microsoft Fabric, designing and implementing data solutions, data modelling, including conceptual, logical, and physical data models.
• Experience in management, administration and utilisation of the Power BI and a strong understanding of their role in supporting the departments data visualisation and reporting capabilities.
• Proven track record in contributing to development and execution of strategic data initiatives and supporting the implementation of data roadmap, ensuring alignment to departments objectives.

Desirable

• Formal tertiary qualifications in Information Technology or related IT discipline
• Experience working in across functional agile environment
• Knowledge of ITIL processes

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is 2 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne with hybrid work arrangements available.

To be considered for this position, applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter (no longer than 2 pages) summarising their skills and relevant experience.

Please refer to the Key Selection Criteria provided in the Position Description, including the mandatory requirements.

How to Apply:

If you are a current DEECA employee, please apply via DEECA Careers.

Click the ‘Apply' button and you'll be redirected to a new platform and create an account.

Applications close 11.59pm on Thursday, 27 August 2026.

All applications must be submitted through the online portal. We are unable to consider email or manual applications at this time.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to undertake pre-employment screening, including a Declaration and Consent form and a Nationally Coordinated Criminal History Check.

To be eligible for appointment to this role, applicants will possess corresponding work rights for the advertised employment period. Appointment to an ongoing position is only available to an Australian/New Zealand citizen or an Australian Permanent Resident.

An inclusive, culturally safe and flexible workplace

DEECA fosters an inclusive workplace culture and is committed to a fair, accessible, and equitable recruitment process.

We strongly encourage Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander people to apply. We recognise the strengths, knowledge and perspectives First Nations people bring and DEECA is committed to a culturally safe and respectful workplace. If you need support to participate, please contact aboriginal.employment@deeca.vic.gov.au.

We support flexible working arrangements, including hybrid work, varied hours, part-time work and job sharing. For more information about our recruitment processes, visit applying for a role with us.