Program Director, Technology

Are you a visionary technology leader ready to shape the future of technology, data and digital capability for Victoria's forest, fire and emergency management operations?

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action is seeking an experienced technology executive to lead the Technology Branch within Bushfire and Forest Services. This critical leadership role will ensure the delivery of reliable, secure and fit-for-purpose technology and data capabilities that support Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFMVic), the Conservation Regulator and emergency management operations across the state.

About the role

Reporting to the Executive Director, Forest and Fire Assets and Resources, the Program Director, Technology provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Technology Branch, driving technology, data and digital capability across Bushfire and Forest Services.

The role is accountable for leading the development and implementation of a contemporary technology strategy, ensuring technology investments align with operational priorities and deliver measurable value across forest, fire and emergency management activities.

As the leader of a specialist technology function, you will oversee technology governance, architecture, AI deployment, program and project delivery, service management, cybersecurity, platform performance and continuous improvement. You will also play a key role in strengthening partnerships across DEECA, emergency management agencies and external stakeholders to support operational outcomes and future capability development.

As a member of the senior leadership team, you will contribute to strategic direction, innovation, organisational reform and resource prioritisation, helping deliver DEECA's purpose of securing a liveable and prosperous Victoria.

About you:

To be successful in the role, you will have:

• Significant executive leadership experience leading technology, digital or information services functions within large, complex organisations.
• Demonstrated success developing and implementing technology strategies that support operational and organisational objectives.
• Proven experience delivering large-scale technology programs and projects, including governance, assurance, risk management and benefits realisation.
• Strong technical leadership across enterprise technology domains, including cloud and hybrid infrastructure, networks and communications, cybersecurity, identity and access management, systems integration and data platforms.
• Experience driving innovation, digital transformation and emerging technology initiatives, including data-driven decision making, analytics and AI deployment.
• Exceptional leadership capability, with a track record of building, motivating and developing high-performing, customer-focused teams.
• Highly developed stakeholder engagement, negotiation and influencing skills, with the ability to build trusted partnerships across government, emergency services and industry.
• Experience operating in complex, high-consequence environments where service reliability, security and resilience are critical.
• A strong commitment to governance, accountability, service excellence and continuous improvement.
• Sound understanding of public sector environments, governance frameworks and government decision-making processes.

About the organisation 

We employ approximately 6,300 staff, including around 600 seasonal staff, across more than 86 locations throughout Victoria, across energy, environment, climate action, water, agriculture, and resources portfolios.

Our challenge is to maintain Victoria's liveability, with a population expected to almost double by 2050, while responding to climate change and protecting our natural environment, infrastructure and heritage for future generations. We take a community-centred approach and involve communities and key stakeholders in decisions and policies that affect them and we collaborate across our portfolios to design and deliver services and programs.

This is an ongoing position. The work location for this position is flexible within Victoria 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.

For further information, please refer to the attached position description or call Ramesh Liyanagedra, Executive Director, Forest and Fire Assets and Resources on 0408 432 *** or email ***************@deeca.vic.gov.au.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, 30 August 2026.

Other relevant information:

Preferred candidates will be required to:

• undertake pre-employment screening, including completion of a Declaration and Consent form and a National Police Check have their misconduct declarations validated, irrespective of whether misconduct has been declared or not
• provide at least two appropriate referees, including their current direct line manager or where relevant (i.e. because they are not employed) most recent direct line manager in accordance with the requirements set out in executive reference checks.
• provide evidence of their right to work in Australia

For more information about the pre-screening requirements for this position, please refer to the position description.

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.  

A Diverse, Inclusive 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 ***************@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.

For further information including the position description, key selection criteria and to apply visit www.careers.vic.gov.au