• Fixed term position until 02 June 2025
• Be a part high performing Legal team at EPA.
• Working and building relationship with Senior stakeholders.
• Flexible work environment with opportunities for growth.

About the Organisation

EPA works to prevent and reduce the harmful effect of pollution and waste on Victoria’s environment and people. We work with community, industry and businesses. As the needs of Victorians change, we must be equipped to adapt and respond to a range of factors.

We are workplace committed to new ways of working, EPA celebrates diversity of people and lifestyles. We offer a wide range of practical options to support both your work and personal life.

The EPA Experience

• See the impact in the communities we live in: at EPA you see your work first-hand
• Range of internal working groups, networks and volunteering opportunities
• On-the-job training for a wide range of environmental roles
• Flexible start and finish times, as well as compressed work week options

About the Role:

Reporting to the Principal Solicitor, this is an opportunity for an admitted Level 1 or Level 2 Solicitor who has limited experience or requires direct supervision as part of their practising certificate to be a member of a team which provides legal services. The position requires agility to undertake broader legal work as EPA’s demands and priorities require. You will use your initiative in providing legal services, aligned with EPA’s strategic priorities to prevent harm to Victorian communities and the environment from pollution and waste.

Key accountabilities

This role requires the Solicitor to meet the value range 2.2.4 descriptors set out below as a minimum requirement. This role may flexibly span VPS 2.2.4 to VPS 3 classifications subject to the relevant value range descriptors being met.

Operating at a VPS 2.2.4 (Solicitor 1) and subject to the needs of the branch, you will:

• Under supervision, prepare legal advice on low to moderately complex matters including statutory permissions, regulatory notices, and other regulatory activity; undertake legal research to contribute to decision-making by others.
• Assist with the provision of legal advice and support on Victorian Civil Administration Tribunal (VCAT) and Court litigation; act as Solicitor on the record for the EPA in VCAT matters, assist solicitors in preparing and instructing counsel in complex and sensitive matters.
• Under supervision, prepare low to moderately complex briefs for criminal prosecutions and attend directions hearings and routine case conferences.

Operating at a VPS 3.1 (Solicitor 2) and subject to the needs of the Branch, you will perform the above with increasing involvement to:

• Provide advice on appropriate legal options based on statutory interpretation and precedent.
• Assist in the development of legal strategies; assess case requirements and adequacy of evidence and implement appropriate processes, assist with preparation for negotiations between parties in litigation.
• Prepare for and appear as Solicitor on the record for EPA in routine matters in the Magistrates Courts, County Courts and Victorian Civil and Administrative TribunalPrepare for and appear as Solicitor on the record for EPA in routine matters in the Magistrates Courts, County Courts and Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal

Operating at a VPS 3.2 (Solicitor 2) and subject to the needs of the Branch, you will perform the above with increasing involvement to:

• Research issues and prepare advice requiring more detailed legal analysis.
• Prepare material for more complex cases, appearing on behalf of EPA in Magistrates Court and VCAT in more complex matters.
• Assist with negotiating settlement agreements within defined parameters under supervision.
• Contribute to planning of legal strategies, research and policy development.

Skills and Experience:

• A relevant tertiary degree and/or post graduate qualifications in law.
• Admitted to practice as an Australian legal practitioner under the Legal Profession Uniform Law Application Act 2014 (ideally with experience practising as a lawyer).
• Hold, or be eligible to hold, a restricted practicing certificate issued in Victoria.
• Knowledge and ability to quickly gain familiarity with the requirements of the Environment Protection Act 2017, Freedom of Information Act 1982, Privacy and Data Protection Act 2014 and other legislation relevant to the EPA.
• Knowledge of the law and legal procedures applicable to a regulatory agency and understanding of procedural aspects of criminal and civil litigation or ability to quickly gain familiarity with relevant law and procedures.
• Proven ability to work as an effective member of a cohesive team.
• Ability to think outside the square, a willingness to try new things and a genuine desire to learn, share knowledge and make a difference.

How to Apply:

Click the 'Apply Now' button to submit your resume and cover letter addressing the Key Selection Criteria.

For any enquiries relating to this role, please reach out to [email protected] using the subject line: Solicitor enquiry via EthicalJobs.

Need to know more?

All prospective employees will also undergo a National Criminal Record Check prior to an offer of employment. You must be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident or hold a valid work permit or visa. Preferred candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks including, but not limited to, police checks, reference checks and role related security clearances.

EPA Victoria recognises the value of the diversity, strength, and knowledge of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as we work with Traditional Owners to care for our environment. We provide a culturally safe and embracing work environment.

We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to merit, equity, diversity, and inclusion in the workplace. We believe our workforce should represent the diversity of the lands upon which we reside; and we actively embrace staff of different abilities, orientations, backgrounds, faiths, and genders.

A position description attached.