Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Permanent ongoing opportunity
- Full-time role - 35 hours per week + FlexTime
- Open to any East Coast NSW office location - hybrid working supported
- Salary ranges from $166,273.00 to $168,130.00 + super + leave loading
Our Regional Delivery team is currently seeking to appoint a Principal Coastal Specialist to lead the coordination and delivery of high-impact coastal programs and projects across NSW. In this role, you’ll provide technical and delivery leadership, ensuring strong program governance, risk management and stakeholder engagement from inception through to completion.
You’ll work closely with project teams, internal divisions, other government departments and local councils to drive consistency, efficiency and innovation in program delivery. As a senior member of the team, you’ll lead by example – managing project planning, delivery frameworks and reporting systems, while building and mentoring a high-performing team.
This is a busy and dynamic position, supporting work in the vital areas of Coastal Management. The role requires balancing multiple concurrent projects in complex and sometimes contested policy areas, navigating diverse stakeholder expectations, legislative requirements and limited resources. You’ll be responsible for maintaining strong governance and accountability in an environment of evolving priorities and increasing demand.
This is a key leadership position within the Coast, Estuaries and Floods team, influencing the direction and effectiveness of critical coastal initiatives that protect communities and enhance natural systems.
About You
You are a confident and solutions-focused leader with a strong background in program and project delivery within coastal or environmental contexts. You thrive in complex, multi-stakeholder environments and are known for your ability to deliver strategic outcomes while maintaining attention to detail and governance.
With deep technical understanding and a passion for impactful delivery, you bring strong leadership, stakeholder engagement and project management skills to the role. You’re comfortable advising senior executives, navigating risks and guiding cross-functional teams toward shared goals.
You will also have:
- Extensive experience leading large-scale environmental or coastal programs and projects
- Strong capability in project governance, risk frameworks, procurement and performance reporting
- Demonstrated ability to lead and mentor multidisciplinary teams
- Excellent stakeholder management skills across local, state and federal agencies
- A collaborative approach with a focus on continuous improvement and best practice delivery
- Proven experience providing high-level strategic advice and delivering high-quality reports, briefings and presentations
Essential Requirements
- Appropriate degree level tertiary qualification in natural resources, environmental science, engineering, marine biology or related disciplines.
For more information read the full Role Description: Principal Coastal Specialist
Who we are
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.
DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW national park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.
DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.
To Apply
If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.
Applications close Monday, 14 July at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Bruce Coates via bruce.coates@environment.nsw.gov.au or on 0411 118 481.
A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.
Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Looking for more information or assistance in applying?
DCCEEW is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.
If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsws.gov.au or contacting Mariam Barakat on 0429 667 238 (please mention reference number 543321).
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person, you are welcome to use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.
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Role Description
