• Senior Project Officer
• Temporary opportunity up until June 2026
• Gosford based (or location to be negotiated)
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $129,464 to $142,665+ employer's contribution to superannuation

 

 

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

 

 

About the role

National Parks and Wildlife Service has a unique opportunity for a Senior Project Officer to lead a team that contributes towards the conservation of the natural environment, flora, fauna and Aboriginal heritage.

The Senior Project Officer leads the development of improved bushfire risk planning practice and tools for environmental and cultural assets across NSW  To be successful within the role you will be skilled at establishing and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships across multiple agencies and research institutions to facilitate ongoing consultation, communication, negotiation, research development and issues management and their optimal engagement and contribution in project development and delivery. 

This role belongs to our Bushfire Risk and Evaluation Unit (BR&E).  The Bushfire Risk and Evaluation Unit (BR&E) within the conservation Programs Division leads the development of the NSW bushfire risk framework to embed environmental risk modelling into fire and land management planning and evaluation. The Unit improves the utility, accessibility, availability of fire and incident related data to enable program reporting and evaluation and develops improved bushfire risk assessment, analytics, forecasting, wildlife emergency response and planning tools

The Unit works closely with the NSW Rural Fire Service to support the developing the next generation of Bush Fire Risk Management Plans by Bush Fire Management Committees across NSW.

About You

The Senior Project Officer will lead the Bushfire Risk and Evaluation Unit’s Bushfire Risk team. The team is responsible for developing the technical and analytical capability in NPWS to undertake state-wide bushfire risk modelling to support fire management on parks and reserves as well as the broader coordinated bushfire risk management framework that guides fire management for ecological and cultural assets across NSW.

 

To achieve this outcome, the Senior Project Officer will specifically:

• Manage and coordinate the development, implementation, and evaluation of bushfire risk projects.
• Lead the development with the NSW RFS and research partners of quantitative bushfire risk spatial prediction, planning, analysis and reporting models to enable improved outcomes in conservation management
• Lead the development of quantitative risk modelling tools which focus NPWS Hazard Reduction priorities towards risk based (compared to area based) targets.
• Support the development with agency scientists of improved approaches to threatened species assessment and management within hazard reduction programs

• Lead the development of improved systems for measuring hazard reduction treatment effectiveness for environmental and cultural assets
• Support the development with internal and external research providers of improved systems and knowledge supporting bush fire risk analysis for environmental and cultural assets

• Support hazard reduction operations and other sections of the organisation with a range of analysis, advisory, planning, policy, and tool development services.
• Manage the development of policy and doctrine for bush fire risk analysis to ensure consistent application of products and services.
• Liaise with stakeholders, researchers, and software vendors to maintain strategic alliances to enhance activities and lead to improved bushfire risk analysis products and services.
• Participate in relevant national working parties and advisory groups to improve strategies / programs so that bushfire risk planning objectives are realized
• Undertake operational fire roles including consistent with competencies obtained.
• Willingness and ability to travel and work in remote and challenging outdoor environments where a moderate level of fitness is required.

 

Essential requirements -

• Appropriate tertiary qualifications or demonstrated equivalent, relevant professional experience in risk management, land, forest and fire management, ecological risk assessment and analysis.
• Experience in the use of Geographic Information Systems and enterprise data management systems to conduct ecological risk assessments.
• Advanced project management skills and experience with an understanding of contemporary best practice in procurement, tendering and contract preparation, in managing project teams, consultants and contractors, and in applying environmental safety and risk management policies and systems.
• Demonstrated experience in developing, implementing and reviewing strategic plans, policies and programs, and in providing strategic and operational advice and recommendations to senior management.

 

For more information read the full Role Description:  Senior Project Officer

Please see the statement of works here:  Senior Project Officer

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.

We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.

What we can offer you

NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is a great place to expand your career and grow your skills and knowledge.

• Accrued days off in addition to Annual Leave
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including the Fitness Passport
• Learning and development opportunities, including in-house training.

 

What we do 

About NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service 

Visit a park 

 

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 Wednesday 5th of November 2025 at 11:55pm

Should you require further information about the role please contact Ross Peacock via Ross.Peacock@dcceew.nsw.gov.au

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? 

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace. 
• How we encourage and support people with disability  
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace. 

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.npws.gov.au or contacting Shanay Rokotavaga on 0439 987 429 (please mention reference number 545102).  

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.  

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube and LinkedIn.