Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working with and coordinating corporate and enabling functions that support our vision of creating thriving environments and communities for every generation.

• Principal Legal Officer – Water Law
• Ongoing full-time role, 35 hrs/week
• Office based in Parramatta (flexible working offered) - other established work locations deemed suitable across NSW may be considered
• Salary relative to experience ranging from $146,822 to $170,981 + superannuation & annual leave loading

We are looking for a Principal Legal Officer to join the Water Law team at DCCEEW.  The successful candidate will play a critical role in providing high quality legal services to the DCCEEW Water Group, to support its work in sustaining and improving the water resources of NSW.

About the role

The Principal Legal Officer roles is suited to experienced lawyers keen to utilise their strong analytical skills and expertise to provide high quality legal advisory services and crucial legal support to the Water Group within DCCEEW.  The work of a Principal Legal Officer will include:

• preparing legal advice,
• legislative reform, including Bills and regulations,
• advising on and drafting water sharing plans and floodplain management plans,
• working closely with the Water Group on long-term projects,
• supervising Legal Officers and Senior Legal Officers in carrying out such work.

As an experienced professional, you will support the Director and General Counsel to drive delivery on initiatives and goals and contribute to an inclusive, responsive and effective environment.

About You 

To be successful in this role you will be a highly motivated professional, with a drive and passion to deliver quality legal advice and services to clients.  You will have strong analytical and research skills with the ability to identify key issues and think critically to find strategically focused and evidence-based solutions.

We welcome applications from passionate lawyers with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• planning, environmental or natural resource management law;
• administrative law;
• statutory interpretation; and
• legislative reform.

Undertaking a wide range of tasks with often tight or competing timeframes, our Senior Legal Officers require excellent organisational and prioritisation skills, as well as the ability to lead, manage and support junior lawyers. You will have strong verbal and written communication skills to prepare and deliver clear, authoritative and practical advice. You will also have confidence and the ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders and team members.

This is an excellent opportunity for dynamic and motivated lawyers, eager to progress their legal careers, to join these dedicated and highly regarded teams and be a key contributor in supporting the delivery of outcomes for the people of NSW.

Essential Requirements

Applicants must be:

• admitted as an Australian Legal Practitioner in NSW or another eligible jurisdiction,
• hold, or be eligible to hold, a NSW Practising Certificate,
• have experience in one or more of the following areas: planning, environmental or natural resource management law; administrative law; statutory interpretation; legislative reform.
• at least 5 years post admission experience unless you are able to demonstrate significant relevant experience

For more information, read the full Role Description: Principal Legal 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.

To Apply

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application. Your application should include:

• a resume which clearly details your relevant skills and experience (maximum 5 pages)
• a cover letter outlining your legal experience and addressing how you meet the focus and legal capability requirements of the role (maximum 2 pages)

Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.

Applications close on Sunday, 16 Nov 2025 at 11:55 PM

Should you require further information about the role please contact Matt Graham, Director Water Legal Advice via matt.graham@dcceew.nsw.gov.au

A recruitment pool will 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.nsw.gov.au or contacting (Nivya Shetty) via 0437 224 498 or nivya.shetty@dcceew.nsw.gov.au (please mention reference number 545875).

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.

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