Do you want to help drive the next generation of investment in sustainable farming and natural resource management in the North Coast of NSW? Do you have experience working with stakeholders to develop innovative projects to guide best-practice land management?

• Ongoing full-time position
• Salary starting from $110,266 + super and leave loading
• Location: Coffs Harbour, Wollongbar, Grafton or Kempsey
• Have an exceptional career where you live!

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to thrive, reflecting the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage individuals of all backgrounds – including but not limited to; gender, age, ethnicity, race, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation to submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers. 

Our Senior Strategy Land Services Officer position plays a key role for North Coast Local Land Services (LLS) in coordinating the development of key regional and strategic plans, collaborating with stakeholders, developing strategic governance arrangements and developing and reviewing the North Coast Local Strategic Plan and Annual Business Plan.

North Coast Local Land Services is offering a unique opportunity to develop strategies and business cases for public and other investment in sustainable agriculture and natural resource management. The role would ideally suit someone with a combination of experience in developing sustainable agriculture and/or natural resource management projects, emerging environmental markets, and strategic planning.

The North Coast Local Land Services region extends from the Port Macquarie-Hastings Local Government Area to the Tweed Shire Council. The region is a highly diverse national biodiversity hotspot encompassing World Heritage areas, wetlands, nine large river systems, and extensive floodplains. It is home to a range of agricultural industries including beef, dairy, sugar cane, coffee, and horticulture such as blueberries.

As our Strategic Senior Land Services Officer, you will:

• Collaborate and partner with national, state and local stakeholders on strategic risks, issues and opportunities
• Work with key stakeholders in the development of key regional strategic and investment plans (e.g. for weeds, pests, aboriginal engagement, primary production, natural resource management)
• Develop governance arrangements that support the delivery of key regional strategic priorities 
• Coordinate the development and review of the North Coast Local Strategic Plan and Annual Business Plan
• Providing advice to and seek feedback from the region’s Executive Team and Board on strategic issues
• Facilitate and participate in LLS State and Regional strategy and planning networks and committees
• Contribute to developing innovative processes to guide and prioritise North Coast LLS service delivery

What you will bring to the role:

• Track record of leading development of strategies and plans
• Skills and experience in developing and delivering innovative ways to influencing practice change while supporting productive agricultural businesses and achieving natural resource outcomes.
• Tertiary qualifications or relevant knowledge and experience in Natural Resource Management/Business /Agriculture
• Experience working with a broad range of stakeholders including landholders, and industry representatives
• Excellent interpersonal skills relevant to communication, coordination and negotiation
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team, but also independently
• Excellent project management skills, including reporting, budgeting, planning and meeting deadlines.

Want to know more? Just contact Kevin Trustum 0476 652 234 or via kevin.trustum@lls.nsw.gov.au. You can also download the Role Description

Interested? Simply submit your resume and a cover letter online and tell us why working as a Senior Strategy Land Services Officer is for you.

Closing Date: Extended to Sunday 27th April 2025 at 11.55pm

What to expect next:

Once you submit your application, you’ll receive an email confirmation. After the advertisement closes, all applications will be reviewed by the hiring manager and selection panel. If shortlisted, you may be invited to an interview—this could be in person, over the phone, or via video. You may also be asked to complete role-related tasks, such as a written assessment, skills test, or psychometric assessment. Reference checks will be conducted for candidates progressing to the final stages. 

The successful applicant may also be required to undergo a police check, health assessment, and other relevant checks as part of the recruitment process. 

If you require adjustments in completing your application, interviewing, completing any pre- employment testing, require information in an alternative format, or otherwise participating in the recruitment process, please let us know so we can assist. Send an email to talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion. 

About Us

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the department dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long term benefits to the state. Our focus is to protect, support and develop our primary industries, mining sector, and regions. 

The department brings together Agriculture & Biosecurity; Forestry & Fishing; Local Land Services; NSW Resources; Regional Development & Delivery; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; NSW Public Works and Soil Conservation Service. 

We have nearly 5,000 employees, with almost 80 per cent of us living and working in regional NSW.