Senior Legal Officer - 507589 

Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.  The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is a workplace where everyone is able to contribute and participate to their full potential, and we are proud to have a team that reflects the richness and complexity of the regional NSW communities we serve.   

Are you an experienced legal professional with a passion for delivering impactful, high-quality legal services? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where your expertise supports critical decision-making and drives meaningful outcomes? If so, we want you to join our team as a Senior Legal Officer! 

• 1 x Temporary Full-time Opportunity up to 30 June 2026   

• Location: Willing to consider candidates across all NSW locations. Preference will be given to candidates based regionally, with a focus on Queanbeyan, Armidale, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour  

• Legal Officer Grade 4. Salary starting from $139,862 + Super and Leave Loading  

About the Role  

As a Senior Legal Officer, you will be a trusted advisor within a small and responsive legal team which advises the Department on biosecurity, animal welfare, food safety, fisheries, marine estate management, hunting and forestry.  The team delivers a broad range of legal work including in administrative law, statutory interpretation, litigation support and legislative reform.   

You will provide strategic, high-quality legal advice and support to drive strategic decision-making and risk management aligned with Department priorities.  

This is an opportunity to work at the heart of pivotal initiatives that impact the state’s primary industries and regional communities. Your strategic thinking and flexibility to work across a range of matters will be essential in achieving our goals. 

Your Responsibilities May Include:   

• Providing expert risk-based legal advice to senior executives and staff on administrative law, statutory interpretation and litigation matters, with a focus on primary industries law. 

• Drafting and reviewing key legal documents including: 

• documents to implement he Government’s legislative-reform agenda, including Cabinet submissions, drafting instructions for Parliamentary Counsel, Bills and Regulations, 

• compliance and litigation-related orders, directions and notices, 

• permits, orders, directions and notices made under primary industries legislation. 

• Collaborating with the Department to develop practical solutions and maintain compliance. 

• Helping build legal knowledge within the Department by developing training, resources, and client-facing documents. 

About You  

We're looking for people with:  

• A track record in providing high-quality legal advice and support.  

• The ability to analyse complex legal issues and provide practical legal solutions in varied circumstances and in different legislative frameworks.   

• The ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and concisely to both legal and non-legal audiences.  

• A commitment to delivering high-quality legal services in a timely manner within tight deadlines.  

• The ability to collaborate as part a team of legal professionals as well as deliver your own work tasks. 

• The ability to building strong relationships with clients.  

• The ability to foster strong relationships with external service providers to achieve shared objectives. 

• Eligibility to hold a current practising certificate in NSW.   

Applying is easy! 

Submit your current Resume/CV and a Cover Letter (max. 2 pages) outlining your relevant skills and experience, and why you’re interested in future opportunities with Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.   

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Bronwen Johnston, Principal Legal Officer, 0427 507 730, bronwen.johnston@regional.nsw.gov.au   

If you’d like to know more about our Legislation and Advisory roles, please click here:  Role Description - Legislation & Advisory.  

If you’d like to know more about our Litigation roles, please click here: Role Description - Litigation . 

Applications close: Wednesday 30th January 2025 at 11:55pm AEST 

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 capability.talent@regional.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; Fisheries & Forestry; 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.  

Diversity and inclusion are core values of the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is a workplace where everyone can contribute and participate to their full potential, and we are proud to have a team that reflects the richness and complexity of the regional NSW communities we serve.  

We work hard every day to support and grow thriving communities across regional NSW that will have a positive impact on generations to come. Our goal is always to be a trusted local partner and problem-solver working deeply in community.  

As part of our team, you will be able to:  

• Deliver with impact. You are empowered and trusted to create impact through exposure to cutting-edge projects and research, career defining opportunities, and get to be part of a team creating sustainable solutions that will leave a legacy.  

• Connect to what matters. We are all about forming deep community relationships, fostering our passionate and connected teams. It is central to our work to support a true sense of belonging across the team.  

• Live your way. From bringing your whole self to work, to designing flexibility, that fits you and the team, you will be able to find the balance that works for you. Our team members work from the Department’s regional offices, as well as in Sydney. 

We are a young agency, but with that has come a personality that is dedicated, passionate, proactive, influential, and informed.  

The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.  

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.