• Legal Officer Grade 6 starting at $161,034 + Super and leave entitlements
• Temporary opportunity up to 30 June 2028
• Work on diverse legal matters while making a real impact
• Talent pool to fill other positions across our 4 legal teams (work may include commercial, litigation, legislation and advice or native title)

About the Role

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is seeking a Principal Legal Officer in its Regional Resources Law team. The Regional Resources Law team provides expert advice, legislative reform and litigation legal services in the areas of mining and exploration, mine safety, local land services, native vegetation, biodiversity, and government law. Our work is broad, interesting and varied, there is never a boring day! You will work as part of a fun, collaborative and supportive team.

As a Principal Legal Officer in DPIRD, you'll have the opportunity to contribute meaningfully while enjoying a supportive work environment. We value work-life balance and offer flexible working arrangements to help you thrive. Most importantly, your expertise will make a tangible impact in supporting regional economic development and strengthening primary industries across NSW.

As a senior member of the Legal Team, you will:

• Provide expert legal advice to support strategic decision-making.
• Supervise and mentor legal staff to ensure quality service delivery.
• Draft and review legal documents, including advice, legislation, drafting instructions, Cabinet submissions, briefs.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proactively manage legal risks and develop solutions.

We’re looking for someone with:
✅ Demonstrated expertise and experience in administrative law and advice writing, plus one or more of the following: statutory interpretation, legislative reform, litigation.
✅ Excellent oral and written communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to explain complex legal issues clearly.
✅ Leadership experience, including managing workloads and mentoring junior staff.
✅ The ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced environment with competing priorities.
✅ A current NSW practising certificate (or eligibility to obtain one).

✅ Ideally a minimum of 5 years post admission legal experience.

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 this opportunity with the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development.   

For additional information you can refer to the Role Description.

For enquiries, please contact lisa.townsend@regional.nsw.gov.au

Applications close: 11:55pm Thursday 27th March 2025

Additional Information:
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.

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. 

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. 

Together, we are DPIRD
The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) protects, supports and develops primary industries and regional economies.
Collectively we support strong and sustainable agriculture, forestry, fishing and mining industries, and regional economies. We actively manage our natural assets: our lands and soils, minerals, waterways and oceans, vegetation and forests.
DPIRD

· Local Land Services
· NSW Resources
· Agriculture and Biosecurity
· Fisheries and Forestry
· Regional Development and Delivery.

With nearly 5,000 employees, and 75 per cent of the DPIRD team living and working in regional NSW, we are embedded in the regions we serve.

Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.