• Full Time, 35 hours per week
• Ongoing role
• Bathurst or Orange, NSW
• Clerk Grade 11/12 role – Salary starting from $149,739.00 + super and leave loading

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.

About the Role

The Agriculture and Biosecurity branch of Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development plays a critical role in protecting, supporting, and developing sustainable, future-ready agricultural and biosecurity sectors across NSW. Through leadership, science, and innovation, the group shapes the future of agriculture and safeguards the state’s biosecurity systems.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director of Agriculture, the Executive Officer is responsible for providing high-level strategic and operational advice, managing key executive functions, and leading the coordination of strategic initiatives across the Agriculture Division.

As Executive Officer, some of your key duties include:

• Lead the Office of the Executive Director by driving the adoption of best practices in finance, HR, performance, IT, and administrative systems.
• Oversee the management of executive and ministerial correspondence, briefing notes, reports, and submissions, ensuring accuracy and timeliness.
• Identify and advise on sensitive policy and management issues, including the assessment of emergent trends and their implications for current operations.
• Act as a key liaison point for the Executive Director, coordinating and analysing incoming information to develop strategic recommendations.
• Champion continuous improvement in administrative and records management systems.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure high-quality ministerial and executive correspondence.
• Oversee governance and coordination of boards and trusts associated with the Agriculture Division.
• Manage the operations of the historic Belgenny Farm site, maintaining its strategic and operational integrity.

This is a high-impact opportunity to work at the centre of agricultural policy and leadership, contributing directly to the success of one of the five key divisions shaping the future of agriculture in NSW.

About You

You are an experienced and highly motivated professional with a strong background in executive support, strategic advisory, and operational coordination, ideally within a government or complex organisational environment.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Demonstrated experience in managing executive operations, ministerial communications, and strategic project support.
• Strong analytical and policy advisory skills, with the ability to identify emerging issues and provide informed, actionable advice.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills, with the ability to build trusted relationships across a wide range of internal and external partners.
• Proven capability in managing competing priorities, coordinating sensitive information, and delivering outcomes in fast-paced environments.
• A proactive and solutions-focused approach, committed to driving continual process improvement and operational excellence.
• An understanding of, or interest in, the agriculture and biosecurity sectors is highly desirable.

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 our ideal candidate.

If you’d like to know more about the role, please click here to view the  Role Description.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Jane Weatherley on 0456 623 331 or via jane.weatherley@dpird.nsw.gov.au

Applications close: Sunday 12th October 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 talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

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.

About us: 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.

The department brings together:

• 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.

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.