• Legal Officer Grade 6 starting at $161,034 + Super and leave entitlements
• Temporary opportunity up to 30 June 2028
• Location - Sydney or surrounds location, or ability to travel to Sydney regularly for Court, as required.

About the Role

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.

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

• Provide expert legal services and advice in relation to litigation and to support strategic decision-making.
• Supervise and mentor legal staff to ensure quality service delivery.
• Draft and review legal documents, including advice, Court documents and briefs.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Proactively manage legal risks and develop solutions.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Demonstrated expertise and experience conducting and managing criminal litigation at a senior level including court appearances and instructing Counsel.
• Excellent oral and written communication, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to communicate with senior executives, write clear and succinct advice, manage multiple stakeholders and complex legal issues.
• Demonstrated leadership experience, including managing workloads, supervising other staff, and managing the litigation process from strategy to resolution.
• The ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced environment, to proactively drive priorities, and to share expertise and lessons learned to uplift skill and knowledge across the branch and Department.
• A current NSW practising certificate (or eligibility to obtain).
• Minimum of 5 years post admission legal experience.
• Work health and safety litigation expertise highly regarded.
• Sydney or surrounds location, or ability to travel to Sydney regularly as required.

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 Melody Valentine, Principal Legal Officer via melody.valentine@dpird.nsw.gov.au or on 0477 984 335.

Applications close: Thursday 9 October 2025, 11:55pm

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.