• Ongoing Full-Time role
• 35 hours per week
• Location: Open to candidates across all NSW locations.
• Clerk Grade 9/10: Salary ranging from $129, 464 to $142,665 p.a + superannuation + leave loading

About the Role

As a Senior Policy Officer, you’ll provide high level strategic advice, conduct in depth research, and lead the development and review of key policies. Your expertise will inform crucial decisions related to primary industry matters, ensuring NSW remains at the forefront of innovation and sustainability.

Your day-to-day 📝

• Support Cabinet and Legislative Programs: Support the delivery of the Division’s cabinet, legislative, and regulatory programs.
• Lead Policy Development: Develop and coordinate strategic policies, providing advice, and recommendations to the Minister, Executive, and key stakeholders.
• Analyse and Advise: Review policies, frameworks and regulations, offering strategic insights that influence the future of NSW primary industries.
• Communicate Effectively: Prepare detailed briefings, advice, reports, submissions, and other essential documentation.
• Represent NSW: Advocate for the Department in state and national policy forums and negotiations, advising on strategic policy issues and gathering valuable feedback.

About You

You’re a strategic thinker and strong communicator who thrives on solving complex policy challenges. You’ll bring:

• Strong policy development and analysis skills, with the ability to interpret legislation and assess policy impacts.
• Excellent collaboration and stakeholder engagement skills to build strong relationships across government and industry.
• A solid understanding of government processes, including Cabinet and legislative procedures.
• Broad knowledge of primary industry issues and the relevant policy and legislative landscape.

For a confidential discussion about this vacancy please contact:

Alice Phu, Manager Advice and Coordination at alice.phu@dpi.nsw.gov.au or 0457 475 972,

Alternatively, you can view the role description here

How to Apply:

Please apply via our online portal and submit:  

✅ A CV (max. 4 pages)  

✅ A cover letter (1-2 pages). Tell us how your experience and skills make you a great fit for this role.  

🗓️ Applications close: Sunday 23 November 2025, at 11:55pm

What to Expect Next  

After applying:  

• You’ll receive a confirmation email  

• We’ll review all applications once the ad closes  

• If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview (in person or Microsoft Teams video)  

• Further assessments will follow (e.g. writing task, skills test, psychometric test)  

• Reference checks will be completed for final candidates   

• The preferred candidate for this role may be required to undergo reference checks, a national police check, bankruptcy check, health assessment and/or other assessments as required.  

• A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months.  

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.  

We have skilled and dedicated teams working in 200 locations across regional NSW. 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.  

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion  

At DPIRD, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds – including, but not limited to, gender, age, ethnicity, cultural heritage, disability, religion and sexual orientation.  

DPIRD is a proud Disability Confident Recruiter, Family Inclusive Employer and Carer Friendly Employer  

We are committed to ensuring every stage of the recruitment process is accessible and free from barriers. If you require adjustments or information in an alternative format to participate, please contact talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or the hiring manager listed for a confidential discussion.  

We also understand that work is just one part of life. Our Family Inclusive Employer and Carers + Employers Accreditations reflect our commitment to supporting employees to balance work and family responsibilities.