• Full Time, 35 hours per week
• Ongoing role
• 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
• Senior Executive Band 1 – TRP from $247,264 up to $272,210 per annum

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone can 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 apply. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.  Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

About the Role
The Director Legal Services is responsible for directing and managing a specialist legal team to provide expert strategic advice and drive legislative reform across a broad and complex portfolio. This includes primary industries, natural resources, native title, administrative law, employment law, litigation, property law and commercial law, ensuring government priorities are met and high-risk legal issues are effectively managed in a highly sensitive environment.

About You
As our ideal candidate, you will have:

• Eligibility to hold a current practicing law certificate in NSW
• Proven ability to lead and manage diverse specialist legal teams at an executive level
• Expertise in managing complex, high-risk legal issues and strategic organisational risks
• Experience driving legislative reform, advice, and high-level government documentation
• Superior current knowledge and expertise in at least two relevant areas of law
• Exceptional skill in building and influencing relationships with senior executives and government networks
• Ability and willingness to travel for work purposes.

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 view the role description here.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Kirsten Clayton via email kirsten.clayton@dpird.nsw.gov.au.

Applications close: Tuesday, 25 November 2025 at 11:55pm AEDT

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.

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.

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.

DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.