• Ongoing Full Time, 35 hours per week
• Primary Work Location: Orange or Sydney
• Clerk Grade 9/10 – Salary from $129,464 up to $142,665 per annum (FTE) plus super and leave loading

About the Role
As a Senior Policy Officer in the Animal Welfare team, you’ll provide expert advice to DPIRD senior executive and the Minister on animal welfare laws and policies. You will research emerging issues, write briefings, and help develop new regulations, standards and guidelines to improve industry standards. The role involves working with technical experts, consulting with stakeholders inside and outside government, and representing the department in high-level meetings to turn complex information into practical solutions.

About You
As our ideal candidate, you will have:

• Proven experience developing, implementing, and reviewing strategic policies and regulatory frameworks within a complex government environment.
• Strong understanding of the machinery of government, including Cabinet and Parliamentary processes and the ability to interpret diverse legislation.
• Strong understanding of contemporary regulatory approaches, including co-regulatory models.
• Proven ability to prepare high-level briefings, speeches, and presentations for senior executives and stakeholders.
• Ability to represent the department and lead negotiations in state and national forums.
• Ability and willingness to travel for work purposes.

Applications are welcome from people interested in working part-time (minimum 3 days a week) and/or in a job-share arrangement.

A talent pool will be created from this recruitment and may be used to fill similar roles in other branches of the department.

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 Stephen Powter on 0422 009 558 or email stephen.a.powter@dpird.nsw.gov.au.

Applications close: Sunday, 12 April 2026 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.

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 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.