- Full Time, 35 hours per week
- Temporary – 2 years
- 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
- Clerk Grade 11/12 – Salary from $149,739 up to $173,174 per annum (FTE) plus super and leave loading
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About the Role
We’re seeking a dynamic Principal Project Officer to join our Forestry Policy team and bring applied industry experience to the heart of government policy development. This is a unique opportunity to influence major forestry policy initiatives, working closely with multi-disciplinary teams across the Department, and ensuring advice and recommendations are grounded in operational realities. Your insights into industry practices, regulatory challenges, and stakeholder expectations, will support the development of strategies that are practical, deliverable and impactful.
About You
In this role, you’ll lead a range of forestry projects and support effective ongoing engagement with key industry partners, with a focus on identifying emerging issues and implementation barriers and then supporting the co-design of practical solutions. We’re looking for someone with strong problem-solving skills, exceptional stakeholder engagement capability, and a proven ability to translate complex challenges into actionable solutions. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and want to make a tangible impact on forestry policy and industry outcomes, we’d love to hear from you.
As our ideal candidate, you will have:
- Demonstrated experience in the forestry industry and strong knowledge of operational forestry issues and stakeholders
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex and sensitive consultations and negotiations with diverse stakeholders
- Experience managing projects and teams to deliver all key milestones and outcomes
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 Brendan Stone on 0417 110 984 or email brendan.stone@dpird.nsw.gov.au
Applications close: Sunday, 14 December 2025 at 11:55pm AEDT
Please note that DPIRD will be closed during the period 25 December 2025 to 11 January 2025 (inclusive). Recruitment process will recommence in January 2026.
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.
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
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:
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.
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.
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.
Role Description
