• Senior Legal Officer - Starting at $144,058 + Super & leave
• Ongoing role
• Location:  Regional NSW
• Be part of shaping the future of primary industries and regional NSW
• Make a real impact in a diverse and meaningful legal role

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) drives the growth and resilience of NSW’s primary industries, mining sector, and regional communities. With nearly 5,000 employees—80% based in regional NSW—we support some of the state’s most significant industries and deliver services that matter.

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Senior Legal Officer to join our Legal team. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to high-quality legal work across a unique and varied portfolio, including agriculture, biosecurity, fisheries, forestry, local land services, mining, regional development and more.

What you’ll be doing

As a Senior Legal Officer, you will have:

• Eligibility to hold a current practising certificate in NSW
• A track record in providing high-quality legal advice and support 
• The ability to analyse complex legal issues and provide practical solutions
• The ability to communicate complex legal concepts clearly and concisely to both legal and non-legal audiences
• Demonstrated ability to handle high-volume, challenging workloads under tight deadlines
• A strategic mindset to identify opportunities and develop innovative legal solutions.  
• The ability to collaborate as part a team of legal professionals as well as deliver your own work tasks

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking a proactive and collaborative legal professional with:

• Demonstrated experience in one or more of the following areas:
  • Property law
  • Commercial law
  • Legislation and advice
  • Native title
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly explain complex concepts.
• Strong analytical skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Sound judgement and a commitment to integrity and ethical decision making.
• Eligibility to hold a current practising certificate in NSW.

Why join us?

Working at DPIRD means joining a department dedicated to supporting essential industries and communities. You will:

• Work on diverse, meaningful legal matters that impact outcomes for regional NSW.
• Be part of a supportive legal team committed to collaboration, quality and continuous improvement.
• Grow your expertise across multiple areas of law in a dynamic and evolving environment.
• Share legal knowledge, provide insights, and contribute to capability building resources such as training, templates and briefing materials.

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 click here to view the Role Description

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Lesley Skinner on 0439 629 643 or lesley.skinner@dpird.nsw.gov.au

Applications close: 11:55pm Wednesday, 18 March 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.  

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.