• 38 hours per week
• Temporary until 30 June 2028
• Location: Negotiable to any NSW DPIRD office with a preference for Orange, Queanbeyan, Armidale, or Coffs Harbour
• Clerk Grade 9/10 | Salary from $129,464.00 plus super and leave loading

About the role

The Engagement Specialist supports the delivery and communication of work from the Vulnerability Assessment team within Climate and Natural Resources by coordinating engagement activities, working closely with people across the program, and translating complex scientific and technical information into clear, accessible communication products.

The role collaborates with scientific staff and external stakeholders, including Local Land Services, Rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) and industry bodies, to coordinate inputs, refine outputs, and support informed decision‑making across primary industries and regions.

We are looking for an individual who can:

• Coordinate and support engagement activities for the Vulnerability Assessment team, working with internal and external stakeholders including Local Land Services, Rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs), industry bodies, universities and other jurisdictions.
• Translate complex scientific and technical information into clear, accessible communication products tailored to diverse audiences, channels and decision-making needs.
• Coordinate inputs from scientific staff to support consistent reporting, briefing materials and communication outputs across the program.
• Support the interface between vulnerability assessment work and relevant policy processes by ensuring outputs are clearly communicated, policy relevant and appropriately framed for government and industry audiences.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships across DPIRD and with external partners to support collaboration, information sharing and use of vulnerability assessment outputs.
• Provide timely advice and support to the Manager, Vulnerability Assessment on engagement activities, communication priorities, and emerging issues relevant to the project.
• Pursue additional sources of funding to expand the scope of the vulnerability assessment work and DPIRD’s role in addressing climate change.

About You

To be successful in this role, our ideal candidate will have the following:

• Degree qualification in Agriculture or related field, and/or equivalent relevant experience.
• Current NSW Driver Licence and a willingness to travel for project work
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills across government, research and primary industries
• Extensive experience supporting primary industries and climate focused programs
• Advanced ability to translate complex scientific information into clear and accessible communication products  

Applying for the role

Apply online by submitting a current resume and brief cover letter (max 2 page) that outlines your relevant skills and experience, and why you’re our ideal candidate.

A downloadable copy of the role description is linked below for your reference.

Role Description - Clerk 9-10 - Engagement-Specialist.docx

Additionally, if you would like to hear more about this role, please contact  Nicole Smith, Director Climate and Digital Agriculture, 0447690016, and Nicole.Smith@dpird.nsw.gov.au  

Closing Date: 11:55pm Thursday, 2 July 2026

What to expect next

• You’ll receive a confirmation email  
• We’ll review all applications once the ad closes  
• If shortlisted, you may be invited to interview on Microsoft Teams or in person
• Further assessments will follow (e.g. written 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, pre-employment medical 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.  

You can email us at talent.advisory@dpird.nsw.gov.au or contact the hiring manager listed above for a confidential discussion.

About Us

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is the department dedicated to growing primary industries and supporting regional economic development to deliver long term benefits to the state. Our focus is to protect, support and develop our primary industries, mining sector, and regions. 

The department brings together Agriculture & Biosecurity; Forestry & Fishing; Local Land Services; NSW Resources; Regional Development & Delivery; the Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation; NSW Public Works and Soil Conservation Service. 

Most of our people live and work in regional NSW, ensuring DPIRD is embedded in the regions we serve.

Why work for Us?

We work hard every day to support and grow thriving communities across regional NSW that will have a positive impact on generations to come. Our goal is always to be a trusted local partner and problem-solver working deeply in community. 

As part of our team, you will be able to: 

• Deliver with impact. You are empowered and trusted to create impact through exposure to cutting edge projects and research, career defining opportunities, and get to be part of a team creating sustainable solutions that will leave a legacy. 
  
  
• Connect to what matters. We are all about forming deep community relationships, fostering our passionate and connected teams. It is central to our work to support a true sense of belonging across the team. 
  
  
• Live your way. From bringing your whole self to work, through to designing flexibility, that fits you and the team, at Regional NSW you will be able to find the balance that works for you. 

We are a young agency, but with that has come a personality that is dedicated, passionate, proactive, influential, and informed. We’re all about ‘having a crack’.

Additional Information
Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone has the opportunity to 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 submit an application. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.