• 35 hours per week
• Ongoing full time
• Location negatable to any DPIRD office across NSW
• Clerk Grade 11/12 | Salary from $149,739.00 plus super and leave loading

This is an Identified Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander Position. Applicants for this position must be of Aboriginal descent through parentage, identify as being Aboriginal and be accepted in the community as such.

Aboriginality/Torres Strait Islander is a genuine occupational qualification and is authorised under section 14(d) of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977

About the role

The Principal Policy Officer plays a key part in shaping evidence-based policy initiatives, while also supporting the Department’s Aboriginal Outcomes priorities across regional NSW.

You will work across the Department to support and drive delivery of key departmental Aboriginal Outcomes actions and initiatives, helping to ensure policy and programs create meaningful and culturally informed outcomes for Aboriginal staff and communities.

We are looking for an individual who can:

• Lead and manage a team (including performance, development and team culture)
• Work across the Department to coordinate and support delivery of key Aboriginal Outcomes initiatives and actions
• Support and contribute to the Department’s Aboriginal Outcomes agenda, including embedding Aboriginal perspectives in policy and program design
• Provide high‑quality policy advice to inform decision‑making and support the interpretation and implementation of government initiatives
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including Aboriginal staff, communities and organisations
• Monitor, evaluate and report on policy and program outcomes to identify issues and drive continuous improvement
• Prepare clear, concise and high‑quality briefs, reports, correspondence and policy documents, including to the Department’s executive and the Minister as required
• Apply knowledge of Government processes and Community to support policy development and delivery
• Work collaboratively within and across teams to deliver priorities, share knowledge and support successful outcomes.

About You

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

• Strong communication and relationship building skills
• Understanding of government processes
• Experience working with Aboriginal staff and communities
• An ability to collaborate well with internal teams and external stakeholders
• Policy development understanding and good attention to detail
• Confidence presenting and speaking to different audiences, including senior executives.

Applying for the role

Apply online by submitting a current resume (max 3 pages) and brief cover letter (max 2 page) that outlines your skills and experience relevant to the role.

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

Role Description - Clerk 11-12 - Principal Policy Officer - Identified

If you would like to hear more about this role, please contact Nick Peters, Director Legislation & Reform, on nick.peters@dpird.nsw.gov.au or 0429 222 538 

Closing Date: 11:55pm Thursday, 4 June 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.