• Temporary Full Time (up to 30 June 2027) and talent pool
• Location: Willing to consider candidates across coastal NSW locations. Preference will be given to candidates based regionally, with a focus on Port Stephens, Wollongbar and Coffs Harbour
• Clerk Grade 11/12 salary from $149,739 per annum (FTE) plus super and leave loading

About the Role

As the Program Leader Marine Estate (Implementation) you will lead a dedicated regionally based team developing and implementing projects and initiatives to drive environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes for the NSW marine estate.

You will provide high-level strategic advice, project management, reporting, financial planning and management and coordination across marine estate agencies and other internal and external stakeholders to implement priority initiatives and projects under the NSW Marine Estate Management Strategy in line with financial, work health and safety, government procurement and administrative requirements. The position involves strategic leadership, project management, stakeholder engagement, development and interpretation of statutory and policy frameworks, and driving project and initiative delivery that ensures the NSW marine estate is sustainably managed for current and future generations.

About You
You are an experienced leader with a strong background in natural resource management and policy development. You thrive in complex environments, balancing ecological priorities with social, cultural and economic considerations. Your ability to negotiate, influence, and build strategic relationships and deliver complex programs and outcomes will be critical to success in this role.

Essential Requirements

• Tertiary qualifications or equivalent experience in natural resource management, environmental science, or public policy.
• Extensive experience in policy development and implementation, including working across agencies.
• Proven program and project management skills and experience.
• Thorough knowledge of natural resource management, aquatic biodiversity conservation, marine estate and fisheries management.
• Strong understanding of planning and regulatory frameworks for freshwater, estuarine, and marine conservation management.
• Current Class C NSW Driver’s Licence.

If you are passionate about the health of coastal and marine environments and have the expertise to engage with stakeholders and lead implementation of strategic, complex programs to deliver sustainable environmental, social, cultural and economic outcomes, we want to hear from you!

For further information about the role please contact hiring manager Sarah Fairfull, Director Marine Estate Management on 0419 185 534 or Sarah.Fairfull@dpird.nsw.gov.au. You can also view the Role Description. 

Applying is easy!

Please apply via our online portal and submit:

✅ A CV (approx. 4 pages)

✅ A cover letter (approx. 1 page) Tell us how your experience and skills make you a great fit for this role.

Applications close: 11:55pm, Monday 27 July 2026. 

What to Expect Next

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.

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.