• Temporary Full Time up to 30 June 2029 - 35 hours per week
• Location: Maitland willing to consider candidates across all NSW locations.
• SEB1 Total Remuneration Package (TRP) starting from $239,251 per annum including superannuation, commensurate with experience

About the Role

The Director Assessments and Projects leads the delivery of complex assessments across small-scale (opal) mining, business improvement and reform initiatives, management of funds, levies and rehabilitation securities frameworks under the exploration and mining legislative framework. A key focus of the role is overseeing operational delivery of reforms to the small-scale mining industry and ensuring decision-making and administrative levy and securities management is robust, defensible and transparent.

Working closely with senior leaders, government agencies, industry and community stakeholders, you will lead a high-performing team while driving operational improvements, governance initiatives and contributing to policy and legislative reform. The role requires balancing complex technical, legal and regulatory considerations, often in environments with competing priorities and significant economic, community and stakeholder impacts.

About You

You are a strategic and experienced leader with a strong background in regulatory assessment, policy development, land and natural resource management, government administration or a related field. You have demonstrated experience leading complex projects, managing competing priorities and delivering outcomes in highly regulated and politically sensitive environments.

You possess strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to interpret and apply legislation, assess complex technical and operational matters to drive business improvement, and provide sound advice to senior executives and ministers. Your excellent stakeholder engagement and communication skills enable you to build trusted relationships across government, industry, community groups and Aboriginal stakeholders.

You are an influential people leader who fosters collaboration, drives continuous improvement and creates a positive, high-performing team culture. Your ability to manage risk, navigate ambiguity and lead change will be critical to successfully delivering strategic priorities and supporting the sustainable development of the NSW resources sector.

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.

For a confidential discussion about this opportunity, please contact Daniel Summerhayes, Executive Director Assessments & Systems on daniel.summerhayes@dpird.nsw.gov.au or call Felicity Gillard on 0410 318 002

Applications close: Wednesday 12 August 2026 at 11:55pm AEDT.

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.

Diversity, equity and inclusion are central to the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone can 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 apply. We strive to ensure that every stage of the recruitment process and overall employee experience is accessible, welcoming and free from barriers.  Learn more about the benefits of joining our diverse and talented DPIRD team.

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.

At DPIRD  75 per cent of the team are 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.

Additional Information
The successful applicant in this role may be required to undergo a police check, health assessment and other assessments as required.
A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same role or role type that may become available for filling over the next eighteen months.

DPIRD is committed to providing an inclusive candidate experience and through the Disability Confident Recruiter program, identify and remove unintended barriers for candidates.