• Ongoing Full Time – 35 hours per week 

• Location: Willing to consider candidates across all DPIRD NSW locations. Preference will be given to candidates based regionally, with a focus on Queanbeyan, Armidale, Dubbo and Coffs Harbour  

• Clerk Grade 5/6 – salary from $102,936.00 - $113,579.00, per annum (FTE) plus super and leave loading   
  
  

About Policy Reform & Evidence (PRE) 

The Policy, Reform and Evidence (PRE) Division designs and delivers evidence-based legislation, policy and strategic initiatives that cut across regional portfolios and require coordinated problem-solving and bold innovation.  Boosting regional workforces, particularly to deliver essential services such as policing, health, education, aged care and child-care, is a key priority of PRE to address current critical gaps.   

About the Role 

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD) is seeking a highly organised and proactive Executive Assistant to provide executive support to the Executive Director, Policy Reform & Evidence. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the centre of a dynamic and high-performing branch that leads complex policy, reform and evidence-based initiatives impacting primary industries and regional communities across NSW.  

As the Executive Assistant, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Executive Director's office through the management of complex diaries, coordination of meetings and briefings, preparation of high-quality correspondence and presentations, and the handling of confidential and sensitive information. You will also provide support to the Branch leadership team and contribute to branch-wide initiatives and projects.  

This role offers a unique opportunity to build strong relationships with senior executives, ministerial offices, government agencies, and a broad range of stakeholders while supporting work that helps shape government policy and decision-making across NSW. 

About You  

You are an experienced Executive Assistant or administrative professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys managing competing priorities. You have exceptional organisational skills, sound judgement, and a demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and discretion. 

You are a strong communicator with the ability to build effective relationships across all levels of an organisation. You are confident coordinating executive workflows, anticipating needs, and identifying practical solutions to support business outcomes. Your ability to remain calm under pressure, respond to changing priorities, and deliver high-quality work within tight timeframes will see you succeed in this role.  

To be successful, you will bring: 

• Experience providing executive or administrative support to senior leaders. 

• Exceptional diary, meeting and stakeholder management skills. 

• Strong written communication skills, with experience preparing correspondence, reports and presentations. 

• The ability to exercise discretion and manage sensitive and confidential information. 

• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills, with a focus on delivering high-quality outcomes. 

• A collaborative and customer-focused approach with the ability to build positive working relationships across diverse stakeholder groups. 

• Confidence using a range of business technologies and information management systems to improve efficiency and effectiveness. 

• Demonstrated adaptability, initiative and sound judgement, with the ability to manage competing priorities and work independently with minimal direction 

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated professional who enjoys working in a highly visible support role and wants to contribute to meaningful outcomes for regional communities and primary industries across NSW. 

For further information about the role please contact hiring manager Mark Gilham on mark.gilham@dpird.nsw.gov.au or 02 9737 4838.  You can also view the Role Description

 
Why Join Us? 

At DPIRD, we’re committed to protecting and growing NSW’s primary industries while supporting regional communities. When you join us, you’ll: 

• Work on meaningful projects that shape the future of agriculture and biosecurity. 

• Enjoy flexible work arrangements and the option to work from regional locations. 

• Access professional development opportunities to grow your career. 

• Be part of a collaborative, inclusive team that values diversity and innovation. 

Applying is easy! 

Please apply via our online portal and submit A CV (approx. 4 pages) and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages). Tell us how your experience and skills make you a great fit for this role.  

Applications close: Wednesday 18th November 2026 at 11:55pm AEDT 
 

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. 

A talent pool may be created for ongoing and temporary roles of the same type that may arise within the next 18 months.  

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 the majority 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.   

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.