Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

• Turn your planning expertise into statewide impact - shaping the future of bushfire resilience in NSW.
• Temporary (Up to June 2026) full-time opportunity,
• Parramatta preferred  – other locations may be considered – with flexible working supported under the Flexible Working Policy
• Planning Officer (Professional) Level 2 - Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $134,504 to $143,964 + super

What’s in it for me?

Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine opportunity to improve planning systems. We offer flexibility in work arrangements, diverse and fulfilling assignments, and prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. Additionally, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed.

The role

As a Senior Policy Officer, you’ll play a pivotal role in supporting how NSW prepares for and responds to bushfire risks through smarter planning. This role is all about turning complex planning challenges into practical, community-focused solutions. You’ll collaborate with councils, the Rural Fire Service, and other key stakeholders to influence legislation, guide planning proposals, and deliver frameworks that protect lives and landscapes.

We’re looking for someone with strong planning expertise—especially in rezoning and planning proposals—who thrives on collaboration and can navigate complex stakeholder environments. If you’re a strategic thinker with a passion for planning, governance, and stakeholder engagement, this is your chance to lead meaningful change.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Policy Officer - Resilience and Sustainability

What you will bring to the role

• Strong planning expertise, particularly in rezoning and planning proposals within a legislative and policy framework.
• Exceptional stakeholder engagement skills, with a proven ability to collaborate with local councils, emergency services, and internal teams.
• Advanced project management capabilities, including planning, coordination, and delivery of complex policy initiatives.
• Strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate technical information into practical, evidence-based policy recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to prepare clear, plain-English reports, briefings, and correspondence.
• Sound understanding of governance and legislative processes, especially in the context of environmental resilience and bushfire risk mitigation.

What is an essential requirement:

• Tertiary qualification in public policy, planning, law, economics, ecology, environmental science or other relevant discipline or equivalent experience, including natural hazard, resilient places and biodiversity and conservation in planning.

About us

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities. 

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Join us

If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume and cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.

Applications close 2 weeks after open at 11:55pm

Should you require further information about the role please contact Palitja Woodruff; Senior Manager via email palitja.woodruff@dpie.nsw.gov.au

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment. 

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn