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

• Step into a high-impact policy role—where biodiversity meets planning reform for a greener NSW.
• Temporary (to June 2027) part-time (21 hours per week) opportunity
• Parramatta office location – with flexible working supported
• Planning Officer (Professional) Level 2 - Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $138,539 to $148,283 + super

About you

Are you passionate about environmental issues and have experience working at the interface between the NSW planning system and biodiversity framework? Do you want to work on varied, interesting and topical planning issues to drive meaningful environmental outcomes? Are you an experienced planner looking to move into policy?

If this sounds like a good fit for your skills and experience, you’d be joining a team with a collaborative culture and long-term career support. 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 – Biodiversity Policy in the Resilience and Sustainability team, you’ll have the unique opportunity to work on exciting reforms that connect biodiversity conservation with good planning outcomes.  This role works across multiple legislative frameworks and professional disciplines (including planning, law and science) to understand complex information and lead the development of clear, actionable planning reform initiatives.

Your day to day work will involve undertaking research, policy analysis and project work, to support planning policy development, implementation and advice on biodiversity issues. The Biodiversity Policy team’s work supports implementation of the NSW Government’s Plan for Nature, coastal environmental issues including wetlands, blue carbon and ecosystem restoration, vegetation management, koala protection and strategic biodiversity conservation. 

We’re looking for someone with a strong background in planning policy or assessments, environmental law, ecology, or a similar discipline. Bring your curiosity, strategic thinking, attention to detail, ability to work in a fast-paced environment, and collaborative spirit—we’ll give you the platform to make meaningful impact.

For more information read the Role Description: Senior Policy Officer

What you will bring to the role

• Strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to translate complex biodiversity and planning legislation into practical, evidence-based policy recommendations.
• Research and policy development expertise, with a talent for synthesising technical information and identifying policy implications that support reform and innovation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the ability to prepare clear, plain-English reports, briefings, and correspondence for diverse audiences.
• Strong collaboration and stakeholder engagement, with experience working across government agencies and multidisciplinary teams to coordinate input and drive policy outcomes.
• Project management capability, including the ability to manage competing priorities, deliver high-quality work under pressure, keep long term project work moving, and oversee contributions from consultants or contractors.

What is an essential requirement:

• Tertiary qualifications in public policy, planning, law, economics, ecology, environmental science or other relevant discipline or equivalent experience.

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 Sunday 03 August 2025 at 11:55pm

Should you require further information about the role please contact Maria Plytarias, Senior Manager – Biodiversity Policy via email maria.plytarias@planning.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