Be part of something bigger and make a difference for NSW
Together, we create thriving environments, communities and economies across our State.
- One x Ongoing full-time role, 35 hrs/week
- Two x Temporary full-time roles up to 30 June 2026 with the possibility for extension or conversion to ongoing, 35 hrs/week
- Office based in Parramatta or Sydney CBD, flexible working supported
- Salary relative to experience ranging from $134, 504 to $143,964 + superannuation + leave loading
The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR), the Energy and Environment Legal team and the Roadmap and Energy Infrastructure Legal team within the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) are seeking to appoint Senior Legal Officers on both ongoing and temporary bases.
About the role
The Senior Legal Officer roles are suited to experienced lawyers keen to utilise their strong analytical skills and expertise to provide high quality legal advisory services and crucial legal support to clients within Dept of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW).
As an experienced professional, you will support the Principal Legal Officers, Directors and General Counsel, drive delivery on initiatives and goals and contribute to an inclusive, responsive and effective environment. Our teams work collaboratively in a variety of areas of law with our work impacting millions of people in NSW.
NRAR Legal
The NRAR Legal team advises and acts for the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NSW’s water regulator) across a variety of matters relating to investigation, enforcement and prosecution of breaches of the Water Management Act 2000 and other natural resources management legislation. This work frequently involves complex litigation in the Local Court and Land and Environment Court, but also touches upon areas such as statutory interpretation, law reform, administrative law, and privacy. We work collaboratively with the Crown Solicitor’s Office, panel firms, and members of the Bar. This is an ongoing role.
Energy and Environment Legal team
The Energy and Environment Legal team advises on a diverse range of administrative law, statutory interpretation, environmental protection, wildlife licensing, biodiversity and energy law matters. Senior Legal Officers in the team have the opportunity to provide advice, draft statutory instruments and agreements and work on legislative reform projects. We have 2 temporary roles with the possibility for extension or conversion to ongoing in future.
Roadmap and Energy Infrastructure Legal team
The Roadmap and Energy Infrastructure legal team supports the delivery of the Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap – the NSW Government’s plan to transform our electricity system into one that is affordable, clean and reliable for everyone.
The team is responsible for legislative reform, providing legal advice on the NSW and national legislative framework for the energy sector, supporting negotiations with the Commonwealth and other States and providing expert advice on the governance and risk arrangements. This is a talent pool opportunity.
About You
To be successful in this role you will be a highly motivated and experienced legal professional with a drive and passion to deliver quality legal advice and services to clients. You will have strong analytical and research skills with the ability to identify key issues and think critically to find strategically focused and evidence-based solutions.
We would be thrilled to receive applications from passionate lawyers with expertise and experience in one or more of the following areas of law:
- Energy
- Environmental protection
- Biodiversity
- Administrative law
- Statutory interpretation
- Legislative reform
- Water Law
- Regulatory investigations and enforcement
- Criminal and civil litigation
Undertaking a wide range of tasks with often tight or competing timeframes, our Senior Legal Officers require excellent organisational and prioritisation skills. You will have strong verbal and written communication skills to prepare and deliver clear, authoritative and practical advice. You will also have confidence and ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders and team members.
This is an excellent opportunity for dynamic and motivated lawyers, eager to progress their legal careers, to join these dedicated and highly regarded teams and be a key contributor in supporting the delivery of outcomes for the people of NSW.
Essential Requirements
Applicants must be:
- Admitted or qualified for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister in the Supreme Court of NSW
- Hold, or be eligible to hold, a NSW Practising Certificate
For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Legal Officer
Who we are
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) works to protect the state’s environment and heritage. It leads the way on climate change, driving the sustainable transition to a net zero economy, powered by affordable, reliable, and clean energy.
DCCEEW conserves and protects the state’s natural environment. It manages the NSW National Park estate, including its rich and diverse biodiversity and Aboriginal cultural heritage for future generations.
DCCEEW also ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.
We acknowledge the ongoing custodial responsibilities of the Aboriginal peoples of NSW to care for Country and water and are committed to establishing meaningful partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the management of the environment.
To Apply
If excited by the information above, we look forward to receiving your application. Your application should include:
- a resume which clearly details your relevant skills and experience (maximum 5 pages)
- a cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of the role (maximum 1 page)
Applications close on Sunday, 30 March 2025 at 11:55 PM
Should you require further information about the role please contact Anne Kirby, Principal Legal Officer via email to Anne.Kirby@dpie.nsw.gov.au
A recruitment pool will be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities of the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.
Our goal is to build a workforce that not only represents but also understands and serves the diverse communities of New South Wales. We are committed to making our state a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and thrive for everyone. Our workforce represents people of all ages and genders, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with disabilities, the LGBTQI+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.
Looking for more information or assistance in applying?
If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing dcceew.ta@dpie.nsw.gov.au or contacting (Nivya Shetty) via nivya.shetty@dpie.nsw.gov.au or 0437 224 498 (please mention reference number 541622).
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube and LinkedIn.
Role Description
