Unit Head – Talent Pool

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Together, we create thriving environments, communities and economies.

• Talent Pool creation for future temporary and ongoing roles over the next 18 months
• Environment Officer Class 12, remuneration starting from $148,230 plus superannuation
• Roles to be based in approved EPA offices across NSW
• Join a purpose-led organisation and make a difference to the environment and our community

The opportunity

The EPA are building talent pools for our most highly recruited roles for future opportunities within our agency. We are looking for passionate and talented individuals to apply for our Unit Head roles within our Programs & Innovation, and Regulatory Practice and Services divisions.

Programs & Innovation: To lead and manage the Unit in the development and implementation of Branch/Section projects and programs that support enhanced environmental sustainability through delivery of state-wide programs.

Regulatory Practice & Services: Manages the Unit to provide day to day frontline integrated service delivery using regulatory, advisory, technical and other tools to protect the environment.

Note that Units can have either a geographic or functional focus (or both) depending on location.

About you

The ideal candidate will have:

• Sound understanding of the workings of government at a state and local level.
• Experience in liaising with a range of client/stakeholder groups to deliver environmentally sustainable outcomes, with a good understanding of the existing practices in industry, local government and the community and developing strategies to meet their needs within the context of government priorities.
• Experience in managing staff and setting priorities.
• For Programs & Innovation: Knowledge and experience in the implementation of programs targeting behaviour change across a range of stakeholders including the waste and recycling industry, local government, the not-for-profit sector and the community.
• For Regulatory Practice & Services: Knowledge and experience in the implementation of relevant environmental and conservation legislation, and experience in a relevant environmental management area e.g. catchments, industry, hazardous substances, contaminated site management, planning and/or local government.

About the team

Programs and Innovation Division:

• Supports the EPA to prioritise and manage resources to deliver the most impact through a transparent, integrated and collaborative approach to project delivery.
• Develops and delivers a range of stakeholder training and education campaigns to support projects and programs.
• Identifies priority and emerging issues through stakeholder engagement, research, and horizon scanning utilising data, spatial and data governing expertise.

Regulatory Practice and Services Division:

• Provides expertise through practical and simple technical guidance to help industry and the community minimise or prevent harm, guiding behaviour change, campaign design and implementation, incident management, and technical advice.
• Improves regulatory practices and processes to focus our efforts, addressing the greatest risks to human health and the environment.
• Coordinates engagement with scientific, research and community partners to deliver timely and robust evidence to underpin our policy, program and regulatory approaches.

For more information read the full Role Description – Unit Head (Programs & Innovation) and the Role Description – Unit Head (Regulatory Practice & Services)

About us

As the environmental steward and regulator of our State we are committed to a sustainable future. Our people are proud to play a role in protecting the environment of NSW. We partner with Aboriginal people, industry and the wider community to protect, restore and enhance our diverse ecosystems. Join us on our mission to protect tomorrow together.

For more information, please visit our website at www.epa.nsw.gov.au

To apply

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 27 April 2025 at 11:55pm

Should you require further information about the role, please contact Kathy Giunta at Kathy.Giunta@epa.nsw.gov.au

Good to know

If you are appointed to a role after being placed on the talent pool, we will be inviting you to complete various background checks before a final decision is made on the outcome of your application. This may include but is not limited to Reference Checks and National Police Checks.

Capability application tool

The capability application tool helps job applicants understand and use the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework when applying for jobs with the NSW government. To access the tool please click here.

Our commitment to diversity and flexibility

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 LGBTQIA+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds.

For more information about the benefits of working at the EPA, including information around flexible working arrangements, please visit Our Careers Page.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

We can provide alternative formats to apply, make adjustments to the recruitment process, and offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing epa.recruitment@epa.nsw.gov.au or contacting Demi Katsoulas on 02 9995 5499 or demi.katsoulas@epa.nsw.gov.au - please mention reference number 542258.

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.

For more information on reasonable adjustments to recruitment processes, please click here.