Principal Policy Officer

Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Together, we create thriving environments, communities and economies.

• Join a world class organisation and make a difference to the environment
• Thrive in a supportive, collaborative and creative environment
• Environment Officer Class 11 Remuneration starting from $134,445 plus superannuation
• Benefits and flexibility recognising work isn’t all you are passionate about
• Temporary role for up to 2 years

The Opportunity

An exciting temporary opportunity awaits you as a Principal Policy Officer, where you can make valuable contributions to the development and execution of policies, projects, and innovative solutions aimed at advancing environmental and human health outcomes for the residents of NSW.

About You

You will serve as a passionate advocate for the EPA, striving to achieve tangible outcomes.
We encourage individuals from various backgrounds, both with and without government experience, to apply.

The ideal candidate for this role will possess the following qualities:
• Demonstrated experience in undertaking and leading aspects of the policy development process, including research and analysis to identify policy problems and opportunities, development of policy options, business case development, economic and financial analysis, consultation, implementation, review and evaluation.
• Experience in regulatory policy development and analysis, including legislative development experience.

About the Team

Our Circular Economy policy branch leads transformational and strategic projects to support NSW’s transition to a circular economy. A circular economy is where we minimise what we throw away, we use and reuse our resources as efficiently as possible, and we ensure our waste is managed safely to prevent it becoming a problem for future generations. Key priorities for the branch include reviewing critical policy settings like the waste levy that drive resource recovery, planning the phase-out of single-use and unnecessary plastics, supporting product stewardship arrangements to better manage problem waste, and developing new policy proposals to drive more reuse and repair.

For more information read the full Role Description – Principal Policy Officer

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.

We bring scientific expertise, experience and actions to inspire innovative solutions as we transition our state to a circular economy.

As we respond to urgent current issues, including climate change, we educate and support our stakeholders to create an environmentally healthy future.

Join us on our mission to protect tomorrow together.

Why work for us?

EPA people are energised by our purpose and focussed on the environment and we invite all our team members to:
• Be part of protecting what matters – be purpose led making a meaningful impact to the environment, economy and communities delivering for a better NSW
• Do more and be inspired together – be members of Passionate united teams who protect the environment and each other through care, trust and collaboration.
• Bring who you are and grow with us - we put People first creating a culture where everyone can be themselves, respecting and developing our diverse skills & aspirations and prioritising our safety and wellbeing.

Some additional benefits to working for us include:
• A competitive salary and leave entitlements, salary packaging to save tax, fitness passport and free & confidential counselling services
• Opportunities and pathways for learning and developing your skills with access to online and face to face training and mentoring
• Flexible work arrangements
• Opportunities to make an impact and help shape the future for our environment
• Interesting and challenging work aligning with personal values that allow you to reach your full potential
• Recognition programs

In our inclusive and accessible workplace, differences are embraced, contributions are valued, and everyone has a sense of connection and belonging. The EPA supports various employee affinity groups, practice flexible working, offer job share and workplace adjustments.
The EPA is an independent statutory authority which sits within the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)

For more information on the work we do at NSW EPA, go to www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment

To Apply

If you are 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.

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.

Applications close: Monday 21 July 2025 at 11.55pm

Should you require further information about the role please contact Zac Auton at zac.auton@epa.nsw.gov.au

Good to know

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.

If you are deemed as a recommended candidate following your interview, we will be inviting you to complete various background checks as part of our recruitment process before a final decision is made on the outcome of your application.

Our background checks may include, but are not limited to Reference Checks, National Police Checks, Working with Children and Medical Checks. The background checks will vary depending on the requirements of the role you have applied for and the work and environments you will be working across.

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 EPA Recruitment at epa.recruitment@epa.nsw.gov.au - please mention reference number Req 542424

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.