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

Working to the protect state’s environment and heritage.

• Aboriginal Identified opportunity
• Threatened Species Officer Identified (Environment Officer Class 7)
• Temporary (30 June 2028) full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Office location is Wollongong and the successful candidate will be expected to work from the Wollongong office at least one day per week. Hybrid working is supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $109,102 to $120,542 + super

The Illawarra Ecosystems and Threatened Species team is seeking to appoint a Threatened Species Officer to June 30, 2028, to develop, implement and report on conservation projects for the threatened species Illawarra Zieria and glossy Black-cockatoo and associated threatened ecological communities and species.

The Threatened Species Officer will work alongside other team members and Aboriginal custodians and organisations to develop and manage projects around accessing and managing Country and building community capacity to achieve beneficial outcomes for the threatened species and for community. They will bring together partners operating across the four local government areas of Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven including Aboriginal custodians and organisations, private landholders Councils, Landcare, Local Land Services and the Biodiversity Conservation Trust.

This is an Aboriginal Identified role where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977).

About You

To be successful you will need to be able to operate with some level of autonomy within the context of your agreed work plan and makes decisions within the limits of delegated authority. The role is accountable for the delivery of assigned work and is supported by your manager on work priorities, complex issues and all matters requiring a higher authority to determine and resolve issues. You will also be expected to work with Aboriginal custodians and organisations to develop or adapt ways of approaching threatened species conservation in an Aboriginal context.

Essential requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in environmental science, planning, environmental engineering, or equivalent experience in delivery of biodiversity or cultural programs in an Aboriginal context.
• A valid Australian driver’s licence, with four-wheel drive experience and training preferable, although this can be provided to the suitable candidate
• This is an Identified role under Section 14d of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977 and as such Aboriginality is an essential requirement of the role.

Aboriginal identified positions are developed where Aboriginal identity, cultural knowledge or connections are a genuine aspect of the role. Positions are specifically noted under the provisions of the NSW Anti-discrimination Act (1977) for Aboriginal people who meet the following criteria:

1. is of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent, and
2. identifies as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, and
3. is accepted as such by the Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community.

For more information read the full Role Description: Threatened Species Officer Identified

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.

Participation in the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS)

Please read the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Protocol to understand if it applies to your circumstances. All applicants for this role and new employees with an existing defined interest in the BOS will be required to disclose their personal (or a close family member’s) participation to ensure potential conflict of interests are declared and managed appropriately.

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: Wednesday, 6 August 2025 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Hiring Manager Lorraine Oliver, Senior Team Leader Ecosystems and Threatened Species (Illawarra) via lorraine.oliver@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 62297120

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.

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?

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

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 Vithiya Yogarajah on 0482 646 348 (please mention reference number 543779).

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 

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