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

Together, we create thriving environments, communities and economies. 

• Seeking lawyers with experience in litigation, water law and/or regulation   
• Ongoing full-time role, 35 hours per week (Part time-negotiable)  
• Office based in Parramatta with flexible working (other NSW locations are negotiable)  
• Salary depending on experience, ranges from $138,539 to $148,283 + superannuation & leave loading  

About the role   

As a Senior Legal Officer, you will be based in the legal team working with the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR), focused on water law enforcement.

We provide advice to NRAR and manage NRAR litigation including water prosecutions and civil challenges to NRAR decisions. We work with the other legal teams within DCCEEW and work closely with senior executive teams.

You will work on matters such as: 

• Providing legal advice on water law, criminal law and related issues;
• Legal support to the NRAR Investigations & Enforcement team in their investigation work, including review of statutory notices and assessment of evidence;
• Review of witness statements and affidavits;
• Managing and running criminal and civil litigation primarily in the Land and Environment Court of NSW and the Local Court; 
• Briefing the Crown Solicitors Office and counsel;  and  
• Liaising with other legal and policy teams in DCCEEW and across government.   

About You  

To be successful in this role you will be a highly motivated and experienced legal professional with expertise in environmental law, criminal law, and/or litigation.

You will demonstrate a collaborative approach, responsiveness to client timeframes, attention to detail, and well-developed advice writing, research and analytical skills.

Essential Requirements   

• Admitted or qualified for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister in the Supreme Court of NSW and hold, or be eligible to hold, a NSW Practising Certificate
• A minimum of 3 years post-admission experience 
• Experience in one or more of the following areas:  
  • environmental law
  • criminal law
  • litigation
  • other regulatory compliance 

 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 (max 5 pages)
• a cover letter addressing how you meet the requirements of the role (max 2 pages)

Applications close Monday, 13 Oct 2025 at 11:55 PM   

Should you require further information about the role please contact Luke Teo, Principal Legal Officer, at luke.teo@dcceew.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?   

• 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 (Nivya Shetty) via nivya.shetty@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or 0437 224 498 (please mention reference number 545255).

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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