Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working with and coordinating corporate and enabling functions that support our vision of creating thriving environments and communities for every generation.
- Senior Legal Officer - Environment and Energy
- Two X ongoing full-time roles, 35 hrs/week (part time supported)
- Office based in Parramatta (flexible working offered) - other established work locations deemed suitable across NSW may be considered
- Salary relative to experience ranging from $138, 539 to $148,283 + superannuation & annual leave loading
We are looking for two Senior Legal Officers to join the Environment and Energy legal team at DCCEEW. The successful candidates will play a critical role in providing high quality legal services to various clients across DCCEEW to support its work in sustaining and improving the environment and heritage of NSW and regulating the State’s energy supply.
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 within DCCEEW. With the support of senior lawyers within the Environment and Energy Legal team, the work of a Senior Legal Officer will include:
- preparing legal advice,
- legislative reform, including drafting Bills and regulations,
- working closely with teams within DCCEEW to deliver long-term projects supporting the protection of NSW’s environment and heritage and regulation of the State’s energy supply.
As an experienced professional, you will support the Principal Legal Officers, the Director and General Counsel to drive delivery on initiatives and goals and contribute to an inclusive, responsive and effective environment.
About You
To be successful in this role you will be a highly motivated 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 welcome applications from passionate lawyers with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- planning, environmental or natural resource management law;
- administrative law;
- statutory interpretation; and
- legislative reform.
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 the 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 as an Australian Legal Practitioner in NSW or another eligible jurisdiction,
- hold, or be eligible to hold, a NSW Practising Certificate,
- have experience in one or more of the following areas: planning, environmental or natural resource management law; administrative law; statutory interpretation; legislative reform.
Candidates with at least 3 years post admission experience are preferred, however this is not essential.
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 outlining your legal experience and addressing how you meet the focus and legal capability requirements of the role (maximum 2 pages)
Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.
Applications close on Sunday, 16 Nov 2025 at 11:55 PM
Should you require further information about the role please contact Sarah Godman, Principal Legal Officer via sarah.godman@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?
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 0437 224 498 or nivya.shetty@dcceew.nsw.gov.au (please mention reference number 546189).
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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Role Description
