Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Turn strategy into real conservation impact across NSW
- Ongoing full-time opportunity
- Based in Coffs Harbour with hybrid working supported
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $152,677 to $ 167,562 + super
Our Ecosystem and Threatened Species team is currently seeking to appoint a Senior Team Leader. The Ecosystems and Threatened Species (EaTS) branch leads the design, implementation and continuous improvement of programs that support the conservation of ecosystems, threatened species and threatened ecological communities. The North East EaTS team engages and collaborates with individual landholders, community, non-government organisations and other government partners to implement on-ground projects for threatened plants, animals and ecosystems to protect, restore and enhance the natural environment.
The team develops, reviews and provides input into threatened species conservation projects, native vegetation and planning legislation, policy, guidelines, plans, databases, decision-making tools and information for the community. The team also provides expert advice to other branches within DCCEEW for strategic land-use planning and environmental impact assessments and compliance matters.
About the role
As the Senior Team Leader, Ecosystems & Threatened Species, you’ll play a pivotal role in protecting and restoring NSW’s unique biodiversity. Leading a multidisciplinary regional team, you will oversee the delivery of high‑impact biodiversity conservation programs. This role is central to shaping how conservation outcomes are planned, delivered and evaluated across the region.
You’ll bring people together—working closely with community groups, councils, landholders, non-government organisations and government agencies—to build strong partnerships that enable meaningful, on‑ground conservation outcomes. Your insights and regional expertise will directly inform state-wide strategies for threatened species recovery and biodiversity management.
In this leadership role, you will guide staff, oversee complex project portfolios, manage resources, and ensure evidence‑based decision-making in a dynamic and fast-changing operating environment. You’ll contribute to high-level analysis, reporting and advice on issues that are often complex, sensitive or of significant public interest.
This is an opportunity to lead passionate experts, influence the future of conservation programs in NSW, and contribute to a more sustainable future for our ecosystems, communities and wildlife.
The role will lead and manage a team of staff with project management skills and/or engaged in delivery of specific externally funded projects and to provide support to the broader team including with regards to project management and improvement to systems and procedures and mentoring of casual / junior staff.
About You
To be successful in this role you will have experience in leading staff, managing projects and operating independently on a day‑to‑day basis within an agreed work plan, making decisions in line with delegated authority and delivering assigned tasks. You will receive direction from the Senior Manager on work priorities and the resolution of complex issues.
Additionally, you will have experience in making sound judgement in identifying and escalating matters to the Senior Manager that may be sensitive, contentious, or require Executive consideration as well as making decisions related to the supervision of multi‑disciplinary staff and for developing, negotiating, and managing work plans with assigned direct reports.
The role reports to the Senior Manager to provide overall coordination and oversight to the teams’ activities and other branch, divisional or strategic processes.
If you’re a proactive leader who can balance strategic thinking with operational delivery—and you’re committed to achieving impactful conservation outcomes—we’d love to hear from you.
Essential Requirements
- A tertiary qualification in environmental science or equivalent field.
- A manual Class C Driver’s Licence
For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Team Leader Ecosystems Threatened Species
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.
Please note to be eligible to apply for this position you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen or permanent resident, or hold a valid Australian working Visa for the duration of the appointment.
Applications close Sunday 8th March 2026 at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Joe Thompson via joe.thompson@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0419950156
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?
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 Lila Snow on 02 9995 5095 (please mention reference number 547604).
If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander use our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or our Aboriginal Career pathways team at AEX@dcceew.nsw.gov.au for a yarn.
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Role Description
