Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Help protect communities and strengthen flood resilience across NSW
• Permanent full-time opportunity
• Office location – Newcastle preferred, other NSW office locations by negotiation; hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $152K pa to $167K pa + super

Ready to lead meaningful work that protects communities and strengthens flood resilience across NSW?

The Marine, Coastal, Estuary & Flood (MCEF) Branch within the Conservation Programs, Heritage and Regulation Group (part of the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)) is looking for a motivated and technically skilled leader to guide a regional team delivering best practice urban floodplain management.

What you’ll do

• Lead a high performing team providing technical expertise and strategic advice on floodplain risk management.
• Partner with councils, agencies and stakeholders to deliver consistent, effective floodplain programs.
• Implement best practice policies and guidelines to deliver consistent, effective and sustainable floodplain management across NSW.
• Oversee funded floodplain projects.
• Prepare high level reports, briefings and ministerial correspondence.
• Drive high standards of safety, ethics and professionalism.

What you’ll bring

• Experience leading teams (ideally across dispersed regions).
• Strong knowledge of urban flood risk management, floodplain programs or related technical fields.
• Proven ability to drive project and program outcomes in a complex, fast paced environment.
• Experience preparing technical advice, briefings and high-level reporting.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in civil or environmental engineering (or related discipline) plus relevant experience
• Current Class C driver’s licence and willingness to travel

For more information read the full Role Description.

Take the next step in your career and help shape the future of flood resilience in NSW.

Apply now and bring your leadership, expertise and vision to DCCEEW.

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 Thursday 26 February 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Bruce Coates, Senior Manager Coast and Estuary Program via Bruce.Coates@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0411 118 481.

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 Jodi Arthur on 02 6360 9015 (please mention reference number 547698).

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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