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

• Shape the Future of NSW’s Coasts & Estuaries
• Permanent full-time opportunity
• Office location – Flexible across NSW Office locations; hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $152K pa to $167K pa + super

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 growing – and we’re seeking passionate, skilled professionals to deliver vital programs protecting and sustainably managing NSW’s coasts, estuaries, and floodplains.

We are looking for an experienced and passionate Program Lead (Coastal & Estuaries) to take the helm in delivering high impact programs that address coastal and estuary risks across NSW. This is a unique opportunity to influence strategic program design, lead multidisciplinary teams, and work closely with councils, communities, industry experts and partner agencies.

Why this role matters
In this role, you will lead programs that enhance resilience, protect natural assets, and support evidence based coastal management across the state.

You'll bring together science, engagement, governance and project delivery to ensure NSW’s coasts and estuaries remain healthy, accessible, and well managed.

What you’ll do

• Lead the design, delivery and evaluation of impactful coastal and estuary programs.
• Manage and motivate a multidisciplinary team across multiple locations.
• Develop strong partnerships with councils, industry, agencies and communities.
• Advise senior leaders on program risks, progress and emerging issues.
• Establish governance and risk management frameworks for statewide program consistency.
• Oversee budgets, planning, reporting and ensure alignment with departmental priorities.

About You
You’re a strong strategic thinker with a passion for coastal and estuarine environments. You thrive in complex, dynamic settings and bring both technical insight and leadership capability to drive effective program outcomes.

You will also bring:

• Sound knowledge of coastal and estuary processes, management frameworks and policy.
• Demonstrated experience in program and project management, ideally in an environmental or natural resource context.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, negotiation and communication skills.
• A proactive approach to problem solving and decision making in fast paced environments.

Essential requirements:

• A degree in natural resources, environmental or marine science, coastal engineering, geomorphology or related field.
• A current NSW Driver Licence and the ability to travel statewide.

For more information read the full Role Description.

What we offer

• An opportunity to lead meaningful, high-profile programs with real environmental impact.
• Flexible work arrangements with hybrid working supported.
• A supportive, expert team committed to innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.
• A chance to contribute to the long-term sustainability and resilience of NSW communities and ecosystems.

Ready to make a difference?

Join us in shaping the future of NSW’s coasts and estuaries. Apply today to lead vital coastal resilience initiatives that protect our environment for generations to come.

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 Wednesday 4 March 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 547699).

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.

Find us on Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), YouTube and LinkedIn.