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

• Shape the future of flood resilience in NSW
• Permanent full-time opportunity
• Office location – flexible across NSW office locations by negotiation; hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $152K pa to $167K pa + super

Are you ready to use your expertise to make a real impact for NSW communities?

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)) are looking for a strategic, collaborative and forward‑thinking leader to guide the design and delivery of floodplain risk management across the state.

As Program Lead, Flood, you will lead the planning, governance and coordinated delivery of the NSW Government’s Floodplain Management Program. You will manage complex program activities and partnerships with other agencies, local councils, communities and industry to help reduce flood risk and strengthen community resilience. In this role, you will lead a multidisciplinary team, contribute to policy and guidance, and support the delivery of outcomes that protect lives, property and the environment across New South Wales.

What you’ll do

• Lead statewide floodplain risk management programs, ensuring effective planning, delivery, monitoring and evaluation.
• Manage governance, risk, financial and reporting frameworks for efficient program delivery.
• Provide expert advice to leaders, councils and partner agencies.
• Lead a multidisciplinary team and foster a results-driven, accountable culture.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships and communicate clearly.
• Ensure consistent technical and policy support across regional teams.

What you bring
We’re looking for a strategic and collaborative leader with:

• Strong experience in program and project management, ideally within environmental, engineering or natural hazard contexts.
• Sound understanding of floodplain risk management, flood studies and floodplain plans.
• Exceptional communication skills — you can translate technical information clearly and engage diverse stakeholders.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage complexity and drive results in a dynamic environment.
• Strong judgement, problem‑solving capability and a commitment to public value.

Essential requirements

• Tertiary qualifications in engineering, natural resources, environmental science, natural resource management, marine biology or a related discipline.
• Current NSW Driver Licence and willingness to travel throughout the state.

For more information read the full Role Description.

Ready to create lasting impact?
If you’re passionate about the opportunity to shape flood management outcomes for NSW communities and improving flood resilience we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now and help lead meaningful change.

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 29 April 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Bruce Coates, Senior Manager Coast and Estuary Programs via bruce.coates@dcceew.nsw.gov.au.  

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 547701).

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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