Together we shape thriving communities, public spaces, places and economies.

• Drive the future of NSW’s most significant projects by shaping smarter, faster and fairer environmental assessments
• Temporary (Up to March 2028) full-time opportunity, potential to be extended
• Office location based in Parramatta with flexible working (including consideration of part-time arrangements)
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $138,539 to $148,283 + super

What’s in it for me?

Join our team for a fantastic culture with dynamic collaboration and genuine long-term career support. We offer flexibility in work arrangements, diverse and fulfilling assignments, and prioritise work/life balance and wellbeing with initiatives like flex leave and access to support programs. Additionally, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, respected, and empowered to succeed.

The role

As part of the Assessment Policy and Practice team you will help shape how the state assesses its most important State significant projects by developing, implementing, and maintaining practical policies, tools and processes that make the system clearer, faster and more consistent. The role is hands‑on and collaborative—supporting assessment teams with accurate guidance, spotting emerging issues early, and strengthening the way information and processes come together. It’s about making sure assessments are strong, fair and quick while helping the community, applicants and government agencies navigate the process with confidence.

You’ll also play a key part in improving how the State significant assessment process works overall, from facilitating reforms to lifting the quality of information coming in, to refining policies so State significant projects can be assessed more efficiently without compromising rigour. The work is dynamic and often complex, requiring you to balance competing interests, build strong relationships, and bring in external expertise when needed to keep the system moving and evolving.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Planning Officer Assessment Practice

What you will bring to the role 

• Strong understanding of environmental assessment practice and policy, with the ability to interpret and apply NSW legislation and statutory requirements for State significant projects.
• Demonstrated experience managing small to mid‑sized assessment or policy projects, setting priorities independently and delivering work within government frameworks.
• Proven capability in stakeholder engagement, building productive relationships and responding to diverse internal and external stakeholders with clarity and confidence.
• Skilled in identifying complex or emerging issues and adapting operational policy, systems or processes to improve assessment quality, efficiency and consistency.
• Ability to provide clear, accurate and practical advice and support materials, including working with consultants or contractors to source specialist expertise when required.

What is an essential requirement:

• Degree in planning or other relevant discipline
• Willingness to travel and (minimum) Class C Driver’s License.

About us

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) improves the liveability and prosperity of NSW. To achieve this, we: create vibrant, productive spaces and precincts; manage lands, assets and property effectively and deliver affordable and diverse housing. We strive to be a high-performing, world-class public service organisation that celebrates and reflects the full diversity of the community we serve and builds the cultural capability of our department to improve outcomes with and for Aboriginal people, communities and entities. 

We are an inclusive and accessible workplace, where your individual contributions are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to feel a sense of connection and belonging. DPHI supports various employee affinity groups, practices flexible working, offers job share and workplace adjustments.

Join us

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.

Applications close Wednesday 25 March 2026 (11:59PM)

Should you require further information about the role please contact Nav Shergill on email navdeep.singhshergill@dpie.nsw.gov.au

To enhance your account security, PageUp is introducing two-factor authentication (2FA). You can follow the step-by-step guide here. If you experience any issues, please reach out on (02) 63637676 - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1.

A talent 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.

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. 

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career pathways team for a yarn.