Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Permanent full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $113,574 to $125,720 + super

Our Natural Resource Access Regulator (NRAR) team is currently seeking to appoint a Policy and Project Officer to support the delivery of strategic projects that address complex issues within the water management regulatory framework, with a focus on improving NRAR’s operational effectiveness and efficiency. The role contributes to projects including developing evidence to support legislative reform proposals, preparing operational and organisational policies, reviewing external policy initiatives, and managing NRAR’s contributions to strategic agreements with other government agencies.

Key accountabilities

• Contribute to strategic projects that explore systemic issues in the water management regulatory framework, including supporting research and assisting in the development of recommendations to improve NRAR’s operational effectiveness.
• Assist in initiatives that build the evidence base for NRAR’s legislative reform proposals, including coordinating input from operational teams.
• Support the development of operational policies and guidance materials to promote consistent application of water management legislation by NRAR operational staff.
• Assist in drafting NRAR’s external-facing organisational policies, ensuring alignment with its regulatory responsibilities and strategic direction.
• Monitor the implementation of NRAR’s policies and contribute to reviews assessing their effectiveness, efficiency, and relevance.
• Support the review of policy and legislative reform proposals from DCCEEW, to ensure they support NRAR’s efficient and effective compliance operations.
• Help coordinate projects and initiatives that contribute to NRAR’s commitments under strategic agreements with NSW and Commonwealth water sector agencies.
• Prepare draft reports, briefings, and correspondence for review by senior staff, including materials for the NRAR Executive, Board, and Minister.

Key challenges

• Managing multiple tasks and meeting deadlines in a dynamic and evolving regulatory environment.
• Ensuring that project work and policy contributions reflect an understanding of the operational context and challenges faced by NRAR staff.
• Accurately interpreting and applying policy frameworks and legislation under guidance, within a regulatory setting.

Knowledge and experience

• Understanding of the processes of government, legislation and policy development
• Experience in project and/or policy management in a government context

Essential requirements

• Current NSW Driver Licence as some travel throughout the state is required

For more information read the full Role Description:  Policy and Project Officer NRAR

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.

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 Tuesday 19 May 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact David Thomas via david.thomas@nrar.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 Celia Luis on 02 4904 2746 (please mention reference number 548899).

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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