Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Drive policy and reform that protects and sustainably manages NSW’s natural resources, with real impact on communities and the environment
- Permanent full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
- Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $129,464 base to $142,665 + super
Our Natural Resource Access Regulator (NRAR) team is currently seeking to appoint a Senior Policy and Project Office to lead the delivery of strategic policy and projects that address complex issues within the water management framework with a focus on improving NRAR’s operational effectiveness and efficiency and supporting sustainable and fair water regulation for NSW. The role investigates systemic issues within the water management regulatory framework, builds evidence to support legislative reform, develops and reviews operational and organisational policies, and provides expert advice on internal and external policy initiatives. It also coordinates NRAR’s contributions to whole of government agreements, delivers high quality briefings and reports to senior leadership and the Minister, and supports collaboration across government, while managing priorities in a fast-paced regulatory environment and mentoring staff where required.
About You
- Success in the Senior Policy and Project Officer role requires strong experience in government policy and project management, particularly within regulatory, compliance, legislative reform or natural resource management environments. This includes a sound understanding of government processes, statutory interpretation, and policy development. It also includes the ability to investigate complex systemic issues and translate operational insights into practical, evidence-based reform proposals that support risk-based and outcome focused regulation.
- You will have a high-level analytical capability, experience reviewing and evaluating policies, identifying improvements and providing expert advice on reform proposals, expertise in preparing policies, briefs and reports for senior decision makers, and experience coordinating contributions across agencies and to whole of government agreements. Strong project management skills are essential to plan, prioritise and deliver multiple initiatives concurrently within tight timeframes and a dynamic regulatory context.
- Equally important are well developed ability to communicate complex concepts clearly in plain English, influence and negotiate with diverse stakeholders, and build strong collaborative relationships across government and with external partners.
- You will demonstrate sound judgment, integrity and accountability, with the confidence to provide frank, evidence‑based advice while navigating political and organisational sensitivities.
- Leadership capability—whether through mentoring staff, guiding project teams or modelling professional behaviour—combined with adaptability, resilience and a customer‑focused mindset, is critical to achieving credible, high‑quality outcomes that support NRAR’s regulatory objectives.
Essential Requirements – As detailed in the Role Description
- Tertiary qualifications in Public Policy, Project Management or a related field; or equivalent experience.
- Current NSW Driver Licence as some travel throughout the state is required
For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Policy and Project Officer
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 Wednesday 20 May 2026 at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Rebecca Haycock via rebecca.haycock@nrar.nsw.gov.au or on 0408611267.
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?
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 548900).
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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Role Description
