Principal Legal Officer Litigation

Do you want to protect future generations?

Protect tomorrow together at the NSW EPA

• Join a purpose-led organisation and make a difference to the environment and our community
• Work on issues that matter in a supportive, collaborative and creative environment
• Remuneration within the salary range $148,230 - $162,682 plus superannuation, Environment Officer Class 12
• Benefits and flexibility recognising work isn’t all you are passionate about
• Two ongoing roles available based in Parramatta

The opportunity

The Environment Protection Authority has two ongoing Principal Legal Officer Litigation (Environment Officer Class 12) roles available within the Litigation Team.

The EPA’s Litigation Team is a high performing group of specialist in-house lawyers who prosecutes regulatory offences and responds to civil matters in court on behalf of the EPA, and who provide legal advice to the EPA across all areas of its work.

Reporting to a Manager Litigation, the Principal Legal Officer Litigation will manage, prepare and conduct complex prosecutions and civil litigation for the EPA to enforce environmental laws, support the development and administration of environmental legislation and provide legal advice, training, and education to EPA staff.

About you

To be successful, you will be a senior level lawyer with strong litigation experience. In addition, you will ideally have knowledge of the legislation administered by the EPA, legislation relating to criminal and civil enforcement, and environmental principles and practices, with exposure to the complexity of the environmental debate.

You will have strong attention to detail, excellent organisational and stakeholder management skills, and experience providing complex legal advice at a senior level. You will also be required to supervise junior lawyers and contribute to mentoring initiatives.

You must be admitted as a legal practitioner in NSW or immediately eligible to hold a practising certificate in NSW.

For more information, please read Principal Legal Officer Litigation - EO12 - Role Description - Generic - March 2026.docx

About us

The NSW Environment Protection Authority is committed to a sustainable future as the environmental regulator for our State.

Our people are proud custodians of NSW’s natural environment. We partner with First Nations, regulated industries and the wider community to protect and restore our diverse ecosystems.

We bring our scientific expertise, experience and actions to inspire innovative solutions as we transition our state to a circular economy.

As we respond to urgent current issues, including a changing climate, we educate and support our stakeholders to create an environmentally healthy future

Why work for us?

EPA people are energised by our purpose and focused on the environment. We invite all our team members to:

• Be part of protecting what matters – be purpose led in making a meaningful impact on the environment, economy and communities delivering for a better NSW
• Do more and be inspired together – be members of passionate united teams who protect the environment and each other through care, trust and collaboration.
• Bring who you are and grow with us - we put people first creating a culture where everyone can be themselves, respecting and developing our diverse skills & aspirations and prioritising our safety and wellbeing.

Some additional benefits to working for us include:

• A competitive salary and leave entitlements, salary packaging to save tax, fitness passport and free & confidential counselling services
• Opportunities and pathways for learning and developing your skills with access to online and face to face training and mentoring
• Flexible work arrangements – a minimum of 50% in office attendance is required
• Opportunities to make an impact and help shape the future for our environment
• Interesting and challenging work aligning with personal values that allow you to reach your full potential
• Recognition programs

In our inclusive and accessible workplace, differences are embraced, contributions are valued, and everyone has a sense of connection and belonging. The EPA supports various employee affinity groups, practice flexible working, offer job share and workplace adjustments.

The EPA is an independent statutory authority which sits within the NSW Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW)

For more information on the work we do at NSW EPA, go to www.epa.nsw.gov.au/your-environment

To apply

If you are excited by this opportunity, we look forward to receiving your application, including a copy of your resume (maximum 5 pages) and cover letter (maximum 2 pages) expressing your interest and suitability for the role. Your application needs to be your own work without the use of artificial intelligence. 

As part of your application, you are also required to respond to the following question:  

• How do you manage a busy litigation practice, as well as other work demands, including from lawyers you supervise? Provide specific examples (500 word limit).

Applications close: Monday 25th May 2026 at 11.55pm

Should you require further information about the role please contact Lena Nash at lena.nash@epa.nsw.gov.au

Good to know

A recruitment pool may be created for ongoing and temporary opportunities in the same role or role type that may become available over the next 18 months.

If you are deemed a recommended candidate following your interview, we will be inviting you to complete various background checks as part of our recruitment process, before a final decision is made on the outcome of your application.

Our background checks may include, but are not limited to Reference Checks, National Police Checks, Working with Children and Medical Checks. The background checks will vary depending on the requirements of the role you have applied for and the work and environments you will be working across.

Capability application tool

The capability application tool helps job applicants understand and use the NSW Public Sector Capability Framework when applying for jobs with the NSW government. To access the tool please click here. Our commitment to diversity and flexibility 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 LGBTQIA+ community, and people from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds. 

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. We can provide alternative formats to apply, make adjustments to the recruitment process, and offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Please refer Here for more information.

If you require an adjustment for your application process, please contact our Talent Acquisition Team by emailing epa.recruitment@epa.nsw.gov.au and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number' in the subject.

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, refer to our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for roles or contact our  Aboriginal Employment Pathways team for a yarn.