Legal Officer
Do you want to protect future generations?
Protect tomorrow together at the NSW Environment Protection Authority

• 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 starting from $101,880 plus superannuation
• Benefits and flexibility – we recognise work isn’t all you are passionate about
• One ongoing role and one temporary role (duration 2 years)
• Roles based in Parramatta

The opportunity

We have an exciting opportunity for two Legal Officers to join the NSW EPA, with positions available in the Litigation branch. A talent pool is also being created to fill positions in the Legislation & Legal Advice branch as they arise. These roles offer exposure to a diverse range of legal work, including conducting litigation, providing legal advice, drafting legal documents, supporting legislative reform initiatives, and delivering high-quality legal services that contribute to protecting the environment of NSW.

About you
To be successful in this role:

• You must currently be admitted as a legal practitioner in NSW or immediately eligible to hold a practising certificate in NSW.
• Generally, you will have two or more years post qualification or equivalent experience.

About the team
The NSW EPA Legal team is a high-performing group of specialist in-house lawyers across two branches: Litigation branch; and Legislation & Legal Advice branch.

The Litigation branch prosecutes criminal matters and responds to civil matters in court on behalf of the EPA, while also providing strategic legal advice across the full breadth of the EPA’s regulatory functions. The Legislation & Legal Advice branch delivers specialist legal advice across all areas of the EPA’s work and plays a key role in supporting and shaping legislative reform.

Together, the team provides practical, high-quality legal services that support effective environmental regulation across NSW.

For more information read the full Role Description – Legal Officer

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 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, generally with a minimum of 50% of working hours undertaken in the office. Flexible working arrangements will also be subject to the nature of the work and the level of supervision required for the employee to perform their duties
• 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, and
• 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, practices flexible working, offers 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 and not prepared using artificial intelligence.

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

• Provide an example of legal advice you prepared, either for court proceedings (civil or criminal) or as a stand-alone advice. Describe your research steps and what you did to ensure your advice was accurate and clear.

Applications close: 11:55 pm Tuesday 19th May 2026

If you require further information about the role, please contact Manager Litigation, Johanna Geddes at johanna.geddes@epa.nsw.gov.au

Good to know
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.

If you are deemed a recommended candidate following your interview, we will invite 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 to the 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.