Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Lead the future of biodiversity in NSW—where planning meets protection.
- Ongoing full-time opportunity
- Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $152,677 to $167,562 + super
We are seeking an experienced and strategic leader to join our Conservation Planning & Assessments team as a Senior Team Leader.
In this role, you will lead a high-performing team delivering expert advice on biodiversity certification and environmental planning, while establishing and overseeing a robust audit function to strengthen the integrity of the NSW Biodiversity Offset Scheme.
You will play a key role in shaping policy and influencing outcomes across government by providing high-quality, evidence-based advice to senior executives, the Minister, and key stakeholders. This role sits at the forefront of integrating biodiversity considerations into regional planning frameworks and navigating complex and evolving environmental legislation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team to deliver timely, high-quality advice on biodiversity and planning matters
- Establish and implement an audit function for biodiversity assessment reports
- Provide strategic advice and briefings on complex and sensitive environmental issues
- Build and maintain strong relationships with government, industry and community stakeholders
- Represent the department in high-level forums to influence policy and program outcomes
About You
We’re looking for a strategic and collaborative leader with a strong background in environmental planning, biodiversity, or a related field. You bring demonstrated experience leading high-performing teams in complex, fast-paced environments and are confident providing clear, evidence-based advice on sensitive and high-profile issues.
You have a deep understanding of environmental legislation and policy, alongside experience developing and implementing risk-based audit approaches or assurance frameworks. Your ability to translate technical concepts into clear, concise advice for senior leaders and stakeholders sets you apart.
With highly developed stakeholder engagement skills, you can influence, negotiate and build trusted relationships across government, industry and the community. You’re proactive, resilient and outcomes-focused, with a track record of navigating competing priorities and delivering high-quality results.
Most importantly, you are passionate about achieving sustainable development outcomes and protecting biodiversity for future generations.
Essential Requirements
- Qualifications in environmental auditing and compliance or demonstrated equivalent experience.
For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Team Leader Planning Biodiversity Certification Audit
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.
Participation in the NSW Biodiversity Offsets Scheme (BOS)
Please read the Biodiversity Offsets Scheme Protocol to understand if it applies to your circumstances. All applicants for this role and new employees with an existing defined interest in the BOS will be required to disclose their personal (or a close family member’s) participation to ensure potential conflict of interests are declared and managed appropriately.
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 Sunday 28th June 2026 at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Allison Treweek via Allison.Treweek@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 02 62297082
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 Lila Snow on 02 9995 5095 (please mention reference number 550449).
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
