Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s water, environment and heritage.
- Searching for a proven leader with a strong track record delivering major water planning projects and reforms, providing clear assurance, robust governance, and trusted advice to Executives and Ministers.
- Permanent full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
- Office locations across NSW, hybrid working supported
- Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $183,848 to $208,267 + super
Our Water Group team is currently seeking to appoint an Associate Director Water Planning Projects who will lead the delivery of major water planning projects and reforms that drive long‑term improvements to NSW’s water management framework.
The Associate Director is accountable for overseeing complex, high‑profile projects, aligning planning initiatives with broader policy and regulatory reforms, and providing clear assurance and advice to Executives and Ministers. The role works closely with internal water planning, policy and reform teams, as well as external partners across NSW and Commonwealth agencies, the Murray–Darling Basin Authority, and key stakeholder groups including water users and peak bodies.
The team culture is collaborative, outcomes‑focused and fast‑paced, with a strong emphasis on integrity, constructive challenge and delivering public value through effective project governance, stakeholder engagement and reform implementation.
About You
Success in this role requires demonstrated experience delivering complex, high‑value water planning projects and reforms within a government environment, supported by strong knowledge of statutory planning frameworks, governance, and assurance processes. The role calls for expertise in leading large, interdependent projects, aligning planning initiatives with broader policy and regulatory reform agendas, and managing risk, reporting, and assurance for senior executives and Ministers.
Experience working across jurisdictions, engaging with central agencies and oversight bodies, and navigating politically sensitive environments is critical to ensuring projects deliver long‑term public value and meet legislative and government expectations.
Equally important are advanced technical and soft skills, including strong project and program management capability, strategic thinking, and the ability to plan and prioritise competing demands under pressure. Highly developed communication, influencing and negotiation skills are essential to build trust, secure agreement on complex reforms, and translate technical issues into clear, actionable advice. The role also demands collaborative leadership, resilience, sound judgement, and a commitment to integrity and continuous improvement, enabling teams to work effectively across boundaries and deliver high‑quality outcomes in a fast‑paced, stakeholder‑rich environment.
Essential Requirements
- Relevant qualifications or experience in natural resource management, water management or project management
For more information read the full Role Description: Associate Director Water Planning Projects
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 Sunday 7 June 2026 at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role please contact Mitchell Isaacs via mitchell.isaacs@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or on 0403103823.
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 Ty Bre on 0409231515 please mention reference number 55057).
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
