Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?

Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Drive high-impact water strategy and reform initiatives that shape sustainable water management outcomes for communities, industry, and the environment across NSW
• Temporary (Up to 31 December 2027) full-time (35 hours per week) opportunity
• Office location upon negotiation across NSW, hybrid working supported
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $133,348 to $146,945 + super

Our Policy and Regulation Reform team is currently seeking to appoint a Senior Water Strategy Officer.

As a Senior Water Strategy Officer, you will play a key role in delivering priority water reform and strategy projects that support sustainable water management outcomes across NSW. The role involves undertaking research and analysis, evaluating and reporting on water strategy outcomes, preparing high-quality ministerial briefings and business cases, and providing evidence-based advice on complex water policy issues.

You will work collaboratively with a broad stakeholder network including NSW and Commonwealth government agencies, local councils, water utilities and internal technical specialists, while contributing to long-term initiatives that respond to emerging water management challenges and strategic priorities. The team is highly collaborative, focused on innovation and continuous improvement, and committed to delivering practical, best-practice solutions that benefit communities, industry and the environment

About You

To be successful in this role you will bring:

• Extensive experience in water-related fields such as water planning, natural resource management, environmental science, hydrology, economics, or environmental/civil engineering, with the ability to apply technical expertise to complex policy and reform initiatives.
• Strong analytical and research skills, including experience evaluating options, assessing outcomes, identifying emerging risks, and providing evidence-based recommendations to inform strategic decision-making.
• Excellent written communication skills, with demonstrated experience preparing high-quality ministerial briefs, business cases, reports, correspondence, and other executive-level documentation.
• Proven stakeholder engagement and relationship management capabilities, with the ability to collaborate effectively across government agencies, water utilities, local councils, and internal teams to deliver shared outcomes.
• Strong project management, problem-solving, and organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work to tight deadlines, and communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences

Essential Requirements 

• Extensive experience in water related areas such as water planning, natural resource management, environmental science, economics, geomorphology, civil/environmental engineering and hydrology.

For more information read the full Role Description: Senior Water Strategy 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 Thursday 23 July 2026 at 11:55PM.

Should you require further information about the role please contact Erin Horn via erin.horn@dcceew.nsw.gov.au or 0438901047

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?

• Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• How we encourage and support people with disability
• Information and adjustments for individual needs for the recruitment process and the workplace.

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 551017).

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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