Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.

• Technical Specialist – Operational Technology and Design Team
• Full-time (35 hours per week) temporary role, 28 September 2026 to 28 January 2028
• Office locations: Newcastle, Maitland, Tamworth, Parramatta, Bathurst or other locations in NSW
• Office based role, with flexibility to work from home at times
• Travel within NSW, including multiday travel and overnight stays from time-to-time
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $133,348 to $146,945 + super

The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) is seeking a Technical Specialist to work as a key member of a small team, which leads NRAR’s innovation in Operational Technology.

Operational Technology (OpTech) encompasses the technologies, operating standards, systems and business processes used to collect data in the field, and to process and analyse it, to inform regulatory decisions, investigations and enforcement activities across New South Wales.

The Technical Specialist is responsible for developing, implementing and maintaining NRAR’s OpTech capabilities in terrestrial, bathymetric and aerial data collection. The role ensures these capabilities remain fit for purpose by establishing and maintaining best-practice operating and data management standards.

The position combines office based with hands-on field operations. Responsibilities include data collection in the field using specialist technologies, delivery of training and technical guidance to NRAR staff, leading the implementation of new technologies, and monitoring their effectiveness.

The role collaborates with operational managers and multidisciplinary teams. The role also works closely with external stakeholders, including technology vendors and partner agencies across Australia and internationally.

The role provides expert advice and recommendations on complex technical matters to NRAR management and may be called on from time-to-time to provide expert opinion in investigations or prosecutions.

Key challenges

• Delivery of a diverse portfolio of operational technologies including RTK GNSS, LiDAR, sonar, thermal imagery, closed conduit and open channel flow measurement, and ReOC drone operations)
• Balancing competing priorities with limited resources and changing operational requirements
• Providing plain language advice on complex technical issues to non-technical audiences
• Ensuring OpTech capabilities continue to evolve and demonstrably contribute to NRAR’s regulatory capability and maturity.

About You

• Experience working with terrestrial, aerial, bathymetric, hydrometric, surveying or other relevant technologies and associated data processing and analysis
• Strong problem-solving skills, and the ability to provide expert advice and recommendations on complex technical matters
• Ability to work independently and to manage competing priorities
• Willingness and ability to operate specialist equipment in the field and to undertake multi-day travel as required
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills. 

Essential Requirements

• Qualifications in surveying, science, engineering, hydrometrics, natural resource management, agriculture, instrumentation or other relevant discipline.
• Current NSW Driver's License
• Willingness to drive to and work in remote locations in NSW including multiday travel and overnight stays
• The applicant is required to work around water from time-to-time so should have the ability to swim and may be required to operate a kayak on still inland waters
• The successful applicant may be required to obtain on-the-job:
  • Occupational aquatic competency (swim) competency certificate (likely)
  • Kayak inland flat-water competency certificate (possible)
  • Coxswain NC3 certificate (possible)
• Appointment is subject to the successful applicant satisfactorily passing the criminal record check.

For more information read the full Role Description : Technology Specialist NRAR

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 ensures sustainable management of water resources across the state, to support the environment, communities and industry.

Water brings communities together, keeps industries moving and sustains life. It has significant cultural and environmental value with an estimated market value of more than $29 billion in NSW. 

DCCEEW also 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.

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.

The Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR) enforces the NSW water laws and offers guidance and education to help water users comply. We strive to be an efficient and effective regulator that celebrates and reflects the diversity of the community we serve. 

Working with NRAR provides a chance to make sure water is used lawfully so that all communities and the environment get a fair share.

To Apply

If you are excited by this opportunity and wish to apply, please include with your application a copy of your resume and a cover letter describing how your skills and experience make you an ideal candidate for this role.

Applications close Tuesday 18^th August 2024 at 11:55PM.

Please contact the Hiring Manager if you want to know more about the role nick.milton@nrar.nsw.gov.au or 0428 384 493

A recruitment pool may be created to fill future equivalent roles which become available over the next 18 months.

Looking for more information or assistance in applying?

Our Diversity team can assist to:

• provide alternative formats to apply
• make adjustments to the recruitment process
• offer information about workplace adjustments and support networks

We encourage people with disability to apply. If you have disability and require more information on adjustments and assistance to apply, contact the Diversity team on Diversity@DPIE.nsw.gov.au  (please include reference number).

If you are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander check out Our Mob on Country to see the work we do and get assistance in applying.

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