Do you want your work to make a difference for NSW?
Working to protect the state’s environment and heritage.
- Want to work at the heart of the NSW energy transition? Come and join us!
- Ongoing full-time opportunity, 35 hrs per week (part-time considered)
- Based in Parramatta (flexible hybrid working supported; other office location considered subject to availability)
- Salary relative to experience ranging from $ 119,329 to $ 134,463+ superannuation and annual leave loading
The Energy Law team is seeking a Legal Officer to join us and work at the heart of the NSW energy transition on an ongoing basis. This is an exciting moment to join the Department’s expanding energy practice as NSW undergoes one of the most significant energy transformations in its history.
About the team
The newly formed Energy Team sits at the forefront of providing legal advice on the State’s clean energy transition. NSW is rapidly shifting towards a low‑emissions energy system, and our legal team plays a critical role in advising on the legal frameworks that will shape our future energy systems. The team’s remit spans some of the most dynamic and high‑profile areas of government: the delivery of the NSW Electricity Infrastructure Roadmap, energy emergencies, gas and pipeline regulation, consumer energy protections, and emerging climate and decarbonisation initiatives. The pace and complexity of the energy transition mean the legal issues we face are evolving, novel and strategically significant.
About the role
As a Legal Officer, you will have the opportunity to work on significant and high-profile legal work across several of DCCEEW’s strategic priorities.
The Energy Team places a strong emphasis on capability development and continuous learning. The team benefits from structured internal training, knowledge sharing from external providers, and access to a specialised learning academy designed to build deep expertise in the energy transition. Joining the team now provides the opportunity not only to contribute to important legal outcomes, but also to enhance your own professional development in a supportive, high‑performing environment.
This is a rare chance to join a team at its inception, contribute to its culture, and help shape legal outcomes that will have lasting impact across NSW.
About you
To be successful in this role you will be highly motivated legal professional with a commitment to delivering quality legal advice and services to clients. You will have strong research skills and a keen eye for detail with the ability to identify key issues and think critically to find strategically focused and evidence-based solutions. Working within a dynamic, fast-paced environment, you will have high-level time management skills, including the ability to effectively prioritise and manage competing tasks to meet deadlines.
You confidently engage with key stakeholders and team members to build and maintain collaborative relationships and can utilise your excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, to communicate complex ideas and persuasive legal advice and support to varied audiences in a range of styles.
Essential Requirements
- Admitted or qualified for admission as a Solicitor or Barrister in the Supreme Court of NSW and hold, or be eligible to hold, an unrestricted NSW Practicing Certificate.
For more information read the full Role Description: Legal Officer Energy
Who we are
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) work 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 (max 3 pages) and single page cover letter expressing your interest and suitability for the role.
Please also note, to be eligible for an ongoing role in the NSW Public Sector you need to be an Australian Citizen or Permanent Resident. For temporary and casual roles, you need to hold a valid visa giving you permission to work in Australia as required by the role.
Applications close Tuesday, 18 August 2026 at 11:55PM.
Should you require further information about the role, please contact Nic Aynsley, A/ Principal Legal Officer via Nicholas.Aynsley@dcceew.nsw.gov.au.
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 Nivya Shetty on 02 9585 6607or via nivya.shetty@dcceew.nsw.gov.au (please mention reference number 552030).
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
