Shape your world, in the team that shapes NSW communities, spaces and economies

• Join the Development Co-Ordination Authority (DCA) Technical Advisory team and help make a difference on some of NSW's most significant development projects
• Permanent full-time opportunity
• Parramatta, Newcastle or Wollongong office preferred, though other NSW DPHI Office location will be considered
• Salary relative to experience, and ranges from $154,231 to $178,369 + super

Be part of the Development Co-ordination Authority (DCA), a newly formed authority created to drive efficient, coordinated outcomes for major development projects across NSW. As a founding member of the team, you'll have the rare opportunity to help build a high-performing organisation while contributing to projects that leave a lasting legacy for communities across the state.

Shape the future of NSW while growing your own career. As a Principal Advisor, you'll lead complex and impactful environmental management advice on major development and infrastructure projects, influence decisions that matter, and mentor a talented team. You'll enjoy flexible work, diverse challenges, strong leadership opportunities, and a collaborative culture where your expertise is valued and your contribution makes a real difference

In this role you will

Lead environmental management advice across major projects, planning proposals and rezonings. Working with government, councils, industry, and communities, you will provide practical, high-quality advice on complex environmental matters, guide a team of specialists, and build strong relationships that help keep projects moving.

This is a role where you will lead a team to balance competing priorities, navigate complex stakeholder environments, and turn technical findings into clear recommendations that support confident decision-making and better outcomes for NSW.

Read the role description for more detail: Principal Advisor Environmental Management

About you

• Advanced knowledge of the NSW planning, assessment and approval environments including relevant legislation, policy, regulations, standards and codes of practice.
• Demonstrated experience in environmental management advisory environments (government, operator, consultancy or equivalent).
• Demonstrated experience implementing environmental management assessment methodologies and governance frameworks in one or more of the following areas: noise, air, water or contamination.
• Demonstrated leadership of environmental impact assessments and risk management.
• Demonstrated experience delivering pollution management planning programs.
• Strong technical writing skills and ability to brief non-technical decision-makers.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement skills, fostering strong relationships and ensuring alignment with diverse stakeholders to achieve outcomes.

Why join us?

At the Development Coordination Authority (DCA), you'll help shape decisions that balance growth, environmental stewardship and community outcomes across NSW. This is an opportunity to provide trusted environmental advice on some of the state's most significant development and infrastructure projects, ensuring communities benefit from sustainable, well-informed planning decisions that create healthier, safer and more liveable places for current and future generations.

Essential

• Degree qualification in a related relevant discipline or equivalent relevant experience e.g., Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of Environmental Science or Bachelor of Applied Science.

About us

At the Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI), you could shape your world while helping us shape the future of NSW. Together, we create vibrant communities, places and precincts, and manage land, assets and property.
Join our team and shape your world in a workplace that empowers you to do your best work and build a meaningful career. In this role, you’ll help shape lives and communities across NSW while growing your own career, supported by flexible work options, impactful projects and a collaborative, diverse team. As a high-performing and inclusive organisation that reflects the communities we serve, we value your lived experience and cultural knowledge, and we are committed to helping you thrive through flexible arrangements, workplace adjustments and a culture where everyone feels supported, connected and belongs.

Apply now

Apply today with your CV (maximum 5 and pages) and cover letter outlining the skills and experience that you can bring to the role (maximum 2 pages). Applications close Thursday 27 August 2026 at 11.55pm. For more information contact Nat McLean, Director Hazard & Resources Advisory, nat.mclean@dphi.nsw.gov.au

A talent 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.

Check out our Aboriginal applicants guide to assist with applying for the role or contact our Aboriginal Career Pathways team for a yarn.

We encourage and support applications from people with disability. Please reach out to us to discuss any accommodations or adjustments that may be needed during the recruitment process, ensuring that you have every opportunity to showcase your talent, skills, and potential. Contact the Talent Team via talent.acquisition@dpie.nsw.gov.au or (02) 63637676​ - HR Support, option 2, DPHI People Advisory, option 1 and reference 'Request an Adjustment - Job Title and Reference Number'.

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. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including a criminal record check.